Cherubim: The Guardians and Bearers of God's Throne

Guardians: After Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden, cherubim were stationed to guard the way to the Tree of Life. This act signified the broken covenant with God and prevented humanity from accessing the Tree of Life. The cherubim, the first in the angelic hierarchy mentioned in the Bible, served as protectors and reminders of the consequences of disobedience.

Bearers of God's Throne (Chariot): Cherubim are associated with God's throne, depicted in various biblical passages. They were positioned on the Ark of the Covenant, and God made Himself known to Moses from between the two cherubim. In visions described by Ezekiel, God's throne chariot, which had cherubim, was portrayed as a storm cloud with lightning and a rainbow.

The text also touches upon the cherubim's appearance, stating that they resembled human-like beings with wings, hands, and distinct faces—some with two and others with four. Their legs were straight, and their feet resembled those of a calf.

Cherubim had significant symbolic meaning in Israel's religious structures. They were part of the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle, Solomon's Temple, and were envisioned in Ezekiel's vision of the millennial Temple. The cherubim's design was not akin to later artistic depictions of winged infants; rather, they were human-like with wings.