What are Cherubims?

Cherubim is a class of winged angels. The Hebrew cherub (plural, cherubim), is of uncertain derivation. In the Old Testament it is the name of a class of winged angels who functioned primarily as guards (Gen. 3:24) or attendants (Ezekiel 10:3-22). The only New Testament reference to cherubim is in a description of the furnishings of the holy of holies (Heb. 9:5).

Texts descriptive of the appearance and activities of cherubim reflect two contexts. One is in the visions of the presence of God attended by living creatures (cherubim and seraphim, Isa. 6:2-6; Ezekiel 1:4-28; 10:3-22). The other is Temple worship and the representations of cherubim which were a part of its furnishings (Ex. 25:18-22; 1 Kings 6:23-35; 2 Chron. 3:7-14).

The most impressive of the Temple cherubim were the large sculptures (probably winged quadrapeds) in the holy of holies. If these were arranged as was common in the ancient Near East, the two cherubim would together form a throne. Their legs would be the legs of the throne, their backs the arm rests, and their wings the back of the throne. Consistent with the idea of a cherub throne are the texts which envision God dwelling between, enthroned upon, or riding upon the cherubim (1 Sam. 4:4; 2 Sam. 6:2; 22:11; 2 Kings 19:15; 1 Chron. 13:6; 28:18; Psalms 18:10; 80:1; 99:1; Isaiah 37:16). Even Ezekiel's vision depicts the glory of God resting upon or between the cherubim as something of a living throne.

- Michael D. Martin
Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies
Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary