In the Bible, the word “Cherubim” is the plural form of “Cherub” and is frequently mentioned in contexts that suggest a role of immense importance.  Cherubims are angel-like beings and are mentioned several times in the scriptures.  We first read of Cherubim when Adam and Eve were taken out of the Garden of Eden and forbidden to go back inside.  Cherubims were located outside to prevent them from reentering.  “So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” (Genesis 3:24).

Gold cherubims were made to be placed on the top of the mercy seat which covers the top of the Ark of the Covenant that was placed in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple.  We read in Exodus 25:17-20, “And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof. And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat. And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.” 

Inside the Tabernacle, cherubims were embroidered into the ten curtains as we read in Exodus 26:1, “Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.” 

In building the Temple, Solomon used cherubims in its construction, which gives us some idea of their appearance.  1 Kings 6:23-28 says, “And within the oracle he made two cherubims of olive tree, each ten cubits high. And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits. And the other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubims were of one measure and one size. The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was it of the other cherub. And he set the cherubims within the inner house: and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house. And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.”

It is the Book of Ezekiel that provides us with one of the most detailed descriptions, presenting cherubim as having four faces—those of a human, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. Each face symbolizes different aspects of divine creation: humanity’s wisdom, the lion’s strength, the ox’s service, and the eagle’s swiftness. These faces are accompanied by wings that allow the cherubim to move freely, emphasizing their otherworldly capabilities and their role as divine messengers.  We read in Ezekiel 1:6-10, “And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass. And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.”

What marvelous creatures were the cherubim.  Guardians of the Lord’s righteousness and, in their appearance, representative of the Lord Himself.  (CC)  (681.6)