Kerubim

Kerubim, often translated as cherubim, are celestial beings mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and later texts. Their descriptions vary across different passages, but they are consistently portrayed as powerful and significant figures in the divine realm. In the Book of Exodus, two golden kerubim are described as being placed on the Ark of the Covenant, their wings outstretched to cover the mercy seat. This suggests a protective or intercessory role.

Ezekiel's prophecies offer a more elaborate and complex depiction of kerubim. These visions describe beings with four faces—that of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle—and four wings. They are also associated with wheels, described as "a wheel within a wheel," which move wherever the spirit goes. This imagery has led to interpretations of them as guardians of divine presence, messengers, or symbols of cosmic order and mobility.

Later Jewish and Christian traditions continued to develop the concept of kerubim, often placing them among the higher ranks of angels. They are sometimes seen as embodying knowledge, wisdom, or the divine judgment. The interpretation of their appearance and function has evolved over centuries, influenced by theological speculation and artistic representation. Despite the varied descriptions, the kerubim remain a recurring motif representing a powerful connection to the divine.