Cherubim
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Gen. 3:24)—a high order of heavenly beings. Cherubim first appear guarding the way to the tree of life after humanity’s expulsion from Eden. God commanded that golden cherubim be placed over the mercy seat of the ark, facing it with outspread wings (Exod. 25:18–22). Large cherubim overshadowed the ark in Solomon’s Temple, and carved or woven cherubim adorned the sanctuary (1 Kings 6:23–35; 8:6–7; 2 Chron. 3:10–14).