Cherubim

Cherubim are a rank of the angelic orders. The word is translated from Hebrew as "great understanding." They stand before God in radiance and in the light of the knowledge of God. They are mentioned in 2 Samuel 6:2 referring to "the Name oft he Lord of Hosts who dwells between the Cherubim." The Cherubim are also recognized as guardians of God's throne (Ex 25:10-22; 1 Kings 6:23-28).

They are also identified as "living creatures" (Ezekiel 10:20-22) of Prophet Ezekiel's vision in chapters 1-3. Each Cherubim had 4 faces which were like a man, ox, lion, and eagle. Each cherubim also had 4 wings with hands similar to man's under the wings. According to tradition, the faces of Cherubim are understood as the 4 Evangelists who spread the Gospel through the unity of their Spirit. The 4 faces are also understood as types of Christ; man as the Incarnation of Christ, ox as the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, lion as the triumph of Christ, and eagle as Christ's Ascension into heaven.