Cherubim (or cherub in the singular form) are winged creatures that appear as attendants to God in the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Their main duties are to praise God and to support his throne, though their roles vary from culture to culture.
Cherubim were probably introduced into ancient Hebrew culture by the Canaanites. The Hebrews expanded the role ofthe cherubim somewhat. For example, in the book ofGenesis in the Old Testament, cherubim guard the entrance to the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve are driven out of Paradise. Cherubim also protect the Ark of the Covenant (which contained the original tablets on which the Ten Commandments were inscribed), and God is described as riding on the back of a cherub. In general, cherubim represent the power and glory of the Hebrew god, Yahweh.
In Christian mythology, the cherubim are the second highest of the nine orders of angels, second only to the seraphim. The cherubim excel in wisdom and continually praise God. In Islamic mythology, the cherubim (or karibiyun) play much the same role, dwelling in heaven and constantly praising Allah, the Islamic god.
Scholars disagree about the origin of the word cherubim. It may have come from karabu, an ancient Near Eastern word meaning “to pray” or
Two cherubs, as portrayed by famous sixteenth-century artist Raphael. ERICH LESSING/ART RESOURCE, NY.
“to bless,” or perhaps from mu-karribim, the guardians of the shrine of an ancient moon goddess.
World History
