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Introduction:
The term "Cherubim" refers to a class of angelic beings mentioned frequently in the Bible. They are often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces and are associated with the presence and glory of God. The singular form is "Cherub." Cherubim are described in various passages, each providing insight into their role and appearance.

Biblical References and Descriptions:
Cherubim are first mentioned in the Book of Genesis. After Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden, God placed Cherubim at the east of the garden to guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24): "So He drove out the man and stationed cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden, with a whirling sword of flame to guard the way to the tree of life."

In the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, Cherubim played a significant role. They were intricately woven into the design of the Tabernacle curtains and the veil (Exodus 26:31): "Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it." Additionally, two Cherubim were crafted from gold and placed on the atonement cover of the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the divine presence (Exodus 25:18-20): "And make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece with the mercy seat. The cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat."

The prophet Ezekiel provides a vivid description of the Cherubim in his visions. InEzekiel 1:5-11 , they are described as having four faces and four wings, with the likeness of a man. Their appearance is both awe-inspiring and complex, symbolizing their role as bearers of God's glory and executors of His will.

Role and Symbolism:
Cherubim are often associated with the holiness and majesty of God. Their presence signifies the sacredness of the space they occupy, whether it be the Garden of Eden, the Tabernacle, or the Temple. They serve as guardians, not only of physical locations but also of divine mysteries and truths.

In the visions of Ezekiel and the Book of Revelation, Cherubim are depicted as part of the heavenly host, surrounding the throne of God and participating in the worship and adoration of the Almighty. Their multifaceted appearance, with faces of a man, lion, ox, and eagle, symbolizes the fullness of creation and the omniscience and omnipotence of God.

Theological Significance:
Cherubim are a testament to the transcendence and immanence of God. They remind believers of the holiness that surrounds God and the reverence due to Him. As guardians of the divine, they also emphasize the separation between the holy and the profane, underscoring the need for purity and righteousness in approaching God.

In Christian theology, Cherubim are sometimes seen as prefigurations of Christ, who is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. Their role in the Tabernacle and Temple foreshadows the work of Christ in reconciling humanity to God and granting access to the divine presence.

Conclusion:
The Cherubim, as depicted in the Bible, serve as powerful symbols of God's holiness, majesty, and the sacredness of His presence. Their role as guardians and participants in divine worship highlights the importance of reverence and purity in the relationship between God and His creation.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Cherubim Cherub

The symbolical figure so called was a composite creature-form which finds a parallel in the religious insignia of Assyria, Egypt and Persia, e.g. the sphinx, the winged bulls and lions of Nineveh, etc. A cherub guarded paradise. (Genesis 3:24) Figures of Cherubim were placed on the mercy-seat of the ark. (Exodus 25:18) A pair of colossal size overshadowed it in Solomon's temple with the canopy of their contiguously extended wings. (1 Kings 6:27) Those on the ark were to be placed with wings stretched forth, one at each end of the mercy-seat." Their wings were to be stretched upwards, and their faces "towards each other and towards the mercy-seat." It is remarkable that with such precise directions as to their position, attitude and material, nothing, save that they were winged, is said concerning their shape. On the whole it seems likely that the word "cherub" meant not only the composite creature-form, of which the man, lion, ox and eagle were the elements, but, further, some peculiar and mystical form. (Some suppose that the cherubim representedGod's providence among men, the four faces expressing the characters of that providence: its wisdom and intelligence (man), its strength (ox), its kingly authority (lion), its swiftness, far-sighted (eagle). Others, combining all the other references with the description of the living creatures in Revelation, make the cherubim to representGod's redeemed people. The qualities of the four faces are those which belong to God's people. Their facing four ways, towards all quarters of the globe, represents their duty of extending the truth. The wings show swiftness of obedience; and only the redeemed can sing the song put in their mouths in (Revelation 5:8-14) --ED).

Strong's Hebrew

3742. kerub -- probably an order of angelic beings
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition probably an order of angelic beings
NASB Word Usagecherub (25),cherubim (65).cherub, plural cherubims....

Library

Whether the Highest Angel among those who Sinned was the Highest...
... is stated (Ezech.28:14): "Thou wast acherub stretched out, and protecting, and
I set thee in the holy mountain of God." Now the order of theCherubim is under...

The Anathematisms of the Emperor Justinian against Origen.
... If anyone says or thinks that the Word of God has become like to all heavenly orders,
so that for thecherubim he was acherub, for the seraphim a seraph: in...

Dundee. CM Majesty. Ps. 18.
... of the sky. 2 Oncherub and oncherubim Full royally he rode; And on the
wings of mighty winds Came flying all abroad. 3 He sat...

The Four Gospels.
... they are the chariot of God, who sitteth between thecherubim; like them... to fertilize
the whole earth; 3d, the prophetic symbol, the wingedcherub of fourfold...

Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies...
... These are signified by the twocherubim, looking one towards the other, to show... high
places." For this reason, too, there was more than onecherub, to betoken...

The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Present Exaltation of...
... In Old Testament prophecy he is denominated "The anointedCherub" (Ezek.28:14) and
from other Scriptures we learn that the "cherubim" are the highest order...

Our Lord Subdued his Might and Constrained It, that his Living...
... because of his transgressions he is shut up here;Cherubim and Seraphim await not...
that into Paradise, they have entered and escaped, a mightyCherub guards it....

On Rational Natures.
... From the day when thou wert created along with thecherubim, I placed thee in the...
And acherub drove thee forth from the midst of the burning stones; and thy...

Hymns of Praise and Worship.
... Oncherub and oncherubim Full royally He rode, And on the wings of mighty winds
Came flying all abroad. Thomas Sternhold was born in Gloucestershire, Eng....

The Old and New Testaments have Many Things in Common -- Far More...
... It is the word used of the wings of thecherubim in Ex.25:20 and Ezek.10:5, etc.
And in Psa.18:10 we read of Jehovah that "He rode upon acherub, and did fly...