A Biblical cherub is not a chubby, cute being that laughs while floating on clouds and shoots love darts at us. Cherubim wield swords and have a role to guard and protect. While many categorize them as a type of angel, the Bible doesn’t actually refer to them as such. We usually find them associated with God’s presence, especially His throne room.
When man sinned, he was thrust from Eden and the cherubim were sent to guard the entrance with fiery swords so that he could not return. They must be a terrifying sight.
As the tabernacle was built, instructions were given for its adornment. Gold images of the cherubim sat atop the atonement cover, creating the mercy seat. God wanted to dwell with his people and this was His throne. The holiness of God was to be protected from anyone approaching who was not blameless. Interestingly, the cherubim also adorned the veil that separated man from God, like their protective role in Eden. But unlike Eden, there was one day of the year when one man, the high priest, dared to pass through to His presence. But only after careful ritual cleansing and sacrifice.
Because of the blood of Jesus, that veil has now been torn and we are invited into His presence. There is no more separation. We see a glimpse of heaven in Revelation and there is no sentry. These heavenly creatures are worshipping at His throne and singing His praise. The cherubim, who serve as guardians to His presence and His throne room, now allow us in.
The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; let the earth be moved! Psalm 99:1
