Are Cherubs in the Bible?
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Are cherubs in the Bible? When you think of the word cherub, do you picture angelic faces of babies? Some cherubs have been carved out of stone and placed throughout gardens for visitors to enjoy. Cherubs are mentioned in Scripture and have important roles.
What Is a Cherub?
Cherubs are defined as winged angels who attend to God. Cherubs are described as those angels who perform divine duties in the earthly realm. Another definition for a cherub is “an angel of the second order whose gift is knowledge.” Cherubim are often portrayed in art as children with wings. The look of innocence is vital in the portrayal. Innocent, yet powerful.
According to scholars, cherubs are represented in Middle Eastern art as lions or bulls with the wings of eagles and a human face. Notice the difference between an innocent child and lion, bull, and eagle.
Although the Bible doesn’t list a hierarchy of angels, some historians name cherubim as some of the highest order of angels.
Cherubim are mentioned in the Old Testament. After Adam had sinned, the Lord pronounced judgment on his actions and made him leave the garden. “So the Lord banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life” (Genesis 3:23-24 NIV).
God gave instructions. Adam failed to obey. He was forced out, and the Garden of Eden’s entrance was protected against re-entry. This Scripture shows the important role of the cherubs: protectors, guards, and creations of God.
Where Does the Word Cherub Come From?
Historians say that artists depicted angels as children in the Renaissance period. Scholars also state that the word cherub came from the Hebrew kerub and was taken from the Aramaic kerabya, which means childlike. This brings the reminder that some words evolve in different ways over time. The plural for cherub is cherubim.
What Do Cherubim Look Like in the Bible?
The book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament provides descriptions of the cherubs. “And in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was human.” (Ezekiel 1:5 NIV)
Scripture describes the faces of cherubim. “Each of the cherubim had four faces: One face was that of a cherub, the second face of a human being, the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.” (Ezekiel 10:14 NIV)
Ezekiel was a priest and his descriptions were vivid. He describes seeing a windstorm coming from the north. In the storm, he saw bright lightning with fire that seemed to be glowing. Ezekiel tells of seeing four unique looking creatures. Perhaps the sights frightened him or maybe he was in shock and awe at what he was witnessing. Ezekiel shared that the appearance of the creatures included four faces and four wings. He shared that fire moved among the creatures. Specific details of Ezekiel’s encounter are told in Ezekiel 1:5-14.
Each description given in the Bible helps us to learn more about God.
These vivid descriptions may make us think of modern-day movies or television shows. Each detail described in the Bible has been given to us to remind us of the majesty and greatness of God and His creations. Movies or television shows cannot depict the actual sight of cherubim. We must read His Word to know the details.
Why Do People Draw Cherubs that Look Like Babies?
Perhaps you have seen drawings of cherubs on get well cards, stationary, in books and other places. Some artists depict cherubs as angelic babies with round cheeks. Although the age of cherubs are not given in the Bible, artists have portrayed childlike angels in illustrations. Various artists portray the cherubim floating on soft clouds.
Drawings of cherubim tend to evoke sweetness and gentleness. Scripture reminds us of the powerful attributes of the special creations. The book of Revelation in the Old Testament is the last book in the Bible. Revelation was written by John. The Bible states that John heard a voice like a trumpet behind him. He was instructed to write what he saw and send the message to seven churches. Those included the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Sardis, Philadelphia, Thyatira, and Laodicea. The book is filled with detailed descriptions of creatures not seen today. In Revelation 4, the Bible shares about a throne with a crystal clear sea of glass in front. Once again, four living creatures are mentioned. Those four were noted to have the appearance of a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle. Each creature, with eyes and wings, praised the Lord day and night. Notice the difference between the common description of a sweet angelic baby and John’s description of the powerful creatures with many eyes.
Many artists choose to draw the features of cherubim as baby-like, instead of the detailed description in Scripture.
Are There Other Kinds of Angels in the Bible?
According to Scripture, there are good angels and evil angels (demons). The good angels are described as heavenly beings who serve as God’s messenger. Michael the archangel is considered to be a holy angel.
An angel of the Lord visited Joseph in a vision about Jesus. “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:20 NIV)
Along with cherubim, another class of angels called seraphim are mentioned in the Bible. “Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.” (Isaiah 6:2 NIV)
Amidst the good angels, the evil ones have fallen from grace. Those angels rebelled against God.
Those angels will face the judgment of God. “And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—-these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.” (Jude 1:6 NIV)
Angels are important creations of God. We are called to worship God, not angels. “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.” (Colossians 2:18 NIV)
Scripture shares that angels may be all around us, even when we are not aware. “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2 NIV)
Prayers Thanking God for Angels
Father, thank You for Your glorious creations. Help us to remember to show Your love and glory in all words and actions. Amen.
Lord, thank You for creating angels. Help us to know You are always with us, in every moment.
May Your love and mercy flow through so we may help others know You. Amen.
God, Your angels are given names such as protector, messenger, and guard. Thank You for angels. Amen.
Father God, Your creations are glorious. Help us to give care and love to Your creations. Amen.
Lord, although we aren’t able to see angels, help us to remember You created angels and they serve You. May we serve You in every moment. Amen.
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Jorisvo
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
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