Cherub
The Cherubim (singular Cherub) are a type of angels in Christianity.
Cherubim in the Bible
The Cherubim are beyond the throne of God; they are the guardians of light and of the stars. It is believed that, although they are removed from man's plane of reality, the divine light that they filter down from Heaven still touches the lives of living things.
They have four faces: one of a man, ox, lion, and eagle. The ox-face is considered the "true face", as later on in Ezekiel the ox's face is called a cherub's face (Chapter 10). They have four conjoined wings covered with eyes, and they have ox's feet. Cherubim are considered the elect beings for the purpose of protection. Cherubim guard the way to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24) and the throne of God (Ezekiel 28:14-16). Their rank among angels is uncertain but they are always categorized in the First Sphere. Some believe them to be an order or class of angels; others hold them to be a class of heavenly beings higher than angels. Cherubim are said to have perfect knowledge of God, surpassed only by the love of the Seraphim.
The Cherubim are mentioned in Genesis 3:24; Ezekiel 10:17–20; and 1 Kings 6:23–28.
Cherubim in popular concept
Since the Renaissance, in Western Christianity cherubim have sometimes become confused with putti - innocent souls, looking liked winged children of baby or toddler age, often naked or nearly naked, that sing praises to God daily - that can be seen in innumerable church frescoes and in the work of painters such as Raphael. When the average person refers to Cherubim nowadays, they usuall mean these child angels.
See also
- More information is available at [ Wikipedia:Putto ]
Chat rooms • What links here • Copyright info • Contact information • Category:Root