Topical Encyclopedia The cherubim hold a significant place in biblical theology, particularly in their role within the Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies, in the Tabernacle and later in Solomon's Temple. These celestial beings are depicted as guardians of sacred spaces and are closely associated with the presence and glory of God.Biblical Description and Symbolism The cherubim are first mentioned in the context of the Garden of Eden, where they are stationed to guard the way to the Tree of Life after Adam and Eve's expulsion (Genesis 3:24). Their presence signifies the holiness and inaccessibility of God's dwelling to sinful humanity. In the construction of the Tabernacle, God commands Moses to make two cherubim of gold, hammered out of the ends of the mercy seat, which is the cover of the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-20). The cherubim are described as having wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces are to be turned toward each other, looking down toward the mercy seat. This positioning signifies their role as guardians of the divine presence and as witnesses to the covenant between God and Israel. The Ark of the Covenant, with the cherubim atop, is placed in the Most Holy Place, the innermost part of the Tabernacle, where God's presence would dwell. The Lord speaks to Moses from between the cherubim, indicating their role in the divine communication and revelation (Exodus 25:22). Solomon's Temple In Solomon's Temple, the depiction of cherubim is expanded. Two large cherubim, each ten cubits high, are made of olive wood and overlaid with gold. They stand in the inner sanctuary, with their wings spread out so that one wing of each cherub touches one wall, and their other wings touch each other in the center of the room (1 Kings 6:23-28). This grand depiction emphasizes the majesty and holiness of the Most Holy Place. Additionally, the walls and doors of the Temple are adorned with carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers (1 Kings 6:29, 32). These images serve to create an environment that reflects the heavenly realm and the beauty of God's creation. Theological Significance The cherubim in the Most Holy Place symbolize the holiness and separateness of God, as well as His willingness to dwell among His people. They serve as a reminder of the divine protection and the sacredness of the covenant relationship. The imagery of the cherubim also points to the heavenly reality, as seen in prophetic visions such as those of Ezekiel, where cherubim are depicted as living creatures supporting the throne of God (Ezekiel 1:4-28). In the New Testament, the writer of Hebrews refers to the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat, highlighting their continued significance in the understanding of God's presence and the sacrificial system (Hebrews 9:5). The cherubim, therefore, are integral to the biblical narrative, representing both the mystery of God's holiness and the intimacy of His covenantal presence with His people. Subtopics Cherubim in Ezekiel's Vision of the Temple Cherubim of Gold: Formed out of, and at Each End of the Mercy Seat Cherubim of Gold: God's Presence Manifested Between Cherubim of Gold: Placed Over the Ark of the Covenant Cherubim of Gold: The Oracles or Answers of God Delivered from Between Cherubim: Animated by the Spirit of God Cherubim: Called the Cherubim of Glory Cherubim: Eastward of the Garden of Eden Cherubim: Engaged in Accomplishing the Purposes of God Cherubim: Figures of On the Curtain Cherubim: Figures of On the Lavers Cherubim: Figures of On the Walls Cherubim: Figures of, Embroidered: And on the Curtain Cherubim: Figures of, Embroidered: On the Walls of the Tabernacle Cherubim: Form and Appearance of Cherubim: Placed at the Entrance of Eden Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Bases of Brazen Lavers Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Curtains of the Tabernacle Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Doors of the Temple Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Vail of the Tabernacle Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Vail of the Temple Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Walls of the Temple Cherubim: Riding On, Illustrative of Majesty and Power of God Cherubim: Sound of Their Wings Was As the Voice of God Cherubim: The Ark of the Covenant Rested Beneath the Wings of Cherubim: The Glory of God Exhibited Upon Related Terms |