Angelic but I'm not sure "angels" perhaps its semantics or a mindset.
SERAPHIM
SERAPHIM
[SER uh fim] (fiery, burning ones)-angelic or heavenly beings
associated with the prophet Isaiah's vision of God in the Temple when
he was called to his prophetic ministry (Isa 6:1-7). This is the only
place in the Bible that mentions these mysterious creatures. Each
seraph had six wings. They used two to fly, two to cover their feet,
and two to cover their faces (Isa 6:2). The seraphim flew about the
throne on which God was seated, singing His praises as they called
special attention to His glory and majesty.
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986,
Thomas Nelson Publishers)
CHERUBIM
CHERUBIM
[CHEER oo beam] (meaning unknown)-winged angelic beings, often
associated with worship and praise of God. The cherubim are first
mentioned in the Bible in Gen 3:24. When God drove Adam and Eve from
the Garden of Eden, He placed cherubim at the east of the garden,
"and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the
tree of life."
According to the prophets, cherubim belong to the category of
unfallen angels; at one time, however, Satan or Lucifer was a cherub
(Ezek 28:14,16), until he rebelled against God (Isa 14:12-14; Ezek 28:12-19).
Symbolic representations of cherubim were used in the TABERNACLE in
the wilderness. Two cherubim made of gold were stationed at the two
ends of the MERCY SEAT, above the ARK OF THE COVENANT in the HOLY OF
HOLIES (Ex 25:17-22; 1 Chron 28:18; Heb 9:5). Artistic designs of
cherubim decorated the ten curtains (Ex 26:1; 36:8) and the veil (Ex
26:31; 2 Chron 3:14) of the tabernacle.
When Solomon built the Temple, he ordered that two cherubim be made
of olive wood and overlaid with gold. Each measured ten cubits (4.6
meters or 15 feet) high with a wingspread of ten cubits (4.6 meters
or 15 feet) (1 Kings 6:23-28; 8:6-7; 2 Chron 3:10-13; 5:7-8). These
gigantic cherubim were placed inside the inner sanctuary, or in the
Most Holy Place in the Temple. Their wings were spread over the ark
of the covenant. The woodwork throughout the Temple was decorated
with engraved figures of cherubim, trees, and flowers (1 Kings
6:29-35; 7:29,36; 2 Chron 3:7).
A careful comparison of the first and tenth chapters of the book of
Ezekiel shows clearly that the "four living creatures" (Ezek 1:5)
were the same beings as the cherubim (Ezek 10). Each had four
faces-that of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle (Ezek 1:10; also
10:14)-and each had four wings. In their appearance, the cherubim
"had the likeness of a man" (Ezek 1:5). These cherubim used two of
their wings for flying and the other two for covering their bodies
(Ezek 1:6,11,23). Under their wings the cherubim appeared to have the
form, or likeness, of a man's hand (Ezek 1:8; 10:7-8,21).
The imagery of Rev 4:6-9 seems to be inspired, at least in part, by
the prophecies of Ezekiel. The "four living creatures" described
here, as well as the cherubim of Ezekiel, served the purpose of
magnifying the holiness and power of God. This is one of their main
responsibilities throughout the Bible. In addition to singing God's
praises, they also served as a visible reminder of the majesty and
glory of God and His abiding presence with His people.
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986,
Thomas Nelson Publishers)
Brad Dunse
The key to change... is to let go of fear --Roseanne Cash
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