Many works of art depict angels as having wings, although the Bible describes angels as more human in appearance. Indeed, at certain times, many people mistake them for ordinary humans, even though they are in fact spiritual beings. The word ‘angel’ means ‘messenger’, as their role is to convey God’s messages (Luke 1:26–38), as well as blessings (Gen. 24:40), intervention (Gen. 22:9–12), assistance (Dan. 6:22), protection (Ps. 91:11), guidance (Acts 8:26), and judgement (Gen. 19:1–29).

In the Old Testament, cherubim are presented as symbolic, heavenly beings. In the Book of Genesis, cherubim were tasked with guarding the tree of life in Eden (Gen. 3:24). A similar symbolic function is attributed to the golden cherubim placed at either end of the lid of the Ark of the Covenant, also known as the mercy seat (Ex. 25:18-22; Heb. 9:5), for the cherubim are depicted as guarding the holy objects kept within the Ark, and as (with their outstretched wings) a support for the invisible throne of the Lord (1 Sam. 4:4; 2 Sam. 6:2; 2 Kings 19:15; Ps. 80:2, 99:1).

Images of cherubim formed part of the sumptuous decoration of Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 6:26). Two of them were carved from olive wood and overlaid with gold, presiding over the innermost sanctuary. They stood approximately 5 metres tall, with wings of equal span; when placed side by side, they completely covered one wall.

The Old Testament does not describe the true nature or appearance of the cherubim. Generally, cherubim are depicted as winged creatures, possessing arms and legs. In Ezekiel’s vision of the rebuilt Jerusalem, the carved cherubim are depicted as having two faces: one human and the other a lion’s (Ezek. 41:18–19), whilst in the vision of divine glory, each cherub has four faces and four wings (Ezek. 10:21).

Regarding the cherubim, it is believed that they are, as it were, tasked with guarding God’s dwelling place in holiness. This is not because God Himself is unable to guard it, but because if God were to come into direct contact with all that is unclean, they would be consumed and perish. Therefore, it is the cherubim who oversee everything, as was the case in the Garden of Eden.