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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Jehovah God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.
Jehovah God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.
After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
As time went by, Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to Jehovah.
As time went by, Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to Jehovah. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn (firstlings) of his flock. Jehovah looked with favor on Abel and his offering.
But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn (firstlings) of his flock. Jehovah looked with favor on Abel and his offering.
Cain went out from Jehovah's presence and lived in the land of Nod (Fugitiveness). Nod is east of Eden.
Cain went out from Jehovah's presence and lived in the land of Nod (Fugitiveness). Nod is east of Eden.
Make one cherub at one end and one cherub at the other end. You shall make the cherubim of one piece with the chest at its two ends.
Make one cherub at one end and one cherub at the other end. You shall make the cherubim of one piece with the chest at its two ends. The cherubim shall have their wings spread upward, covering the chest with their wings and facing one another. The faces of the cherubim are to be turned toward the chest.
The cherubim shall have their wings spread upward, covering the chest with their wings and facing one another. The faces of the cherubim are to be turned toward the chest.
I will be above the throne of mercy between the angels whenever I meet with you. I will give you all my commandments for the Israelites.
I will be above the throne of mercy between the angels whenever I meet with you. I will give you all my commandments for the Israelites.
I will be above the throne of mercy between the angels whenever I meet with you. I will give you all my commandments for the Israelites.
I will be above the throne of mercy between the angels whenever I meet with you. I will give you all my commandments for the Israelites.
It shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the doorway of the tent of meeting before Jehovah. That is where I will meet with you to speak to you.
It shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the doorway of the tent of meeting before Jehovah. That is where I will meet with you to speak to you. I will meet there with the sons of Israel, and it shall be consecrated by my glory.
I will meet there with the sons of Israel, and it shall be consecrated by my glory. I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar. I will also consecrate Aaron and his sons to minister as priests to me.
I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar. I will also consecrate Aaron and his sons to minister as priests to me. I will dwell among the sons of Israel and will be their God.
I will dwell among the sons of Israel and will be their God. They shall know that I am Jehovah their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt, that I might dwell among them. I am Jehovah their God!
They shall know that I am Jehovah their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt, that I might dwell among them. I am Jehovah their God!
([Psalm of Asaph]) Oh, give ear (listen), Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who are enthroned above the cherubim, shine forth!
([Psalm of Asaph]) Oh, give ear (listen), Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who are enthroned above the cherubim, shine forth!
The wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the young lion and the well-fed animal together. A little boy will lead them.
The wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the young lion and the well-fed animal together. A little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze. Their young will lie down together. And the lion will eat straw like the ox.
Also the cow and the bear will graze. Their young will lie down together. And the lion will eat straw like the ox. The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra. The weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den.
The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra. The weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. They will not hurt or destroy in my entire holy mountain. This is because the earth will be full of the knowledge of Jehovah just as the waters cover the sea.
They will not hurt or destroy in my entire holy mountain. This is because the earth will be full of the knowledge of Jehovah just as the waters cover the sea.
In the center of the cloud I saw what looked like four living creatures. They were shaped like humans.
In the center of the cloud I saw what looked like four living creatures. They were shaped like humans. Each of them had four faces and four wings.
Each of them had four faces and four wings.
One of the angels reached into the fire that was between the angels and took out some coals. This angel put them in the hands of the person dressed in linen. The person took them and left.
One of the angels reached into the fire that was between the angels and took out some coals. This angel put them in the hands of the person dressed in linen. The person took them and left.
Their whole body, their backs, their hands, their wings and the wheels were full of eyes all around. The wheels belonged to all four of them.
Their whole body, their backs, their hands, their wings and the wheels were full of eyes all around. The wheels belonged to all four of them. The wheels were called in my hearing, the whirling wheels.
The glory of Jehovah went up from within the city and stood over the mountain that is east of the city.
The glory of Jehovah went up from within the city and stood over the mountain that is east of the city.
You were in Eden, God's garden. You were covered with every kind of precious stone: red quartz, topaz, crystal, beryl, jade, onyx, gray quartz, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your settings and your sockets were made of gold when you were created.
You were in Eden, God's garden. You were covered with every kind of precious stone: red quartz, topaz, crystal, beryl, jade, onyx, gray quartz, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your settings and your sockets were made of gold when you were created. I appointed an angel to guard you. You were on God's holy mountain. You walked among fiery stones.
I appointed an angel to guard you. You were on God's holy mountain. You walked among fiery stones.
I will promise them peace. I will remove the wild animals from the land so that my sheep can live safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods.
I will promise them peace. I will remove the wild animals from the land so that my sheep can live safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods.
I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the sound of rushing water, and the earth was shining because of his glory.
I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the sound of rushing water, and the earth was shining because of his glory.
At that time I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the birds of the heavens, and with the creeping things of the ground. I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the land, and will make them lie down in safety.
At that time I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the birds of the heavens, and with the creeping things of the ground. I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the land, and will make them lie down in safety.
Jesus replied: Truly I say to you, when all things are made new, and the Son of man is seated in his glory, you who have come after me will be seated on twelve seats, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jesus replied: Truly I say to you, when all things are made new, and the Son of man is seated in his glory, you who have come after me will be seated on twelve seats, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
If children, then heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. If indeed we suffer with him we may also be glorified with him.
If children, then heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. If indeed we suffer with him we may also be glorified with him. I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us.
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation is waiting for the manifestation (revelation) (disclosure) of the sons of God.
For the earnest expectation of the creation is waiting for the manifestation (revelation) (disclosure) of the sons of God. For the creation was subject to corruption, not by it's own will but by reason of the one who subjected it on the basis of hope.
For the creation was subject to corruption, not by it's own will but by reason of the one who subjected it on the basis of hope. The creation will also be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
The creation will also be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and is in pain together until now.
For we know that the whole creation groans and is in pain together until now. We also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption and the release from our bodies by ransom.
We also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption and the release from our bodies by ransom. We are saved by this hope. But hope that is seen is not hope. For does a man hope for what he sees?
We are saved by this hope. But hope that is seen is not hope. For does a man hope for what he sees?
I have been impaled with Christ. It is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me. The life that I now live in the flesh (physical body) I live by faith. This is the faith that is in the Son of God. He loved me and gave himself up for me.
I have been impaled with Christ. It is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me. The life that I now live in the flesh (physical body) I live by faith. This is the faith that is in the Son of God. He loved me and gave himself up for me.
It is the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the congregation and the rules and authorities in the heavenly places.
It is the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the congregation and the rules and authorities in the heavenly places.
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you with all wisdom. Teach and admonish one another with psalms, praises to God, and spiritual songs. Sing with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you with all wisdom. Teach and admonish one another with psalms, praises to God, and spiritual songs. Sing with gratitude in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through him.
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through him.
Both he who sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all from one. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
Both he who sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all from one. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
The tongue is like fire, the place of iniquity among our members. It defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of our life. It is set ablaze like the ever-burning fires in the Valley of Hinnom (Greek: Gehenna: symbolic of total destruction).
The tongue is like fire, the place of iniquity among our members. It defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of our life. It is set ablaze like the ever-burning fires in the Valley of Hinnom (Greek: Gehenna: symbolic of total destruction).
He offered us his precious and exceedingly great promises. Through these you may become partakers of the divine nature. You will escape from the corruption that is in the lust-filled world.
He offered us his precious and exceedingly great promises. Through these you may become partakers of the divine nature. You will escape from the corruption that is in the lust-filled world.
He who can hear should listen to what the Spirit says to the congregations! To him who overcomes I will give the right to eat the fruit of the tree of life that grows in the (Paradise) Garden of God.'
He who can hear should listen to what the Spirit says to the congregations! To him who overcomes I will give the right to eat the fruit of the tree of life that grows in the (Paradise) Garden of God.'
To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me on my throne, even as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne.
To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me on my throne, even as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne.
A sea of crystal like glass was in front of the throne. In the center around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind.
A sea of crystal like glass was in front of the throne. In the center around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind.
A sea of crystal like glass was in front of the throne. In the center around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind.
A sea of crystal like glass was in front of the throne. In the center around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind. The first living creature was like a lion. The second living creature was like a young bull. 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 young bull. 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 young bull. 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 young bull. 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 young bull. 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 young bull. 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 has six wings. They are full of eyes around and within. Never resting day or night, they say: Holy, holy, holy, Jehovah God the Almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come.
Each of the four living creatures has six wings. They are full of eyes around and within. Never resting day or night, they say: Holy, holy, holy, Jehovah God the Almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come.
Each of the four living creatures has six wings. They are full of eyes around and within. Never resting day or night, they say: Holy, holy, holy, Jehovah God the Almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come.
Each of the four living creatures has six wings. They are full of eyes around and within. Never resting day or night, they say: Holy, holy, holy, Jehovah God the Almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come. When these living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
When these living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
I saw a Lamb that looked as though it had been slain, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders. The lamb had seven horns and seven eyes. These are the seven Spirits of God sent into all the earth.
I saw a Lamb that looked as though it had been slain, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders. The lamb had seven horns and seven eyes. These are the seven Spirits of God sent into all the earth.
When he took the book the four living creatures and twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Every one of them had harps, and golden bowls full of incense. These are the prayers of the holy ones.
When he took the book the four living creatures and twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Every one of them had harps, and golden bowls full of incense. These are the prayers of the holy ones. They sing a new song, saying: You are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
They sing a new song, saying: You are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
They sing a new song, saying: You are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
They sing a new song, saying: You are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You made them kings and priests to our God. They will reign as kings over the earth.
You made them kings and priests to our God. They will reign as kings over the earth. I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders. The number of them was ten thousand (myriads) times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.
I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders. The number of them was ten thousand (myriads) times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.
I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders. The number of them was ten thousand (myriads) times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.
I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders. The number of them was ten thousand (myriads) times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands. They said with a loud voice: The Lamb that 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 that was slaughtered is worthy to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.
All the citizens of earth will worship him, all whose names have not been written in the Lamb's book of life who was slain from the foundation of the world.
All the citizens of earth will worship him, all whose names have not been written in the Lamb's book of life who was slain from the foundation of the world.
One of the four beasts gave the seven angels bowls full of the anger of God who lives forever and ever.
One of the four beasts gave the seven angels bowls full of the anger of God who lives forever and ever.
I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse; and he who sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.
I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse; and he who sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns (diadems). He had a name written that no man knew, but himself.
His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns (diadems). He had a name written that no man knew, but himself. He was clothed with a garment dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
He was clothed with a garment dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. The armies in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
The armies in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with a rod of iron. He treads the winepress of the fierceness and anger of Almighty God.
Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with a rod of iron. He treads the winepress of the fierceness and anger of Almighty God. He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
Then I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying: Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men. He will dwell with them and they will be his people! God will be with them, and be their God.
Then I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying: Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men. He will dwell with them and they will be his people! God will be with them, and be their God.
Blessed are those who obey his commandments. They have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates of the city.
Blessed are those who obey his commandments. They have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates of the city.