 |  |
Redemption.
New Series.
#5.
The Cherubim, their pledge.
pp. 4, 5
(Concluded from Volume XV, page 191).
Although we have now traversed the whole of the Scriptures and tested the references
to the cherubim, we believe there is yet one other period where their presence is felt if
their name is not pronounced. Let us tabulate the different periods that have already been
dealt with in which the cherubim are mentioned.
1.
Ezek. 28:
Eden. Profaned. Cast out. The anointed.
2.
Gen. 3:
Eden. Pledge to life and restoration.
3.
Exodus
The tabernacle and the covenant.
4.
Kings
The glory and the temple.
5.
Ezekiel
The glory departing and returning.
6.
Revelation
Gen. 3: fulfilled.
Christ, the fulfillment.
There is one period of history that must be added, if we are not only to have the
pledge of Gen. 3: fulfilled, but see how it was accomplished. That period is the earthly
life of Christ covered by the four Gospels. Why four Gospels? Why a fourfold
presentation of Christ? Because in Him is fulfilled the pledge of the cherubim, and by
Him was accomplished the undoing of the works of the cherub of Ezek. 28: He too
was on "the holy mount" (II Pet. 1: 18), but he was not cast out as profane, but rather was
proclaimed as the beloved Son in Whom the Father was well pleased. We do not read
anywhere in Scripture except in Ezek. 28: of an anointed cherub. This title is
reserved for Christ. The four Gospels set Him forth in the fulfillment of the four faces of
the cherubim:--
1.
Matthew
The
LION
The King.
2.
Mark
The
OX
The Servant.
3.
Luke
The
MAN
Genealogy to Adam.
4.
John
The
EAGLE
The Word.
This now fills in the list, brings the number to seven periods, and provides the great
antidote to the profanity introduced by the anointed cherub who fell ere man was made.
Let us conclude therefore by inserting this important member and let us glory in the
fullness that there is for "the all things" in Christ, the living One.
A | The anointed cherub. His Fall.
B | Paradise lost, pledge of restoration.
C | Tabernacle and Wilderness (Exodus).
Temple and Land (Kings).
The Glory (Ezekiel).
A | The Anointed. His Triumph.
B | Paradise restored.