Reference: Cherub (1)
Fausets
Cherub; plural, Cherubim. Composite animal forms, always spoken of as familiar to the Hebrew: fourfold, Consisting of man, lion, ox, and eagle; ideal representatives of redeemed creaturely life, in which man is prominent (Eze 1:5; Re 4:7). Distinct from the Assyrian and Egyptian winged forms still existing (almost always a beast' form with human head) in having the fourfold composite animal aspect, with the characteristics of manhood as the basis and body of the whole. "At the E. of Eden (after Adam's fall) God placed (yashkeen, 'set as the dwelling place of His Shekinah glory') the Cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of life" (Ge 3:24). As the flaming sword proclaimed God's just wrath against sin, so the Cherubim mercy in store for lost man.
They were "the provisional occupants of man's lost inheritance" (Fairbairn), the pledge of the restoration of man and the creaturely world closely allied with and subject to him (Psalm 8; Isa 11:6-9; Ro 8:17-24; Eze 34:25; Ho 2:18); the symbolical prophecy of the recovery of the tree of life; for they guard it, not against but for man, against the time when man shall be fit to enjoy it and never to lose it. Re 2:7; 22:14; they, with the flaming sword, were the forerunners of the sanctuary, where the Cherub on either side of the bright Shekinah cloud (from which, as on Sinai, the flame might at any moment dart) looked down on the blood-sprinkled mercy-seat of the ark, God's meeting place in reconciliation with sinners by the stoning blood; mercy and justice meeting together in man's redemption.
Hence it was before God's manifested presence, between the Cherubim at the E. of Eden, the first sacrifices were offered (Ge 4:3-4,16; 3:21). Whereas pagan sacrificed to appease their God, Bible sacrifices were brought before God expressing the propitiation which He had already in His gracious purpose made by His Son (Re 13:8). The placing of the man-like Cherub on the inheritance once man's suggested the truth that man and the creatures involved in his fall have still by some gracious mystery, of which the Cherubim are the pledge, an interest in Eden. The appearance of the Cherubim in the holiest place afterward suggested to man the same assurance of a common meeting ground with God at peace and in holiness. Finally, their appearance in Revelation, round God's throne as the redeemed, crowned that hope with joyful certainty.
As the glory of God was last seen on the E., so shall "the glory of the God of Israel come from the way of the E." (Ge 3:24; Eze 11:23; 43:2.) As the redeemed will hereafter be one with Christ in His executing vengeance on the ungodly (Re 19:11-16), so the Cherubim (Re 15:7; Eze 10:7). In Ezekiel 1 the four living creatures of the Cherubim stand in contrast with the four world monarchies (Daniel 7), termed "beasts." The four answers to the four quarters of the world, implying worldwide extension, true universality, which the world powers sought vainly to attain by ambitious selfishness. The Mosaic cherubim were formed out of the same mass of pure gold as the mercy-seat (Ex 25:19-20). The wings express rapidity in fulfilling God's will. The eyes all over (Eze 10:12) express manifold and ubiquitous wisdom.
The ox form represents tame animals, of which he is chief; the lion represents wild animals; the eagle represents birds; man, representing the head of all, in his ideal realized by the Son of man, combines all animal excellencies. The redeemed shall be the ruling powers, through whom, as now by the angels, God shall administer the government of the world, and proclaim His manifold wisdom (Mt 19:28; 1Co 6:2; Eph 3:10; Re 3:21; 4:6-8). In Eze 10:13 "it was cried unto the wheels ... O wheel," i.e. "Roll on." Jehovah by His word in connection with His ministering powers sets the whole "wheel of nature" (Greek text of Jas 3:6) and providence in motion.
In Re 5:9-12 the four living creatures (zooa, not theeria, "beasts") identify themselves as the redeemed (All creation is summed up in man its lord; from whence Christ's command, "preach the gospel to every creature," for man's redemption involves the restoration of the creature now subject to vanity: Romans 8) "Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred and tongue ... and hast made us unto our God kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth." Whereas in Ezekiel (Eze 1:6) each living creature has all four faces, in Re 4:6-9 the four faces are distributed, one to each.
The Christian fathers identify them with the four Gospels: Matthew, the lion, the kingly aspect of Christ's manifestation; Mark, the ox, Christ's laborious endurance; Luke, the man, Christ's brotherly sympathy with our whole race; John, the eagle, the soaring majesty of the divine Word made flesh. The grain of truth in this view is that the church of the redeemed, like Christ her Head and His gospel, is one under a fourfold aspect answering to the several characteristics represented by the four heads of animal life. In and with Christ she shall realize the ideal of man combining fourfold creaturely perfection:
(1) kingly righteousness with hatred of evil, as "the lion springing terribly on the victim";
(2) laborious diligence in duty, as the "ox bound to the soil";
(3) human sympathy, as "the man";
(4) sublime contemplation of heavenly things, as "the eagle."
In Revelation the four living creatures represent the elect redeemed, as they shall be when perfected, ministering as king-priests unto God, and media of blessing to the redeemed earth with its nations and its animal creation. The four standards under which Israel encamped in the wilderness were a lion for Judah on the E., an eagle for Dan on the N., an ox for Ephraim on the W., and a man for Reuben on the S. In the midst was the tabernacle with the Shekinah cloud symbolizing God's presence, "the picture of the blessed period when the earth being fitted for the kingdom of the Father ... heaven's court will be transferred here (Re 21:3), and the world is subject to a never ending theocracy" (DeBurgh). The cherubic four stand always in nearest relationship to God in His holiness and life-imparting presence; compare Ex 25:22; Ps 80:1.
Whereas angels are "round about the throne," the living creatures occupy the innermost circle next it and Him who is in their midst (Re 5:6,11). Thirty times they are called "the living creatures," full of the life of God everlastingly flowing into them. (See ADAM.) The griffins of northern fable and the winged beasts of Assyria and Egypt seem a relic of primeval tradition corrupted. The Greek grups, glufo, and the Syriac and Arabic words for "carve" and griffin, seem kindred words to cherub; cherob is the rabbinical term for an image; cherub, the Coptic. Gesenius takes the root chaarab "to consecrate a shrine." Colossal figures of compound living creatures are still found "guarding the portals of the Assyrian temples" (Layard).
The pagan knowledge of the cherubim of the Book of Revelation is implied in Eze 28:13-14, where the king of Tyre is represented as having been "in Eden the garden of God," and as boasting that he is "the anointed cherub that covereth," i.e. the cherub of the temple anointed by the consecrating oil, and defending Tyre as the cherubim "covered" or overshadowed the mercy-seat; the type of Antichrist who shall usurp the attributes of the true Anointed One, who "covers" His church, the beautiful ideal of humanity. The clearness of the type as symbolizing the redeemed increases as the revelation of the scheme of redemption becomes fuller. At Eden the cherubim are mysteriously indefinite.
In the tabernacle they are lifeless carved figures, with faces ever turned to the mercy seat, the pledge of redemption. In Solomon's temple they are of colossal size, symbolizing the future grandeur of the church, reigning with the antitypical Solomon over the earth. In Ezekiel, for the first time, instinct with life, zeal, and ceaseless untiring motion. In Revelation they reveal who and what they are, and sing the song of praise for their redemption (Re 5:8-9). As the mercy-seat (typifying Christ as our propitiation) interposed between t
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The Lord God made clothing out of skins for Adam and his wife, and He clothed them.
The Lord God made clothing out of skins for Adam and his wife, and He clothed them.
He drove man out, and east of the garden of Eden He stationed cherubim with a flaming, whirling sword to guard the way to the tree of life.
He drove man out, and east of the garden of Eden He stationed cherubim with a flaming, whirling sword to guard the way to the tree of life.
He drove man out, and east of the garden of Eden He stationed cherubim with a flaming, whirling sword to guard the way to the tree of life.
He drove man out, and east of the garden of Eden He stationed cherubim with a flaming, whirling sword to guard the way to the tree of life.
In the course of time Cain presented some of the land's produce as an offering to the Lord.
In the course of time Cain presented some of the land's produce as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also presented [an offering]-some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering,
And Abel also presented [an offering]-some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering,
Then Cain went out from the Lord's presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
Then Cain went out from the Lord's presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
Make one cherub at one end and one cherub at the other end. Make the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat at its two ends.
Make one cherub at one end and one cherub at the other end. Make the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat at its two ends. The cherubim are to have wings spread out above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and are to face one another. The faces of the cherubim should be toward the mercy seat.
The cherubim are to have wings spread out above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and are to face one another. The faces of the cherubim should be toward the mercy seat.
I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the testimony; I will speak with you from there about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.
I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the testimony; I will speak with you from there about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.
I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the testimony; I will speak with you from there about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.
I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the testimony; I will speak with you from there about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.
This will be a regular burnt offering throughout your generations at the entrance to the tent of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet you to speak with you.
This will be a regular burnt offering throughout your generations at the entrance to the tent of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet you to speak with you. I will also meet with the Israelites there, and that place will be consecrated by My glory.
I will also meet with the Israelites there, and that place will be consecrated by My glory. I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar; I will also consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests.
I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar; I will also consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests. I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.
I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. And they will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.
And they will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.
Listen, Shepherd of Israel, who guides Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned [on] the cherubim, rise up
Listen, Shepherd of Israel, who guides Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned [on] the cherubim, rise up
The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat. The calf, the young lion, and the fatling will be together, and a child will lead them.
The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat. The calf, the young lion, and the fatling will be together, and a child will lead them. The cow and the bear will graze, their young ones will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like an ox.
The cow and the bear will graze, their young ones will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like an ox. An infant will play beside the cobra's pit, and a toddler will put his hand into a snake's den.
An infant will play beside the cobra's pit, and a toddler will put his hand into a snake's den. No one will harm or destroy on My entire holy mountain, for the land will be as full of the knowledge of the Lord as the sea is filled with water.
No one will harm or destroy on My entire holy mountain, for the land will be as full of the knowledge of the Lord as the sea is filled with water.
The form of four living creatures came from it. And this was their appearance: They had human form,
The form of four living creatures came from it. And this was their appearance: They had human form, but each of them had four faces and four wings.
but each of them had four faces and four wings.
Then one of the cherubim reached out his hand to the fire that was among them. He took [some], and put [it] into the hands of the man clothed in linen, who took it and went out.
Then one of the cherubim reached out his hand to the fire that was among them. He took [some], and put [it] into the hands of the man clothed in linen, who took it and went out.
Their entire bodies, including their backs, hands, wings, and the wheels that the four of them had, were full of eyes all around.
Their entire bodies, including their backs, hands, wings, and the wheels that the four of them had, were full of eyes all around. As I listened the wheels were called "the wheelwork."
The glory of the Lord rose up from within the city and stood on the mountain east of the city.
The glory of the Lord rose up from within the city and stood on the mountain east of the city.
You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone covered you: carnelian, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold; they were prepared on the day you were created.
You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone covered you: carnelian, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold; they were prepared on the day you were created. You were an anointed guardian cherub, for I had appointed you. You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the fiery stones.
You were an anointed guardian cherub, for I had appointed you. You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the fiery stones.
"I will make a covenant of peace with them and eliminate dangerous animals in the land, so that they may live securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forest.
"I will make a covenant of peace with them and eliminate dangerous animals in the land, so that they may live securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forest.
and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice sounded like the roar of mighty waters, and the earth shone with His glory.
and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice sounded like the roar of mighty waters, and the earth shone with His glory.
On that day I will make a covenant for them with the wild animals, the birds of the sky, and the creatures that crawl on the ground. I will shatter bow, sword, and weapons of war in the land and will enable the people to rest securely.
On that day I will make a covenant for them with the wild animals, the birds of the sky, and the creatures that crawl on the ground. I will shatter bow, sword, and weapons of war in the land and will enable the people to rest securely.
Jesus said to them, "I assure you: In the Messianic Age, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel.
Jesus said to them, "I assure you: In the Messianic Age, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel.
and if children, also heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ-seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
and if children, also heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ-seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God's sons to be revealed.
For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God's sons to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to futility-not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it-in the hope
For the creation was subjected to futility-not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it-in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God's children.
that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God's children. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now.
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. And not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits-we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
And not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits-we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees?
Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees?
and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
This is so that God's multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.
This is so that God's multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.
Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
For the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. That is why He is not ashamed to call them brothers,
For the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. That is why He is not ashamed to call them brothers,
And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our [bodies]; it pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.
And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our [bodies]; it pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.
By these He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires.
By these He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires.
"Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give the victor the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
"Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give the victor the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
The victor: I will give him the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne.
The victor: I will give him the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Also before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the middle and around the throne were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back.
Also before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the middle and around the throne were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back.
Also before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the middle and around the throne were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back.
Also before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the middle and around the throne were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion; the second living creature was like a calf; the third living creature had a face like a man; and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.
The first living creature was like a lion; the second living creature was like a calf; the third living creature had a face like a man; and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.
The first living creature was like a lion; the second living creature was like a calf; the third living creature had a face like a man; and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.
The first living creature was like a lion; the second living creature was like a calf; the third living creature had a face like a man; and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.
The first living creature was like a lion; the second living creature was like a calf; the third living creature had a face like a man; and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.
The first living creature was like a lion; the second living creature was like a calf; the third living creature had a face like a man; and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings; they were covered with eyes around and inside. Day and night they never stop, saying: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is, and who is coming.
Each of the four living creatures had six wings; they were covered with eyes around and inside. Day and night they never stop, saying: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is, and who is coming.
Each of the four living creatures had six wings; they were covered with eyes around and inside. Day and night they never stop, saying: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is, and who is coming.
Each of the four living creatures had six wings; they were covered with eyes around and inside. Day and night they never stop, saying: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is, and who is coming. Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the One seated on the throne, the One who lives forever and ever,
Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the One seated on the throne, the One who lives forever and ever,
Then I saw one like a slaughtered lamb standing between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent into all the earth.
Then I saw one like a slaughtered lamb standing between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent into all the earth.
When He took the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
When He took the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals; because You were slaughtered, and You redeemed [people] for God by Your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation.
And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals; because You were slaughtered, and You redeemed [people] for God by Your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation.
And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals; because You were slaughtered, and You redeemed [people] for God by Your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation.
And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals; because You were slaughtered, and You redeemed [people] for God by Your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation. You made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth.
You made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth. Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures, and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands.
Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures, and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands.
Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures, and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands.
Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures, and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands. They said with a loud voice: The Lamb who was slaughtered is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!
They said with a loud voice: The Lamb who was slaughtered is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!
All those who live on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name was not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered.
All those who live on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name was not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered.
One of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven gold bowls filled with the wrath of God who lives forever and ever.
One of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven gold bowls filled with the wrath of God who lives forever and ever.
Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse! Its rider is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.
Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse! Its rider is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a fiery flame, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knows except Himself.
His eyes were like a fiery flame, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knows except Himself. He wore a robe stained with blood, and His name is called the Word of God.
He wore a robe stained with blood, and His name is called the Word of God. The armies that were in heaven followed Him on white horses, wearing pure white linen.
The armies that were in heaven followed Him on white horses, wearing pure white linen. From His mouth came a sharp sword, so that with it He might strike the nations. He will shepherd them with an iron scepter. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty.
From His mouth came a sharp sword, so that with it He might strike the nations. He will shepherd them with an iron scepter. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS
And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS
Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look! God's dwelling is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.
Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look! God's dwelling is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.
"Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.
"Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.