Cherubim are angelic beings described in the Bible. They are not the chubby winged babies of Renaissance art. They are powerful, terrifying creatures. They have four faces. They have four wings. They have the hands of a man. They have the feet of a calf. They sparkle like burnished bronze. They guard the way to the tree of life. They are the throne of God.

Cherubim appear in Genesis, Exodus, and Ezekiel. In Genesis, they guard Eden. In Exodus, their images are woven into the tabernacle curtain. Their golden figures sit on the ark of the covenant. They are the mercy seat. God speaks from between the cherubim. In Ezekiel, they appear in a vision. They carry the throne of God. They have wheels. They move in any direction. They are full of eyes. They are awe-inspiring.

Cherubim in scripture

• Genesis 3:24: cherubim guard the tree of life.
• Exodus 25:18: golden cherubim on the ark.
• Ezekiel 1: cherubim carry God's throne.
• Ezekiel 10: cherubim in the temple vision.
• Psalm 80:1: God enthroned between the cherubim.

Cherubim are not cute. They are holy. They are dangerous. They are the guardians of God's presence. They are the throne bearers. They are the witnesses of God's glory. They are a reminder that God is not safe. He is not tame. He is the lion of Judah. He is the consuming fire. He is the Lord of hosts. The cherubim surround him. They worship him. They serve him. They are the highest order of angels. They are the closest to God. They are the cherubim. And they are not to be trifled with.