Cherub - a winged creature that lives in the sky.The Scriptures can be found mention of these creatures.Cherubim along with the seraphim occupy the pride of place in the hierarchy of angels - they are closest to God.
references in the Old Testament
Anyone who has read the book of Genesis, remember that there is described a cherub with a flaming sword which guards the entrance to Paradise.And David says that these angels serve as a kind of transport by which God moved.In many places of the Old Testament we read that he sits on the cherubim.The prophet Ezekiel also mentioned these creatures.In describing the fall of the ruler of Tyre, he notices that he looks like a cherub, which is dotted with shining garment with precious stones.God cast him out of heaven on earth as it is lifted, thus sinning.An unenviable fate befell him.Yes, it turns out, cherub angel can commit a sin.In this he is like a man.
Ark, decorated with figures of cherubim
There is a reconstruction of the Ark of the Covenant, dated XIX century.On its cover, you can see the two cherubim made of gold.They stand with wings spread, as if covering a relic.Kaporet (upper part of the Ark), and the angels are one.It is assumed that, standing on the lid of the relics, they at the same time protect it and serve as a reminder of God's throne, incomprehensible.The Lord told Moses that he will come to him between the two winged creatures on the Ark and give laws that he will convey the people of Israel.Thus, it becomes clear that the Cherubim - an angel of God accompanies.
mention cherubs in Judaism
In the Talmud we read that these angels were among the few items, is located in the first temple, but in the second they were not.In the same essay is given a little explanation.The fact is that during the collapse of the First Temple, observing the statues of cherubs Gentiles began to slander the Jews, thinking that they worshiped them, and it was banned.That is why the Second Temple of similar sculptures were not only on the walls adorned with images of winged creatures.Not selfless worship, but rather deserve respect seraphim angels.Cherubim, by the way, too.
Three types of celestial inhabitants
In the Talmud there is a description of Paradise and its inhabitants, but, interestingly, named all three types of celestial beings: hayot, ofanim and seraphim.About cherubim nothing written.In ancient Jewish liturgy also listed three types.
Another references cherub
But it should be noted that in the Midrash, containing the interpretation of Ecclesiastes, we read that during sleep the human body tells the soul, what it does during the day, then this information is passed to the spirit, then - Angel, then - the cherub, and finally, the seraphim, who reported it to God.It turns out this kind of string.It is not hard to guess that the cherubim - the creature standing on the second step after the seraphim.
The Midrash tells us that the Lord seated on a winged creatures, watching what is happening in the world.
Cherubic Hymn
What can you say about this prayer?Through this song Church invites us to become like cherubim, who have always been in front of God, constantly praising his magnificent singing and praise, and to reject all thoughts of anything worldly.After all, at this moment, Jesus Christ, surrounded by angels, invisibly descends to the holy altar, in order to present yourself to God the Father as a sacrifice for all human atrocities and to give their blood and body for communion to believers.This beautiful prayer.Cherub it represented a faithful servant of God.
Seraphim
The Bible also mentions the seraphim.This angels close to the Lord, who constantly praise him.Seraphim have six wings.In Christianity, there is a hierarchy of angels, in which this creation is above all.Its name translates as "flaming."
meaning of "Saraf»
term "Saraf" as used by the ancient Jews, has the following values:
- hot, glowing;
- flying reptile, lightning, like a snake;
- winged griffin or dragon.
Seraphim in his treatise "On the celestial hierarchy»
Cherub - Angel is strong enough, but Serafim has more power.He had the honor to communicate directly with God.Pseudo-Dionysius in the treatise "On the celestial hierarchy," says a lot about the seraphim.In particular, he says that their name clearly indicates that they are constantly and tirelessly seek God are passionate, strong and colorful creatures.In addition, they may have some influence on those who are below them: Flammable and light them so that they become like them.But as the seraphim have the power to purify the soul.How?They just ignite and burn them in the fire burned sins.This indicates that the seraphim have sacred, educate and implacable force, expelling and sizzling any wrongdoing.This is a truly powerful creation.
So, now you know that the Cherubim and Seraphim - angels, close to God.They are often referred to in church prayers, it is not surprising that people want to get more information about them.However, unfortunately, the information is not so much.We have to be content with only a few extracts from the Scriptures, to get at least a small idea of the cherubim and seraphim.But we must be glad that at least some information we have.Some writers and poets inspired by the knowledge of those angels, drawn from the Bible.Not surprisingly, there are works dedicated to them, because their image is marked by mystery and mystery that will always fascinate the romantics and dreamers.
