21 12 21 12 12 12 12 12 12? Conclusion

21 11 21 12 12 12 12 ?

12 Gates, 12 Tribes.

The Name of each tribe is written over a gate.

Luke 6:13-16

Does this mean it is only for the members of that tribe?

Where are those lost tribes today? Many are still scattered throughout the earth. We may not be born an Israelite, or a descendant of one of the original 12 tribes but thanks to our Heavenly Father for His grace, mercy and provision because of Jesus/Yeshua, all gentile believers are spiritually grafted-in to the olive tree of Israel and thereby connected to the 12 tribes through accepting what Messiah’s has done for us and by being born again in the power of His Ruach HaKodesh. Making one new man. It will be interesting to find out which of the 12 gates through which we will enter. According to Rev. 21:27, if our names are in the Lamb’s book of life, we may enter in.

12 Tribes, and their identification.

There is sometimes confusion about the 12 tribes. which originate from the 12 sons of Jacob, plus, from the tribe of Joseph came the tribes of Menasseh and Ephraiym, his 2 sons. Jacob/Israel, also gave birth to a daughter Dina(h), who was not named as a separate tribe. Levi was not counted as a tribe because the Levites were the priests and they had no land of their own.

The names included in the lists of the sons vary for different reasons; and according to the scriptures Reuben lost his first born rights and Dan was left out of some lists of names. Sometimes Josephs’ 2 sons replaced him in the list and although there were really 13, only 12 are listed in the various accounts.

The original 12 sons

1 ASHER; 2 BENJAMIN; DAN (excluded); 3 GAD;  4 JOSEPH; 5 JUDAH; 6 ISSACHAR;  7 NAPHTALI;   8 REUBEN;    9 SIMEON;     10 ZEBULUN; 11 EPHRAIM AND 12 MANASSEH (from Joseph).

LEVI (as the tribe of the priesthood were not given land).

List in Paleo Hebrew.

 The 12 tribes as they were situated in the wilderness camp:

NORTH:

Asher- Tree

Dan- Scorpion or Snake or Scales

Naphtali- Goat or Deer

EAST:

Issachar- Donkey 

Judah- Lion of Judah (it’s the origin of the Jerusalem city flag emblem.)

Zebulun- Ship

SOUTH:

Gad –Tent

REUBEN –The Man Water

SIMEON – Fish

WEST:

Benjamin – Wolf

Ephraim And Manasseh – (Joseph) Sheaf Of Wheat – The Two Horns Of The Bull

LEVI was In The Center where the Mishkan was situated containing the ark of His presence within a cube square space of the Kodesh HaKodashim – Holy of Holies (10 cubits x 10 cubits (15′ x 15′) Exodus 25.

The Banners; The breastplate stones for each Tribe; Their Wilderness Camp Position, which was given in a clockwise direction. Num.2.

Be’Otot – b’ō·w·ṯōṯ 

according to the standards,

(The expression translated as “each in their respective regiments” in Hebrew is “al digloy” i.e. according to his flag (or standard. The words “under ensigns” in Hebrew is “be-Otot” i.e. by symbols. literally, in the signs, for there were symbols for each leader.)

The Israelites are to camp around the tent of meeting some distance from it, each of them under their standard and holding the banners of their family. Numbers 2:2

There was a symbol for each leader [of each tribe], with a flag and a color, and the color of each flag was like the color of the precious stones that was over the heart of Aaron [the High Priest, i.e. on the hoshen/breastplate].

From this the kingdoms learned to make flags and a color for each flag. Each tribe had its own leader, and the color of the flag was similar to the color of its stone.

With reference to thoughts in previous posts concerning colors their frequencies and the properties of light; it bears mentioning that each, of the12 jewels in the breastplate were, according to the Biblical description, to be made from very specific minerals.

None of them the same as another, and each of them representative of a specific tribe, whose name was to be inscribed on the stone. or is there some greater significance to these12 stones? And if so, is it the chemical makeup of the stone that is important, or is it the color, or both?

Did the combination of the stones emit certain frequencies? There are references recorded in some of the ancient writings that the individual letters within the engraved stones were miraculously illuminated by Gods Holy Spirit/ Ruach HaKodesh, which spelled out answers to the High Priests questions in regards to God’s direction or will in a situation.

Aside from the 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel on the high priests’ breastplate, the high priest also wore 2 sardonyx stones,

which were fixed in gold on both shoulders. The names of the 12 tribes of Israel were engraved on these two stones, according to their birth (Ex. 28).

Click link below for more on 12 tribes connection to 12 months.
https://www.minimannamoments.com/a-keruvim-cherub-not-quite-like-we-imagined-part-2/

The 12 stones in the breastplate correspond to the original twelve sons of Jacob, not to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, which were later adopted as sons, effectively doubling the inheritance for their father Joseph. That seems to be implied in the text. This is significant because the 12 foundations of the New Jerusalem are garnished with the same 12 precious stones, as named by John the Revelator in the Apocalypse – the Revealing (Rev. 21:19-20).

While not listed or individually specified with each of the foundation stones Rev. 21:14 shows they are also associated with the 12 apostles, ‘and the wall of the city had 12 foundations and in them the names of the 12 apostles of the lamb.’

These are the 12 apostles from Domus Galilaeae, Israel, listed in 4 places; (Mark 3:13–19 , Matthew 10:1–4 , Luke 6:12–16 , and 11 listed in Acts 1:13. Peter, James (the son of Zeb’edee), John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (the son of Alphaeus), Simon Zelotes and Judas, brother of James.

The Gospel of Matthew lists the 12 apostles in the following order: Simon (whom Jesus later renamed “Peter”),

Andrew

James (the son of Zeb’edee) 

John

Philip

Bartholomew

Thomas

Matthew

James (the son of Alphaeus)

Thaddaeus,

Simon Zelotes and

Judas brother of James

(Judas Iscariot was replaced by Matthias.)

Their names in the foundations of the New Jerusalem no doubt represent the Ecclesia/called out ones, as being ‘the pillar and ground of the truth,’ 1Tim.3:15. Through the ‘doctrine of the apostles’, Acts 2:42, that is the message of Messiahs gospel.

Possible stones associated with the apostles: who are also in close proximity to the 12 gates,

which are named for the 12 tribes of Israel and the stones on the breastplate of the High Priest.

The Lord instructed Moses to have the names of the 12 sons of Israel engraved on 12 stones in the breastplate of the high priest. The exact order, arrangement, and type of each stone were explicitly stated (Ex. 28:17-21), but the name to be written on each stone was not given, perhaps because it was obvious to Moses.

After the destruction of the temple, the knowledge of which tribe was associated with which stone was lost, and even the identity of some of the stones has been uncertain.

Because John is writing in Greek some 1500 years after Moses this is perhaps the most important reference. He is referring to precious and semi-precious stones, which he recognized and understood. Due to the fact that Greek is a more common language, and those words can be found in so many other documents, the names of the stones he gives helps greatly in their identification.

Imagine if we would have to describe the foundation stones seen only in a vision.

God’s house is a house of order, so the final order discovered should make specific sense and it will most certainly not be random. However the curious thing is that almost every time the 12 tribes are listed, they’re given in a different order (Gen 27, 49; Num 2; Deut 33; Rev.7).

While most of us are familiar with rubies being red and emeralds being green, sapphires blue and diamonds clear, but perhaps not too many more. John it seems, knew his gem stones very well, right down to recognizing sardonyx as a specific form of onyx. The lack of such knowledge could well explain why there are various representations of the stones in both name and color.

It seems clear that the 12 colors of the stones are very important, and were specifically chosen for those colors as representative of particular attributes. The stones had to be large enough to have the names of the tribes engraved on them, whereas in other contexts, such as a gem inlaid in a ring, a smaller, more precious stone could be used to represent the tribe equally well.

These same12 stones are where we our birth-month stones come from, as each of the tribes are also associated with a month.

Breastplate order of stones and tribes.

As the order and designation of which stone is seems somewhat dependent on the translation, this can also be very confusing as we have different names for precious stones in modern language.

Also sometimes the order seems to be reversed as left to right and right to left. Here Levi is top left. 

This list from scripture would be the most logical one in assuming the order for the 12 twelve stones on the breastplate, and that’s usually the case in most studies.

the Twelve Tribes of Israel, or Shivtei Yisrael, as they are known in Hebrew:

In “Modern” Hebrew, the stones are translated as follows:
– Odem: Ruby
– Pitedah: Topaz
– Bareket: Emerald
– Nofekh: Not in use as stone name today
– Sapir: Sapphire
– Yahalom: Diamond
– Leshem: Opal
– Shevo: Not in use as stone name today
– Achlamah: Amethyst
– Tarshish: Not in use as stone name today
– Shoham: Onyx
– Yashpeh: Jasper

Reuben’s stone was Odem- אדֶם

clearly a red stone. Scholars suggest either red jasper, or carnelian sard a type of quartz. The color of his flag was red, and mandrakes were drawn on it [Genesis 30:14]. The mandrakes in Reuben’s coat-of-arms are based on the episode related in Gen. 30, where young Reuben brought his mother Leah mandrakes from the field. The biblical phrase on the tab is from Deut. 33:6, “Let Reuben live.”

Simeon’s stone was Piteda-(פִּטְדָה)

some sort of yellowish-green stone, probably topaz. Others suggest peridot, chrysolite or perhaps green-yellow chalcedony and the color of his flag was green, and the city of Shechem was drawn on it [Genesis 34]. Simon was one of the strongest tribes during the wandering in the desert but later became one of the weakest in consequence of losses suffered during the battles for the Promised Land. It was eventually absorbed by mighty Judah. Formerly the city of Shechem was situated within the boundaries of Simon and the gate of the city therefore appears on the tribe’s. The biblical phrase on the tab is from Deut. 33:5, “…and the tribes of Israel were gathered together.”

Levi’s stone was Bareqet- בָּרֶקֶת

translated in the Aramaic Targumim as azmaragd, a loanword from the Greek smaragdos for “emerald”. Some suggest beryl of which emerald is a type. Others suggest Carbunkle or the green malachite, and the color of his flag was one third white, one third black, and one third red, and the Urim and Tummim were drawn on it. The Levites “kept the charge of the tabernacles of testimony” (Num. 1:53); they had no territory of their own and were dispersed among the other tribes. Their emblem was the ephod of the High Priest on which were engraved, upon precious stones, the names of all tribes. The biblical phrase on the tab is from Deut. 33:10, “They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law.”

Judah’s stone was was Nophekh- נׁפֶךְ

– its color is unclear. Is it sky blue? Some suggest turquoise, or red, which is perhaps more likely as suggested by the etymology of nophekh. If so, it may be garnet and the color of his flag was like the color of the sky, and a lion was drawn on it Genesis 49:9. The most famous heraldic symbol belongs to the tribe of Judah, which displayed a lion on its shield. This tribe became the most powerful and constituted the Kingdom of Judah. The lion is the symbol of strength and is featured as such in innumerable works throughout the ages. This animal is one those most frequently mentioned in the Bible, appearing about 130 times under 6 different names. The biblical phrase on the tab is from Gen. 49:9, “Judah is a lion’s whelp.”

Issachar’s stone was Sappir-(סַפִּיר)

– a blue gem, but unlikely to be sapphire, even though the words are etymologically related. Most likely lapis lazuli and the color of his flag was dark blue literally black like coal/ kohl, and a sun and a moon were drawn on it, as it is written I Chronicles 12:33: “And from the sons of Issachar were those who knew the wisdom of the times i.e. astronomy and calendars.” Issachar’s territory was the plane of Esdraelon, from the sea to the banks of the Jordan. This tribe is frequently mentioned together with Zebulun indicative of their being neighbors and maintaining close relations. The tribe’s emblem of sun and stars is derived from the biblical phrase, “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times” (1 Chron. 12:32), which appears on the tab. Other representations of Issachar reflect the dependence of this tribe on the Phoenicians, in whose products the tribe dealt — as a carrier of loads as a donkey or as a laden camel (in the synagogue of Aix-la-Chapelle Germany).

Zebulon’s stone was Yahalom (שְׁבוֹ)

– even though in modern Hebrew it means diamond, almost no scholars think this is correct. It appears to be a white/moon-like stone. Chalcedony is likely, and others suggest moonstone, amethyst or even jade and the color of his flag was like the moon, and a ship was drawn on it, as it is written Genesis 49:13: “Zebulon shall dwell by the seashore.” Zevulun settled on the country’s seaboard and as symbolized by its emblem was engaged in navigation. This idea is conveyed in the biblical phrase, “Zebulun shall be for a haven of ships” Gen. 49:13.

Dan’s stone was Leshem – apparently similar to sappir. Aventurine? Hyacinth? Turquoise?, and the color of his flag was similar to sappir, and a snake was drawn on it, as it is written Genesis 49:17: “Dan shall be a snake.” Also often seen is a pair of scales as a symbol of Dan,

The original area of the tribe of Dan extended from Jaffa southward. Samson was a son of this tribe. As it could not conquer its entire territory, Dan looked to settle elsewhere and the tribe moved north to the source of the Jordan River, captured the city Laish, and settled there. In Jacob’s Blessing Dan was promised that he “shall judge his people” Gen. 49:16.

Gad’s stone was Shevo (שְׁבוֹ)

– almost everyone agrees that this is agate, perhaps striped or spotted and the color of his flag was not white and not black but a mixture of black and white, and a military camp was drawn on it, as it is written Genesis 49:19: “Gad shall camp in troops [Heb: Gad gedud yegudenu].” The tribe of Gad settled in the land of Gilead, east of the Jordan. It did battle against Amon and Moab coming from the south, wandering tribes from the east, and Aram from the north. The emblem resembles a camp in reminiscence of the biblical phrase -on the tab- “Gad, a troop shall overcome him” Gen. 49:19.

Naftali’s stone was Ahlama-– ʾaḤlamah (אַחְלָמָה)

– this is also fairly unanimous that this is amethyst, and the wine connection makes that even clearer (amethyst was associated in the ancient world with wine, and was reputed to prevent drunkenness, and the color of his flag was like diluted wine whose red [color] was no longer strong, and a deer was drawn on it, as it is written Genesis 49:21: “Naftali is a swift deer.” After the conquest of the country, the tribe of Naftali settled in the north where played a central role among the tribes located there. Naftali is represented by a gazelle or running stag. The biblical phrase on the tab is “Naftali is a hind let loose” Gen. 49:21.

Asher’s stone was Tarshish- (תַּרְשִׁישׁ)

– very unclear, especially since we don’t have a color to associate it with. We don’t even know if it is the name of a stone or simply a precious gem that comes from the city of Tarshish. Scholars have suggested aquamarine, or some kind of beryl. The Targum suggests a stone associated with the color of the ocean and the color of his flag was like a precious stone that women decorate themselves with, and an olive tree was drawn on it, as it is written Genesis 49:20: “From Asher will be his rich bread.” The coastal strip from the foot of Mount Carmel up to Sidon was inhabited by Asher, the fertility of whose land was indicated by an olive tree or —as represented on stamps of the Jewish National Fund or in the synagogue of Aix-la-Chapelle Germany— by ears of corn or fruit. The biblical phrase on the tab is “Out of Asher his bread shall be fat” (Gen. 49:20).

Joseph’s stone was Shoham- (שֹׁהַם)

– Most likely onyx, although the Targumim give burla or birlewa, which means beryl and the color of his flag was very black, and the picture drawn on it for the two leaders, Ephraim and Menasseh, was Egypt, because they were born in Egypt. Joseph was the principal tribe in central Eretz Israel, which split into Manasseh and Ephraim. The fertility of Joseph’s country is symbolized by the sheaf on the stamp. The biblical phrase on the tab reads, “…blessed of the Lord be his land” Deut. 33:13.

The flag of Ephraim was drawn an ox, as it is written Deuteronomy 33:17: “His first born is his ox;” this is a reference to Joshua, who was from the tribe of Ephraim. And on the flag of Menasseh was drawn a re’em /oryx, as it is written in Deut. 33:17: “and his horn will be like the horns of the re’em;” this is a reference to Gideon, son of Joash, who was from the tribe of Menasseh.

Benjamin’s stone was Yashfe-(יָשְׁפֶה)

– again, one of the clearer identifications. Almost all scholars are in agreement that this is jasper. The Targum’s association with panthers suggests that it was spotted or veined jasper., and the color of his flag was like all the colors of the twelve colors, and a wolf was drawn on it, as it is written Genesis 49:17: “Benjamin is like a scavenging wolf.” The favorite son of Jacob, Benjamin has remained the symbol of the tender youngest child. The tribe of Benjamin, however, was considered particularly warlike and courageous. To this tribe belonged Saul, the first king, and Jonathan, his son. The symbol of the tribe was the wolf, a predatory animal. The biblical phrase on the tab reads, “…in the morning he shall devour the prey” Gen. 49:27.

Numbers BaMidbar Rabbah 2:7 has a list of each tribe and its flag, with the color, stone, and symbol associated with it, which is probably the original source or one of the earliest that we’ll find for this.

The New Jerusalem with all its glory incorporates the Names, the banners and colors of the 12 tribes of Israel, the names of the 12 Apostles of Brit Chadashah the 12 stones of the High Priest Breastplate

Yeshua the lion of the tribe of Judah

Yeshua the High Priest after the order of Melki Zedek;

Yeshua the Apostle, The Sent one by the Father who in turn sent 12 out into the world with the gospel of the Kingdom, the very foundation of our faith. 1Pet 2:4. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

Yeshua the corner stone which is the first stone to be laid, the foundation stone.

built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. Ephesians 2:20

The New Jerusalem is a picture of Father’s plan and His glory with all the spiritual elements built into its structure. For we are the living stones..

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

And we look for For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Heb 11:10

Next time we see pearls,

think 12 gates

or any precious gem, think 12 foundations, apostles and tribes for as we continue to find…everything is connected.

In Hebrew thought, 12 = symbol of governance

12 Tribes

12 Gates

12 foundations and the Rainbow Color Spectrum

The golden ratio,

or golden spiral is our heavenly Father the Creators’ divine signature which can be

Seen everywhere in Creation

known and named by man as the Fibonacci sequence and it is part of the mathematics and measurements of natures construct designed by its Creator.

A honeycomb is built by Bees into Hexagonal cells which science has proved is the strongest shape for use in any building and construction of materials.

There’s a hexagon in the center of the overlapping triangles that form Israels star of David (The hexagon is possibly a reference to the human blueprint code -DNA) This reveals a 3D cube within the star of David

and also a star within the cube.

the cube of space transforming a flat 2d square into a 3D image and

by adding a central point revealing that the box really has many layers and dimensions.

which is no doubt why Our Father employs its qualities in so many places in scripture.

It helps to visualize the concept of other dimensions and realms of the spiritual world where our warfare is the ongoing battle Eph. 6 and how Jesus was able to pass through solid walls.

12 Angels/Chuerubim

/guardians of the gates

12,000 furlong walls 12,000×12=144,000 sealed.

The Tree of Life at its center yields 12 manners of fruits through a 12 month cycle that governs a year

12 Apostles

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, Heb. 12:22

A final image from NASA and an interesting article ….. A picture paints 1000 words ….

These fascinating pictures taken by the Hubble telescope show something out in the heavens????

CELESTIAL CITY OF NEW JERUSALEM PHOTOGRAPHED BY NASA’S HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE

In 1994, a researcher smuggled one top-secret photo the Hubble Space Telescope had taken of what is presumed to be Heaven. Weekly World News was the first to print the image and report on Dr. Masson’s findings, but despite the media coverage, NASA refused to acknowledge the existence of the photo.

Just days after space shuttle astronauts repaired the Hubble Space Telescope in mid December, the giant lens focused on a star cluster at the edge of the universe – and photographed heaven!

That’s the word from author and researcher Marcia Masson, who quoted highly placed NASA insiders as having said that the telescope beamed hundreds of photos back to the command center at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., on December 26. The pictures clearly show a vast white city floating eerily in the blackness of space. “

enlargement of insets below..

After checking and rechecking the data, they concluded that the images were authentic. They also theorized that the city couldn’t possibly be inhabited by life as we know it.

For more and the article..link below

http://pics-about-space.com/hubble-telescope-pictures-of-new-jerusalem?p=4
Posted by Meindert Arends on August 18, 2013

The Kingdom of the heavens

is our home so

then we will see

and the New Jerusalem 12 21 12 12 12 12 12

Shalom Mishpachah…

Don’t be found knocking on Heavens door…when you can enter in …NOW the gates are open and today is the day of salvation, the kingdom of the heavens has come close to you and is even in your mouth.. just simply say the words below, decide in your heart and the kingdom of the heavens will in turn enter in to your heart…Please don’t leave here until you

Make sure Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him.

It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.

You are greatly loved and very precious in His sight.

SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..don’t delay one more minute, SAY IT RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.

 

Keruvim? Not Quite Like We Imagined?

What has a flaming sword at a garden gate, a golden box, keruvim, a lion, an ox, and an eagle to do with mazzaroth, the Tribes, two visions, the mishkan and Yeshua/Jesus?

Investigating more mysteries that connect from Genesis to Revelation.

 Keruvim כְּרוּבִים

CHERUBIM

Angels but not what we thought!

Hebrew: keruvim   כְּרוּב‎ kərūv, pl. כְּרוּבִים, kərūvîm;

Latin cherub, pl. cherubin, cherubim;

Depiction of the cherubim of glory shadowing the Mercy-seat (χερουβιμ δόξης κατασκιάζοντα τὸ ἱλαστήριον) of Hebrews 9:5 (Julius Bate 1773).

In Hebraic angelic hierarchy, cherubim have the second-lowest rank according to Maimonides Mishneh Torah (12th century).

Cherubim are discussed within the Midrash literature. The two cherubim placed by the Father at the entrance of Eden (Gen. 3:24) Angels were created on the third day, and therefore they had no definite shape; appearing either as men or women, or as spirits or angelic beings (Genesis Rabbah xxi., end). The cherubim were the first objects created in the universe. (Tanna debe Eliyahu R., i. beginning).

The Cherubim angels are occasionally confused with the Seraphim rank of angels, as there are many kinds of angels; the highest being the Seraph, next the Cherub.

They are actually different categories of beings. Cherubim have four wings and do not look human, (seraphim, have six wings and also do not look human). The Bible also refers to Angels as men, since that is exactly what they look like and they do not have wings or halos, (nothing in the Bible has a halo). Angels, as their name denotes, are messengers. If a being is not delivering a message, does not look like a human male and has wings then it is not an Angel.

For one example, see Genesis 18:2 three men and 19:1 which identifies two of them as Angels. (Many scholars say that the other was pre-incarnate Yeshua/Jesus).

The Cherubim, similar to the word Seraphim, is plural. The word Cherubim refers to more than one Cherub angel.

Cherubim are said to be about 18ft (5.4864 Meters) tall have four faces:

one of a lion (representative of all wild animals , one an ox (domestic animals), one a human (humanity), and one an eagle (birds).

They have four conjoined wings covered with eyes, a lion’s body figure, and they have ox’s feet.

Cherubim guard the way to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24).

and also to the throne of God (Ezekiel 28:14-16).

Make one cherub at one end, and the other cherub at the other end: you shall make the cherubim at the two ends of it of one piece with the mercy seat. Ex. 25:19

“And the sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard even in the outer court, like the voice of the Almighty God when He speaks.” Ezekiel 10:5

A Cherub is a supernatural being referenced throughout both the Old and New Testament of the Bible. Like the Seraphim, the Cherubim were originally a Judaic rank of angels, and they eventually were incorporated into Christian scripture, appearing in numerous books including the Book of Revelation. Other notable examples of them in literature are in John Milton’s 17th century epic poem, Paradise Lost.

Cherubim are first mentioned in connection with the expulsion from Eden in Genesis 3:24 here there is no information given of their shape or form.

The Cherubim and flaming sword were to keep Adam and Eve from eating of the tree of life while in an unregenerate state; or mankind would have been forever separated from the love and blessings of the Father.

They are next mentioned when Moses was commanded to provide furniture for the tabernacle Ex. 25:17-20; 26:1,31.

God promised to commune with Moses from between the cherubim. 25:22

They represent the mercy of God, which is always above the testimony.

Exodus 25:22, “And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.”

2 Samuel 6:2, “And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the Lord of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.”

Numbers 7:89, “And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims; and he spake unto him.”

The Cherubim are not just allegories.  They are actual beings in heaven guarding the way to the Mercy Seat.

This expression was afterwards used to denote the Divine abode and presence. Num. 7:89; 1Sam. 4:4;  Is 37:16; Ps. 80:1; 99:1.

In Ezekiel’s vision they appear as living creatures supporting the throne of God. From Ezekiel’s description of them 1:5-10;41:18-19 they appear to have been compound figures each one having 4 different faces, the face of a man, lion, ox, and eagle.

Unlike any real object in nature, possessing the features and properties of several animals.

The closest word we have to describe them is chimera; an animal whose body contains different cell populations derived from different zygotes of the same or different species, occurring spontaneously or produced artificially; i.e. an individual composed of a mixture of genetically different cells.

Man- This face spoke of mind, reason, affections, and all the things that encompass a human being.

Lion- The lion was always recognized as strong, fierce, and majestic. It was the most royal of all animals.

Pro 30:30 A lion, which is mighty among beasts and does not turn away from any;

Pro 20:2 The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.

Ox- The Ox was recognized as the animal who patiently labored for his owner. He was strong, able to bear a burden, and knew its owner.

Pro 14:4 Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox.

Ps 144:14 That our oxen may be well-laden; that there be no breaking in or going out; that there be no outcry in our streets.

Is 1:3 The ox knows its owner and the donkey its master’s crib; but Israel does not know, my people do not consider.”

Eagle- The divine bird that flew above the storms, while below there was only sorrows, dangers, and distress. A swift bird strong and powerful, never becoming weary.

Pro 30:18-19 There are three things which are too wonderful for me, yes, four which I do not understand: The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man with a virgin.

Is 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Ps. 103:5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Ex. 19:4 `You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.

Ezek. 17:3 “and say, `Thus says the Lord GOD: “A great eagle with large wings and long pinions, full of feathers of various colors, came to Lebanon and took from the cedar the highest branch.

Hos. 8:1 “Set the trumpet to your mouth! He shall come like an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed My covenant and rebelled against My law.

King David probably knew about God’s chariots/cherubim, as apparently he a rode in one of them.  This is recorded in two accounts in scripture, 2 Samuel 22: 7-22 and Psalms 18:6-17. 

A record of a divine deliverance, when he was trapped between Mount Carmel jutting out into sea and the Mediterranean ocean as he was cornered by the army of Saul. 

Two cherubim were placed on the mercy seat of the ark and two of COLOSSAL size overshadowed it in Solomons Temple.

“In the inner shrine he [Solomon] carved two cherubim of wild olive wood, each ten cubits high . . . and he overlaid the cherubim with gold.” (1 Kings 6:23-28) “The cherubim, whose wings were spread over the place of the Ark , formed a canopy above the Ark and its poles.” (1 Kings 8:7)

The illustration below depicts Solomons Temple and the Kohen Gadol (High Priest.) On the day of Yom Kippur ( Day of Atonement); he was presenting incense before God, a few steps away from the Ark of the Covenant which was resting between the outstretched wings of the towering figures of the two Cherubim. This was the only day of the year the Kohen Gadol ever entered the Kodesh haKodashim (Holy of Holies). He is shown wearing a simple linen garment specially made for the day. 

The main hall of the Temple which is reported to be 20 cubits wide (9 meters or 27 feet) and 30 cubits high (13.5 meters or 40 feet).  The Holy of Holies, with the Ark of the Covenant and the two giant Cherubs in it, is described as a cube 20 x 20 x 20 cubits. 2 Chron 3:13; they stood on their feet and faced inwards their wings spanned 20 cubits overall.

Converting the measurement of the biblical cubit as approximately 18 inches, the cherubim were 15 feet tall and the wing measurement from the tip of one wing to the other was also 15 feet. 

Together, the two cherubim covered a span of 30 feet in the Holy of Holiest in the Temple of Solomon.  

Ezekiel 1:4-14 speaks of 4 and also this number, 4, of living creatures is mentioned in Rev. 4:6.

Those on the ark are called the cherubim of glory. Hebrews 9:5;

Hebrews 9:1-5  Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. 2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. 3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; 5 And over it the cherubim of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. (KJV)

These cherubim of Glory were the appearance of the Glory of the Lord.

That is the Shechinah, or cloud of glory, for on them the visible glory of God rested. They were placed one at each end of the mercy seat, with wings stretched upward, and their faces toward each other and toward the mercy-seat. They were anointed with holy oil, like the ark itself and the other sacred furniture.

The cherubim were symbolical.

They were intended to represent spiritual existences in immediate contact with The Father. Some have regarded them as symbolical of the chief ruling power by which God carries on His operations in providence. (Ps.18:10). Others interpret them as having reference to the redemption of men, and as symbolizing the great rulers or ministers of the church.

Their office was: first, on the expulsion from Eden, to prevent all access to the tree of life;

and second to form the throne

and the chariot of God in His manifestation of Himself on Earth.

He dwelleth between and sitteth on the cherubim (1 Sam 4:4; Ps. 80:1; Ezek.1:26,28).

The 2 cherubim were on the mercy-seat with wings outstretched.

Ex 25:18-20 “And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work you shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat. “Make one cherub at one end, and the other cherub at the other end; you shall make the cherubim at the two ends of it of one piece with the mercy seat. “And the cherubim shall stretch out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and they shall face one another; the faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat.”

They represent the judgment of God.

Their position indicates that God’s judgment upon Israel was averted because of the blood-sprinkled mercy seat.

John also in Revelation sees a vision of the cherubim:

Rev. 4:6-8 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.

The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”

Though artistic interpretation can be fairly relaxed when it comes to the Seraphim, it is also extremely varied in regard to the Cherubim.

The original Jewish depictions of them are thought to resemble an angelic or mythical being similar to that of a griffin, possessing a lion’s body, and an eagle’s wings and head.

In Christianity however, the Cherubim are often portrayed in artistic iconography as a four winged creature with more than one head, usually that of man, lion, eagle, and ox. Some of the gothic interpretations can be quite fearful in appearance.

During the Renaissance a tremendous amount of confusion arose over the attributes and characteristics of the Cherubim, when on numerous occasions they were confused with putti angels, winged children who are generally depicted holding small golden trumpets.

In Western Christian tradition, cherubim have become associated with the putto (derived from classical Cupid/Eros), resulting in depictions of cherubim as small, plump, winged boys.

So the scripture shows that a Cherub is a mighty and fearsome winged beast and guardian of Eden, not the image of an innocent childlike being. The confusion is still widespread even in this day and age, and we can blame the Renaissance artists for it. So now when we call a small child a little cherub we may want to change the adjective for something else!

In chapter 1 Ezekiel the prophet designates them as living creatures (chayyoth); the chart above shows the difference between the cherubim described in Ezekiel, with the one that John gives in the book of Revelation.

Do they appear the same on earth as in Heaven??

This is a possible explanation for the differences.

The wings being raised would cover the view of the other faces. Due to Heaven existing in another dimension parallel to ours, it makes sense that they would probably appear differently there.

Time is cyclical. Time as we know it exists only in this earthly dimension.

When we recognize the fact that God has more dimensions of space and time than just the 4 dimensions we tend to think in, it makes it easier to understand how God is able to be omnipresent and that this plural God is singular.

We tend to look at life in 3 dimensions of space and one dimension of time because of the way we have been educated.

Time, that for us, seems to travel forward and is linear.

God however, is not limited to 1 dimension of time or He would not be 1 God who is omnipresent. The chart below on the left depicts 2 dimensions of time; one of length and one of height. If time has just 2 dimensions, then within every moment of time there is an infinite amount of time. Paper, for example, is only 2 dimensional, and so we can only show 2 dimensions at once.

In the diagram above pictured on the right, simulated are 3 dimensions of time in which it implies that time has depth as well. If God is above time, at this point He can not only see the past, the present, and the future consecutively but He can also influence and interact with them all simultaneously. This is why He can say His Name is I AM (not I WAS or I WILL BE); and why He is the same yesterday today and forever. Heb.13:8

When John saw Messiah in Heaven for example, He appeared as a lamb that was slain, with 7 eyes and 7 horns.

Seven is the number of perfection and horns represent power. In the same way eyes are how we perceive things, so they represent wisdom. This is picturing Messiah with perfect power and perfect wisdom. In Ezekiel, the cherubim are depicted with 4 wings and 4 faces.

The number four is the signature of the Earth, depicting our four seasons and 4 corners giving us 4 directions; East, West, North, and South.

Ezekiel 41:18 And it (the paneling of the holy place of the temple) was made with cherubs …and two faces were to a cherub, the face of a man, toward the palm tree from here, and a young lion’s face toward the palm tree from there. It was made to continue all around on the wall of the temple.

The Keruvim/Cherubim are the connection to the flaming sword at a garden gate, a golden box (ark of the covenant/mercy seat), a lion, an ox, an eagle and the two visions of Ezekiel and John. However the conclusion to the mystery with mazzaroth, the Tribes, and Yeshua/Jesus is coming in part 2.

The Scriptures tell us that angels watch over us make sure that you are saved and that they can be of optimum assistance in your life

For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven Matt. 18:10 

“Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Ex. 23:20

Shalom Mishpachah/Family!

Please, don’t leave this page until..

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Make certain Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him.

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SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.