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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Jesus reply'd, I declare unto you, that in the new age, when the son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye that have followed me shall likewise sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jesus reply'd, I declare unto you, that in the new age, when the son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye that have followed me shall likewise sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; although we now suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him.
and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; although we now suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him. for I consider, that the sufferings of this present life are infinitely over-ballanc'd by that glory which shall hereafter be discovered to us.
for I consider, that the sufferings of this present life are infinitely over-ballanc'd by that glory which shall hereafter be discovered to us. mankind impatiently desire that the divine being would display himself to his creatures,
mankind impatiently desire that the divine being would display himself to his creatures, who were not, by their own choice, expos'd to this uncertain state, but by virtue of him, who subjected them thereto:
who were not, by their own choice, expos'd to this uncertain state, but by virtue of him, who subjected them thereto: and therefore hope to be removed from this slavish condition of mortality to the free inheritance of divine glory.
and therefore hope to be removed from this slavish condition of mortality to the free inheritance of divine glory. for we know that the whole creation groans, and labours with general pain even to this day.
for we know that the whole creation groans, and labours with general pain even to this day. and not only they, but even those who have the first fruits of the spirit, even we our selves do inwardly groan for the fruit of our adoption, by the deliverance of our body from corruption.
and not only they, but even those who have the first fruits of the spirit, even we our selves do inwardly groan for the fruit of our adoption, by the deliverance of our body from corruption. for we are saved but by hope: but hope supposes things not yet present; for how can a man hope for what he has now in possession?
for we are saved but by hope: but hope supposes things not yet present; for how can a man hope for what he has now in possession?
I am crucified with Christ, it is not I that now live, but Christ that liveth in me; the life I have in this body I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
I am crucified with Christ, it is not I that now live, but Christ that liveth in me; the life I have in this body I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
that the manifold wisdom of God, in ordering his heavenly kingdom, might by his church be now made known, to princes and magistrates,
that the manifold wisdom of God, in ordering his heavenly kingdom, might by his church be now made known, to princes and magistrates,
Let the christian doctrine be the familiar subject of your entertainment: in all wisdom instructing and exhorting one another, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, melodiously tuning your grateful praises to God.
Let the christian doctrine be the familiar subject of your entertainment: in all wisdom instructing and exhorting one another, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, melodiously tuning your grateful praises to God. let your discourse and your actions be all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father by him.
let your discourse and your actions be all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father by him.
for both he that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified, are all deriv'd from one: for which cause he is not asham'd to call them brethren, saying,
for both he that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified, are all deriv'd from one: for which cause he is not asham'd to call them brethren, saying,
the tongue is a brand that sets the world in a combustion: it is but one of the numerous organs of the body, yet it can blast whole assemblies: tipp'd with infernal sulphur it sets the whole train of life in a blaze.
the tongue is a brand that sets the world in a combustion: it is but one of the numerous organs of the body, yet it can blast whole assemblies: tipp'd with infernal sulphur it sets the whole train of life in a blaze.
by which we have receiv'd the most inestimable promises, that thereby you might become partakers of the divine perfections, after having escap'd from the corruption of a sensual world.
by which we have receiv'd the most inestimable promises, that thereby you might become partakers of the divine perfections, after having escap'd from the corruption of a sensual world.
he that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith to the churches, to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of my God."
he that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith to the churches, to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of my God."
to him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my father in his throne.
to him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my father in his throne.
Before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and towards the throne, and round about the throne were four ANIMALS full of eyes before and behind.
Before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and towards the throne, and round about the throne were four ANIMALS full of eyes before and behind.
Before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and towards the throne, and round about the throne were four ANIMALS full of eyes before and behind.
Before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and towards the throne, and round about the throne were four ANIMALS full of eyes before and behind. the first animal was like a lion, the second animal like a calf, the third animal appear'd like a man, and the fourth animal was like a flying eagle.
the first animal was like a lion, the second animal like a calf, the third animal appear'd like a man, and the fourth animal was like a flying eagle.
the first animal was like a lion, the second animal like a calf, the third animal appear'd like a man, and the fourth animal was like a flying eagle.
the first animal was like a lion, the second animal like a calf, the third animal appear'd like a man, and the fourth animal was like a flying eagle.
the first animal was like a lion, the second animal like a calf, the third animal appear'd like a man, and the fourth animal was like a flying eagle.
the first animal was like a lion, the second animal like a calf, the third animal appear'd like a man, and the fourth animal was like a flying eagle. the four animals had each of them six wings about him, and they were full of eyes within; and they never ceas'd day and night, crying, HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, Lord God ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS, WHO IS, AND WHO WILL BE. and when those animals gave glory,
the four animals had each of them six wings about him, and they were full of eyes within; and they never ceas'd day and night, crying, HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, Lord God ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS, WHO IS, AND WHO WILL BE. and when those animals gave glory,
the four animals had each of them six wings about him, and they were full of eyes within; and they never ceas'd day and night, crying, HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, Lord God ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS, WHO IS, AND WHO WILL BE. and when those animals gave glory,
the four animals had each of them six wings about him, and they were full of eyes within; and they never ceas'd day and night, crying, HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, Lord God ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS, WHO IS, AND WHO WILL BE. and when those animals gave glory, and honour, and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the
and honour, and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the
And I beheld, and saw before the throne, in the midst of the four animals, and in the midst of the elders, a lamb which seem'd to have been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
And I beheld, and saw before the throne, in the midst of the four animals, and in the midst of the elders, a lamb which seem'd to have been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
when he had taken the book, the four animals, and the four and twenty elders fell down before the lamb, every one of them having harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the saints.
when he had taken the book, the four animals, and the four and twenty elders fell down before the lamb, every one of them having harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the saints. and they sung a new song, saying, "thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every tribe, and language, and people, and nation;
and they sung a new song, saying, "thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every tribe, and language, and people, and nation;
and they sung a new song, saying, "thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every tribe, and language, and people, and nation;
and they sung a new song, saying, "thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every tribe, and language, and people, and nation; and hast made us kings and priests unto our God: and we shall reign on the earth."
and hast made us kings and priests unto our God: and we shall reign on the earth." Then in my vision I heard the voice of many angels which surrounded the throne, the animals, and the elders: to the number of ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
Then in my vision I heard the voice of many angels which surrounded the throne, the animals, and the elders: to the number of ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
Then in my vision I heard the voice of many angels which surrounded the throne, the animals, and the elders: to the number of ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
Then in my vision I heard the voice of many angels which surrounded the throne, the animals, and the elders: to the number of ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, "worthy is the lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."
saying with a loud voice, "worthy is the lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."
all that dwell upon the earth will worship him, whose names are not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the lamb, that was slain.
all that dwell upon the earth will worship him, whose names are not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the lamb, that was slain.
and one of the four animals gave to the seven angels, seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
and one of the four animals gave to the seven angels, seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse appear'd; and he that sat upon him was called the faithful and the true: in righteousness he judges and makes war:
Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse appear'd; and he that sat upon him was called the faithful and the true: in righteousness he judges and makes war: his eyes were as a flame of fire, on his head were many crowns: and a name inscrib'd which no one comprehended, but himself:
his eyes were as a flame of fire, on his head were many crowns: and a name inscrib'd which no one comprehended, but himself: he had a vesture dipt in blood: and his name is called, the logos of God.
he had a vesture dipt in blood: and his name is called, the logos of God. and the armies of heaven followed him upon white horses, cloathed in fine linnen, white and clean.
and the armies of heaven followed him upon white horses, cloathed in fine linnen, white and clean. out of his mouth went a sharp sword, in order to smite the nations: for he shall rule them with an iron sceptre: and tread the wine-press of the fierce vengeance of almighty God.
out of his mouth went a sharp sword, in order to smite the nations: for he shall rule them with an iron sceptre: and tread the wine-press of the fierce vengeance of almighty God. on the mantle about his thigh was this inscription, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
on the mantle about his thigh was this inscription, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
then I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, "behold, the tabernacle of God is with men: he will dwell with them, they shall be his people, God himself shall be with them, as their God.
then I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, "behold, the tabernacle of God is with men: he will dwell with them, they shall be his people, God himself shall be with them, as their God.
blessed are they who wash their robes, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
blessed are they who wash their robes, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."