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APPENDIX 41
THE CHERUBIM
It is hopeless to arrive at the meaning of the Cherubim
from etymology. Only by the usage of the whole scripture can we
form an approximately true idea.
Their description is twice given (Ezek. 1.5-14; 10.20; and Rev.
4.6-9).
By a process of elimination we arrive at the fact that they are a
celestial order of spirit-beings, and we can form no more notion of them
than we can of other heavenly orders which are named, but not explained,
and for the want of better words are called "Thrones,"
"Dominions," "Principalities," "Powers,"
&c.
They are to be distinguished from the symbolic figures of them, which
were made to represent them.
Negatively, we may note:
1. That they cannot be the Godhead, or Divine in their nature, for
(1) likeness of any kind was strictly forbidden
(Deut.4.15,16,&c.); and (2) the Godhead is distinguished from them
by being mentioned at the same time.
2. Though heavenly, or celestial and spiritual in their nature and
character, they are distinguished from the angels (who, as
their name implies, were spirits used as messengers). compare
Rev. 5.8,11 and 7.11, where, first the cherubim offer worship,
and then the angels. They must therefore be real spirit-beings, for
they could hardly be represented emblematically and really in the same
verse. Moreover, they are never dismissed on errands as angels are,
and are never seen apart from the Throne.
3. They cannot be merely symbols for, though symbolic and
emblematic representations of them were allowed to be made, they
themselves are not symbolic, or we should have symbolic symbols of
symbols, and no reality at all.
4. They cannot be a symbol of the "Church" or any portion
of redeemed humanity, for they are distinguished from them in Rev. 5.
9,10 according to the best readings of the most ancient MSS. and
critical Greek texts, where the "us" of v.9 should be
omitted, and the "us" and "we" of v.10 should be
"them" and "they." Compare also Rev. 7.9-11.
5. For the same reason they cannot be symbols of "the four
gospels" or books of any kind, for the cherubim are ministers
associated with wrath; and call for the judgment plaques. See Rev. 6
and 15.7. Moreover, there is no connection between these and the
presence of the cherubim in Eden, in the Tabernacle, in the Temple,
and the Throne of God.
Positively, we may note:
1. That the three root letters of kerub,
= k,
= r, and
= b, are the root letters of the word KaRaB, which reappear in
our GRiP, GRaB, GRiPe, GRasP. In a passive sense the notion
would be that of holding something in safe keeping: and, as a
matter of fact, the symbolic representation of them were held fast to
the mercy-seat, being made out of the same piece of gold (Ex.
25.18,23).
2. In Gen. 3.24 they were placed to KEEP (or guard) the way to the
tree of life, and preserve the hope of re-genesis for a ruined
creation (cp. Gen.2.15, where we have the word "keep" in
this sense.)
3. their presence on the mercy-seat binds this hope with atonement,
and with Israel.
4. On the vail the hope is bound up with the coming of the Christ
in incarnation and redemption.
5. They are four in number, and four is the number of Creation (see
Ap. 10).
6. they are represented by the symbolic heads of the four great
divisions of animate creation: the lion (of wild beasts), the ox (of
tame beasts), the eagle (of birds), man (of humanity).
7. They are beneath the Throne, for the earth is Jehovah's
footstool.
8. Their son, when they speak, is of creation (Rev.4.11) and
is in connection with the earth. Redemption is a "new
song" for them, relating to others.
9. We conclude therefore, that the cherubim are celestial or
real spirit-beings, associated in some way with the embodiment of creation's
hope as expressed in Rom. 8.19-23. The emblematic representations
made of them connect that hope with "the hope of Israel" and
associate it with the blood-sprinkled mercy-seat, and the rent vail
(Heb. 10.10,20).
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