God’s Patrollers || Angels Defined #6

Suppose you have paid attention in the church in any capacity or sung some of the most famous Christmas carols. In that case, you have probably heard of an angel before. We’ve seen their depictions in plays, Christmas cards, and scripture pictures on social media, but how many of you know what angels are designed to do. The Bible even gives us a representation of what an angel looks like, which I believe Hallmark would not approve of.

In our current series, I will define what an angel is and what they are designed to do. This series is called “Angels Defined.” My goal for this series is to help you understand the biblical concepts of what angels are, what angels do, and why they matter to you.

In part six, we’re talking about angels patrolling the earth.

Ezekiel 1:9-14

9             The wings of each living being touched the wings of the beings beside it. Each one moved straight forward in any direction without turning around.

10          Each had a human face in the front, the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and the face of an eagle on the back.

11          Each had two pairs of outstretched wings – one pair stretched out to touch the wings of the living beings on either side of it, and the other pair covered its body.

12          They went in whatever direction the Spirit chose, and they moved straight forward in any direction without turning around.

13          The living beings looked like bright coals or fires or brilliant torches, and lightning seemed to flash black and forth among them.

14          And the living beings darted to and fro like flashes of lightning.

These were the angels that I was talking about Hallmark not approving of. If you’ve seen the realistic drawings of these angels online, they are terrifying. Imagine seeing a real-life version of this creature out in the world; I’d be beyond words. Yet, these angels are essential. They existed all the way back in Genesis 3. They are what we call the CHERUBIM. They are heavenly beings that represent and symbolize God’s presence and holiness.

Exodus 25:17-22

17          “Then make the Ark’s cover – the place of atonement – from pure gold. It must be 45 inches long and 27 inches wide.

18          Then make two cherubim from hammered gold, and place them on the two ends of the atonement cover.

19          Mold the cherubim on each end of the atonement cover, making it all of one piece of gold.

20          The cherubim will face each other and look down on the atonement cover. With their wings spread above it, they will protect it.

21          Place inside the Ark the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you. Then put the atonement cover on top of the Ark.

22          I will meet with you there and talk to you from above the atonement cover between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant. For there I will give you my commands for the people of Israel.

The cover of the Ark of the Covenant was known as the atonement cover. Atonement is a biblical word we don’t use often today, but it means to forgive. It discusses supplying satisfaction for something to make amends or reconcile with someone. The atonement cover was used to protect the stone tablets with the 10 Commandments inscribed.

This was where, between the two golden cherubim (the two mighty angels), the presence of God would reside in a cloud above their wings. This should bring to mind Garden of Eden imagery (as most biblical imagery does) and the use of the Cherubim there. Allow me to share it with you to connect those dots.

Genesis 3:24

24          After sending them out, the Lord God stationed mighty cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden. And he placed a flaming sword that flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.

The cherubim were sent to guard the Garden to prevent them from returning and from bringing their sinful actions and nature to make the Garden impure. God wants to keep his way of living pure and set apart from the world. Humanity was then sinful after the actions of Adam and Eve, so he needed to set up a barrier to protect himself. The barrier gets later shredded through the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross.

The atonement cover was the highest and most perfect act of atonement (forgiveness) was made. The high priest enters the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement to ask God for forgiveness for the sins. It’s why we see the importance of the Cherubim, which helps protect that most sacred place. We see this here just like we need in Genesis 3.

I hope that gave you some more insight into the Cherubim. We wrap our series up in the next part, talking about the angels fighting the forces of evil. Until then, stay blessed!