Cherubim and Seraphim
Cherubim guard God's holiness; seraphim cry 'Holy, holy, holy' around His throne.
Cherubim first appear guarding Eden's gate with flaming swords (Genesis 3:24) and overshadow the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant. Ezekiel 1 and 10 describe them as four-faced living creatures. Seraphim — literally 'burning ones' — appear in Isaiah 6, six-winged angels who cry 'Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts.'
What Scripture Teaches
- 1Cherubim guard God's holiness and presence (Genesis 3:24)
- 2Their image overshadowed the mercy seat (Exodus 25:18-22)
- 3Ezekiel saw them as four-faced living creatures (Ezekiel 10)
- 4Seraphim attend God's throne with six wings (Isaiah 6:2)
- 5They proclaim God's threefold holiness (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8)
Key KJV Scriptures
"Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."
"So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life."
"And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle."
Why It Matters
These angels exist to protect and proclaim the holiness of God. They are nothing like the cherubic infants of Renaissance art — they are fearsome, fiery, and singularly focused on God's glory.
Application for Today
Worship rises to the level of its object. If creatures who never sinned cover their faces before God's holiness, redeemed sinners should approach Him with no less reverence.
Continue Your Study
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cherubs really chubby babies?
No. That image comes from Renaissance art, not Scripture. Biblical cherubim are powerful, multi-faced living creatures who guard God's holiness.
What's the difference between cherubim and seraphim?
Cherubim are primarily guardians of God's presence and throne; seraphim are worshipers who proclaim His holiness. Both are distinct angelic orders.
Related Studies
What Are Angels in the Bible?
Angels are created spiritual beings who serve God, deliver His messages, and minister to His people.
Michael the Archangel
Michael is the archangel and warrior prince who stands for God's people and contends with Satan himself.
Fallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now oppose His kingdom.
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