Cherubim

A cherubim (singular: cherub) is a type of angelic being that appears in the Bible and other religious traditions.

Cherubim are usually depicted as having wings and multiple faces, sometimes of different animals.

They serve as guardians of God's presence, throne bearers, and symbols of God's power and holiness.

According to the Bible, cherubim were placed by God at the east of the Garden of Eden to prevent humans from accessing the tree of life after they sinned (Genesis 3:24).

Cherubim are also found in other religious traditions, such as Judaism, Islam, and Zoroastrianism, where they have similar roles and features.

Cherubim are often associated with other mythical creatures, such as sphinxes, griffins, and lamassu, that have hybrid forms and guard sacred places.

Cherubim are considered to be among the highest ranks of angels, along with seraphim and thrones.

The name Cherubim is derived from the Hebrew word kerubh, which means "to guard" or "to protect".
The cherubim are a type of angelic being that are mentioned in various religious texts, such as the Bible, the Quran, and the Zohar.
They are often depicted as having wings and multiple faces, representing different aspects of creation.
They serve as guardians of God's presence and throne, as well as symbols of God's power and holiness.
Some of the most famous cherubim in the Bible are the ones that guarded the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were expelled, and the ones that adorned the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence dwelled.
The name Cherubim can also refer to the order or rank of these angelic beings, which is sometimes considered the second highest in the celestial hierarchy, after the seraphim.
The name Cherubim has also been used to describe artistic representations of winged children or babies, especially in the Renaissance period, but this is not the original meaning of the term.
The name Cherubim is usually used in the plural form, since it is rare to find a singular cherub in the scriptures.
The singular form is cherub, which can also be used as an adjective, such as in "cherubic face" or "cherub-like smile".
The name Cherubim is a name that reflects the divine and mysterious nature of these heavenly creatures, who are both awe-inspiring and adorable.

The cherubim in Ezekiel's vision were a class of heavenly beings that served as God's throne bearers.
They had a human-like appearance, but with four different faces, four wings, and four wheels.

Each of the cherubim had four faces: the first face was that of a cherub, the second that of a man, the third that of a lion, and the fourth that of an eagle.
The face of the cherub was probably similar to that of an ox, since in Ezekiel 1:10, the same face is called the face of an ox.
The four faces represented the four attributes of God: sovereignty, intelligence, strength, and swiftness.

The cherubim had four wings, two of which covered their bodies and two of which stretched out to touch the wings of the other cherubim.
The wings made a loud noise when they moved, like the sound of many waters or the voice of God.
The wings also enabled the cherubim to fly in any direction, without turning.

The cherubim were accompanied by four wheels, one beside each cherub.
The wheels were full of eyes and sparkled like beryl.
The wheels moved along with the cherubim, and could go in any direction, without turning.
The wheels represented the mobility and omniscience of God.

The cherubim and the wheels formed a complex structure that resembled a chariot.
This chariot was the vehicle of God's presence and glory, and it could travel anywhere in the universe.
Ezekiel saw the cherubim and the wheels twice, once by the river Chebar in Babylon, and once in the temple in Jerusalem.
The cherubim and the wheels were a manifestation of God's power and majesty, and a reminder of his covenant with his people.