desecrated Temple of the Captivity to the Temple yet to be, is definitely linked with the

cherubim. Man had dominion over the cattle, the beast of the field, and the fowl of the

air. These are all represented in the cherubim. The sea and its inhabitants do not figure

in these symbols, and stand rather as types of evil. The pledge that God's purpose in

creation should stand was given at the east of the garden of Eden.

In Gen. 3: 24 the word translated "placed" is literally, "to dwell as in a tabernacle".

The fire that turned every way, represents the same word as used in Ezek. 1: 4, "infolding

itself"; the word "keep" means to preserve. Gen. 3: 24 therefore may read:--

The cherubim foreshadow the great work of Christ in its redemptive aspect. The way

of the tree of life has been preserved. Man fallen and undone as he is need not be

hopeless, for even Adam and Eve had this blessed symbol and tabernacle of hope before

them, telling of a day when this groaning creation shall enter into the liberty of the glory

of the children of God. The dark ending of the first dispensation is illuminated by

promise and hope. Every succeeding dispensation partakes of this character. This earth,

cursed for Adam's sake, ceases to be his rest or his hope. Over the darkness and death of

creature failure grace has triumphed. No longer surrounded by everything that was good

for food and pleasant to the eyes (which require no spirituality to appreciate), Adam and

Eve are turned into the world outside of the garden, to walk by faith, to worship by faith,

to live by faith (in short, a spiritual experience had become a possibility), and are pointed

to the only escape from the effects of disobedience.

Truly, the Lord overruled the tempter's designs for good, and while by no means

condoning sin, did of His own rich grace provide a Saviour. As in our case:--