Cherubim & Seraphim

Introduction

• Often confused with angels– But never called angels• Angels were messengers of God in word

or deed)– Cherubim and Seraphim serve God in

different ways• “Cherubim” meaning implies

interceding or consecration• “Seraphim” means “fiery ones”• What are they and what do they do?

Cherubim• Gen 3:24– Guardians of the way back to the Garden of

Eden– No description here, but linked with a flaming

sword

• Ps 80:1, 99:1 “enthroned above the cherubim”–May be reference to the Ark of the Covenant– Num 7:89

Cherubim• Ex 25:9 – Tabernacle and furnishings were

according to the true pattern– Ex 25:17-22– Ex 26:1, 31

• Why did the ark, the curtains, and the veil all have cherubim?–Moses was told what he made would show the

true pattern– Therefore, God must be surrounded by the

cherubim

Cherubim & Living Creatures

• Ezekiel 10:20 – Both terms used for the same beings

• Description in a vision (spiritual, not physical, beings)

– Ezk 1:9-14, 22-25• Winged beings (4 wings -- 2 pairs, at least)

• 4 faces

• Found beneath the throne of God

• Their presence tied to the presence of the Lord

Cherubim & Living Creatures

• Revelation 4:5-8– A vision of the throne in heaven–Winged with 3 sets of wings– Beneath the throne of God– Full of eyes– Ceaselessly praising God

Seraphim “fiery ones”

• Only mentioned on one occasion– Isaiah 6:1-7• Again a vision of spiritual in physical terms

• Winged beings (3 sets – covered face and feet)

• Positioned above the throne

• Ceaselessly praise God, declare His holiness and sovereignty

• One took a coal from the altar to touch Isaiah’s lips to represent forgiveness

Seraphim “fiery ones”• What about in the tabernacle?– Cherubim were represented, why no seraphim?– I don’t know, but I have a thought• Rev 4:5

• Have you thought about the “seven spirits of God”? What or who are they? (Rev 1:4, 5:6)– They are represented by seven lamps of fire

– The tabernacle also had seven lamps on one lampstand (Ex 25:31-39)• And notice the warning that closes the

description of that lampstand (Ex 25:40)

Watchers ('iyr or eer)• Dan 4:13, 17– Also called “Holy Ones” (Heb. Qaddiys)

– Can make decrees, even against man

– Declared God's sovereignty

• Dan 4:23-24– Their decree is considered the decree of God

• Are they the cherubim? (One was set to guard or watch over the garden of Eden)

• Are they the seraphim? (portrayed as eyes of God over the earth in Revelation and proclaimed God's sovereignty in Isa 6)

• Are they some other spirtual beings mentioned only in Dan 4?

Conclusion

• Some claim that cherubim and seraphim are “higher orders” of spiritual beings than angels– The Bible doesn’t place them in a hierarchy

• They are beings who serve purposes of God– Generally, they do not seem to have any direct

interaction with man (unlike the angels)

• They eternally are in the presence of God and praise God for His holiness