Cherub is who? Who is a seraphim?

The Cherubim is a winged creature living in the sky. In the Holy Scripture one can find references to these beings. Cherubim along with seraphim occupy the most honorable place in the hierarchy of angels - they are the closest to God.

Mentions in the Old Testament

Everyone who has read the Book of Genesis remembers that there is a description of a cherub with a fiery sword that guards the entrance to Paradise. And David writes that these angels served as a kind of transport on which God moved. In many places of the Old Testament one can read that he sits on cherubs. The prophet Ezekiel also mentioned these creatures. Describing the fall of the ruler of Tire, he observes that he is like a cherub whose garment is strewn with shining jewels. God drove him from Paradise onto the earth, for he was proud, thus having sinned. An unenviable fate befell him. Yes, it turns out, and the cherubim angel can commit a sin. This he looks like a man.

The Ark of the Covenant, adorned with figures of cherubs

There is a reconstruction of the Ark of the Covenant, dated to the XIX century. On its cover you can see two cherubs made of gold. They stand with their wings open, as if covering a relic. The kapore (the upper part of the Ark) and the angels are one. It is supposed that, while standing on the lid of the relic, they simultaneously guard it and serve as a reminder of the throne of the incomprehensible God. The Lord told Moses that he would appear to him between two winged beings above the Ark and give the laws that he would have to give to the people of Israel. Thus, it becomes clear that the cherub is an angel accompanying God.

The mention of the cherubim in Judaism

In the Talmud, you can read that these angels were among several objects located in the First Temple, but in the Second they were not. In this work, a small explanation is given. The fact is that during the collapse of the First Temple, after observing the statues of the cherubs, the Gentiles began to slander the Jews, thinking that they worshiped them, and this was forbidden. That is why in the Second Temple there were no such sculptures, only on the walls were images of winged creatures. Do not selflessly worship, but rather, reverence deserve the angels seraphim. Cherubs, by the way, too.

Three species of celestial inhabitants

In the Talmud there is a description of Paradise and its inhabitants, however, interestingly, only three species of celestial beings are named: hayot, ophanim, and seraphim. Nothing is written about cherubs. In the old liturgy of the Jews, three species are also listed.

Another mention of the cherub

But it should be noted that in the midrash containing the interpretation of Ecclesiastes, one can read that during sleep the human body tells the soul what it did during the day, then this information is passed on to the spirit, then to the angel, then to the cherub, and finally to the seraph, Who reports this to God. It turns out a kind of chain. It is not difficult to guess that the cherub is a creature standing on the second step after the seraphim.

In the midrash it is told that the Lord, sitting on winged creatures, observes what is happening in the world.

Cherubic Hymn

What can you say about this prayer? Through this song, the Church suggests that we become like cherubs, who, while always in front of God, constantly praise him and glorify him with magnificent singing, and reject all reflections on something worldly. For at the moment Jesus Christ, surrounded by angels, invisibly descends to the holy altar in order to present himself to God the Father as a sacrifice for all human misdeeds and to give his blood and body for communion with believers. This is a beautiful prayer. The cherub is represented in her as a faithful servant of God.

Seraphim

The Bible also mentions seraphim. These are angels, close to the Lord, who tirelessly praise him. The seraphim have six wings. In Christianity, there is a hierarchy of angels, in which the given creature is above all. Its name translates as "blazing".

The meanings of the word "saraf"

The term "saraf", used by ancient Jews, has the following meanings:

- burning, blazing;

- flying reptile, lightning, like a snake;

- a winged griffin or dragon.

Seraphim in the treatise "On the heavenly hierarchy"

The Cherubim is a strong enough angel, but the seraphim has more power. He had the honor of directly communicating with God. Pseudo-Dionysius Areopagite in the treatise "On the heavenly hierarchy" tells a lot about the seraphim. In particular, he writes that their name clearly indicates that they are constantly and relentlessly striving for God, are ardent, strong and bright creatures. In addition, they can have a certain effect on those who are below them: to ignite and light them so that they become like them. But also the seraphim have the power to purify the souls. How? They simply ignite and burn them: sins burn in the fire. This indicates that the seraphim have a sacred, enlightening and inexorable force, expelling and sizzling any sin. These are truly powerful creatures.

So, now you know that cherubs and seraphim are angels close to God. They are often mentioned in church prayers, so it's no surprise that people want to get more information about them. However, unfortunately, there is not much information. It is necessary to be content with only some excerpts from the scriptures, in order to get at least a small idea of the cherubim and seraphim. But we need to rejoice that at least a little information we have. Some writers and poets were inspired by the information about these angels, drawn from the Bible. It's no wonder that there are works dedicated to them, because their image is different mysterious and mysterious, which will always fascinate romantics and dreamers.