Revelation 4:7 Commentary and Bible Study

The cherubim first appear in Genesis 3:24 where they are seen to operate as agents of God’s judgment to drive man out of Eden. They next appear in connection with the tabernacle and the temple (Exodus 26:1). Figures of the cherubim were designed into the curtains of the tabernacle. This is extraordinary in the place where God was to be worshipped. One might have thought that no other creature would be allowed to intrude into such a place especially given man’s tendency to corrupt all true worship. The cherubim even appear in the holiest place of all, the holy of holies above the ark of the Testimony. Over it were placed two golden cherubim with their wings touching and their faces turned towards the mercy seat. God ordered them to be placed there for the enhancement of the mercy seat. Since the earthly tabernacle was to be a pattern of the heavenly tabernacle, we should not be surprised to find them here before the throne of God in this vision of heaven. As there were cherubim in the earthly temple whose gaze was directed towards the mercy seat in reverent admiration, so the cherubim in heaven gaze with wonder upon the plan of redemption and the throne of God from where that plan proceeds. As for the likeness of their faces, ‘every one had four faces’ (Ezekiel 1:6). Each of the four had the face of a man; each had the face of a lion on the right side, each had the face of an ox on the left side, and each had the face of an eagle (Ezekiel 1:10). The same four living creatures appear in the Book of Revelation, but now each one has a single face and each face is different. The faces depict different aspects of the being of these mighty angels by comparison with four animals with which we are familiar. Some have linked these four faces to the four Gospels but this is an artificial connection that does not fit well. Rather, they describe the attributes of these angels. The lion is known for its fierceness and majesty, a creature which most fear to approach. It teaches the invincibility of God’s justice. The calf (or ox in Ezekiel) is an immensely strong animal and an animal of service. So they are not only invincible, but they are tireless for the Lord in executing his justice. Man is the highest of earth’s creatures having the gift of intelligence and ruling over all God’s creation. The eagle with its wonderful speed and agility, has keen sight to see its prey far distant objects. It augments the idea that the cherubim of justice, and God himself, sees everything. The eagle flies high, and from his elevated position takes in the entire landscape, its piercing eye seeing every little mole and mouse running about on the surface of the earth. They surround the throne of God and carry out his will by dispensing justice in his creation.