Ezekiel: God who travels Chapter 25
Part 1: “You were the anointed Cherub who covers”
Continuing Ezekiel 28 — Who are the Cherubs?
At first, I avoided this part—maybe you did, too. It’s mysterious, complex, and frankly a bit daunting. But now, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, I feel compelled to shed light on these heavenly beings called Cherubs.
The Bible teases us with glimpses of them but keeps their full identity somewhat veiled. We know they are real, powerful servants of the Most High God, closely involved with humanity’s spiritual story, yet their true nature often escapes clear understanding.
Some traditions speak of nine angelic hierarchies grouped into three choirs:
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Highest Choir: Seraphim, Cherubim (Cherubs), Thrones
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Middle Choir: Dominions, Virtues, Powers
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Lowest Choir: Principalities, Archangels, Angels
Let’s explore what the Scriptures and some ancient teachings reveal about these ranks.
Part 2: “You were the anointed Cherub who covers. I established you.”
1. Seraphim
The Seraphim are closest to God’s throne. They encircle Him with fiery light, representing His pure love. Described as “fiery serpents,” only four of them exist, each with four faces and six wings. When they appear on earth, they shed their serpent-like forms and take on tall, clean-cut human appearances (Isaiah 6:1-8). No other being, except God, may gaze upon them directly.
2. Cherubim (Plural: Cherubs)
Cherubs are the keepers of God’s knowledge and celestial records. They perform great tasks, like expelling Adam and Eve from Eden. Unlike the cherubic infants of modern art, they are depicted as majestic, winged creatures with human faces—sometimes sphinx-like. Names such as Ophaniel, Rikbiel, and Zophiel belong to cherubs, and before his fall, Satan himself was among them.
3. Thrones
Thrones have a strikingly bizarre appearance—glowing wheels covered with many eyes, serving as God’s chariot and dispensing His judgment. They balance the spiritual and material worlds, acting as heavenly governors. Ezekiel’s vision in chapter 1 vividly describes them.
Part 3: The Middle Choir
4. Dominions (Dominations)
Think of Dominions as middle management—they receive orders from Seraphim and Cherubs and assign duties to lower angels. Their role is to maintain cosmic order, influencing governments and authorities. Zadkiel, sometimes called Hashmal, leads this order.
5. Virtues
Virtues resemble sparks of light, tasked with sustaining the natural world and inspiring science and creativity. On earth, they manifest as healers, artists, and musicians, channeling divine miracles. Some identify the angels present at Jesus’ ascension as Virtues.
6. Powers
Powers appear as colorful, hazy fumes. They act as celestial border patrol agents between heaven and earth, overseeing birth, death, and sometimes battling demonic forces. St. Paul hints at a complex role for Powers, sometimes even associating them with evil.
Part 4: The Lowest Choir
7. Principalities
Principalities oversee nations, cities, and towns, as well as religion and politics. They are like principals managing schools, directing earthly matters and the angels beneath them.
8. Archangels
Archangels are the most famous angels, often appearing in human form as pioneers and leaders of humankind—Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are the best-known. They focus on issues concerning all humanity rather than individuals.
9. Angels
The “regular” angels—guardians, messengers, and warriors who protect people and physical creation. Personal guardian angels belong to this group.
Back to the Cherub
Cherubs are heavily woven into the narrative of creation and the human story. In Genesis, two cherubs guarded the east side of Eden, wielding flaming swords to bar Adam and Eve’s return. These heavenly beings are not only protectors of God’s holiness but also executors of His judgment.
Satan was once one of these exalted cherubs before pride and rebellion led to his fall.
AC
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