Cherubim

(cher'oo-bim.) [sing. CHERUB; pl. CHERUBIM.] (Script.) The name of certain symbolical figures frequently mentioned in Scripture. The derivation and meaning of the term cannot now be known with certainty. C. are first mentioned in the Old Testament as guards of paradise; a cherub with a flaming sword hindered the return of the expelled human pair. In the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle, and afterwards in the temple, C. wrought in embo ed metal were represented above the mercy seat, or covering of the Ark of the Covenant, so that they appeared to rise out of it. Figures of C. were also wrought into the hangings of the Holyof Holies. The C. that appear in the visions of Ezekiel and the re vela-Fig. 165. tions of John depart much BABYLONIAN CHERUB. from the early representations. In Ezekiel they have the body of a man, whose head, besides a human countenance, has also that of a lion, an ox, and an eagle; they are provided with four wings, two of which support the chariot of Jehovah, and serve to fly, while the other two cover the body; the hands are under the wings, and the whole body is spangled with innumerable eyes. In the Revelation, four C., covered with eyes and having six wings, surround the throne of Jehovah; the first has the face of a lion, the second of an ox, the third of a man, and the fourth of an eagle (Fig. 165). In Christian art, the form generally given to them is a child's head between| wings. In the celestial hierarchy they are placed next in order to the seraphim. [s. 173] IMG:p0202_0.jpg:Gravür