Cherubim

There seems to be a lot of controversy over the appearance of the Cherubim. The first mention of them is in Genesis 3:24, when God sets them to guard the way back to the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden. There is no description of them there. In Exodus 25:-22, when God asks for 2 Cherubim on the Ark (one on each side of the Atonement cover), the description given is of ‘wings’ (so at least 2 each), and of ‘faces’. They had to face each other (front to front) and look down at the atonement cover.

Cherubim were embroidered on the Perochet curtain before the Holy of Holies and on the linen coverings; no description is given.

Later King Solomon built 10 cubit high Cherubim covered in Gold for the Holy of Holies in the Temple. They were the same size and shape and had 2 wings each. The shape is not described. Some say it was like the winged creatures that are depicted in Babylonian art and especially at the entrance to main structures. In 1 Chronicles 28:18-19, David gave Solomon the gold and the plans for these Cherubim. Here the Cherubim are described as a chariot to cover the Ark. Only 2 wings each are mentioned.

In Ezekiel 1:5-25 is a description of 4 living creatures with 4 wings and 4 faces each; also feet like calves feet and hands under their wings. There were wheels with rims of eyes. Over in Ezekiel 10:1-22 the description is almost identical to that of the 4 living creatures, except the creatures in chapter one had one of their 4 faces as an ox face, which is missing on this description. Instead the face is called the face of a cherub, with the other 3 the same as chapter one. In Hebrew they are separately called creatures (haiot) and cherubim (cherubim).

Ezekiel says in chapter 10:20 that he knew they were cherubim and were like the creatures he had seen at the river Chebar.

In Psalms, it says that God mounts (rides on) the cherubim.

Moses, David, Solomon, Ezekiel all seemed to have known what Cherubim looked like. The only other description of unusual angels are the Seraphim in Isaiah 6:2, 6. They have 6 wings and they have hands. Also in Hebrew their name is related to fire or burning.

In other descriptions of angels, they appear as in human form.

Bottom line; angels are created beings and God does not want us worshiping them. He didn’t give clear descriptions as He wants us concentrating on the main thing, which is what Christ has done for us. We need to know they exist and God uses them. We will meet them soon enough and see for ourselves, so lets not make doctrines about angels. None of this changes God’s plan.

One funny thought!! Satan was created as Heylel, the covering cherub,   does this make him a creature with calves feet, 4 faces, 4 wings, etc? Wow, how our imaginations can run away with us if we are not careful.