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Cherubim

Cherubim · Second of the Nine Angelic Choirs — Guardians of Divine Wisdom and the Throne

Second order of the Nine Choirs in Jewish and Christian angelology, just below the Seraphim. They sustain the throne of God and transmit sacred wisdom. They are the angels who guard the way to Eden with flaming swords, and the two Cherubim figures atop the Ark of the Covenant symbolize God's presence. The Renaissance 'putto' baby angel is a misreading; the original form is a majestic multi-faced being.

Origin

First appear in Genesis 3 as guardians of the way to Eden. In Ezekiel 1's vision they are colossal beings with four faces (human, lion, ox, eagle) and many wings. Pseudo-Dionysius's Celestial Hierarchy placed them as second among the nine choirs.

Features

Four faces — human, lion, ox, eagle
Multiple wings and bodies filled with eyes
Wield flaming swords at Eden's gate
Appear as twin figures atop the Ark of the Covenant

Stories

Invoked in meditations seeking divine wisdom. A spiritual symbol guarding the gates of sanctuaries and temples. Renaissance art degraded them into baby cherubs (putti); orthodox theology preserves their majesty as throne-bearing angels.