Cherubim

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew keruvim (plural of keruv), a term for throne-guarding heavenly beings associated with God’s presence.
• Period/Era: Primeval History; Patriarchal Period; United Monarchy; Exilic; Post-Exilic
• Main References: Genesis 3; Exodus 25–26; 1 Kings 6–8; Ezekiel 1; 10; 41
• Key Connections: Guarding sacred space (Eden); tabernacle and temple symbolism around the ark; prophetic visions of God’s throne-chariot (Ezekiel)

Who was Cherubim?

Cherubim are celestial beings depicted as attendants and guardians of sacred space in Israel’s Scriptures.
They first appear as guardians at Eden’s boundary after humanity’s expulsion.
In Israel’s worship, cherubim imagery marked the ark and inner sanctuary as the locus of God’s enthroned presence.
In Ezekiel, they are seen in visionary form bearing the divine throne and moving with God’s glory.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Stationed at Eden’s east with a flaming sword to guard access to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24).
• Event 2: Represented above the ark as part of the tabernacle’s most holy furnishings (Exodus 25:18–22).
• Event 3: Revealed in Ezekiel’s visions as bearers of God’s glory departing and later associated with the restored temple imagery (Ezekiel 10; 41:18–20).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Cherubim imagery consistently marks the boundary between common space and the holiness of God’s presence in Israel’s story and worship.

Key Verse

"He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life." — Genesis 3:24, ESV