Daily Devotions
Ezekiel
"The likeness of their faces"
Text: Ezekiel 1:10
THE FACES OF THE CHERUBIM
The faces of the cherubim were described. This is a difficult text to read and to comprehend.
“As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man;
each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side,
each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side,
and each of the four had the face of an eagle.”
Ezekiel 1:10
1. The four faces are to be understood symbolically.
2. The likeness of their faces:
a) The face of a Man.
b) The face of a Lion.
c) The face of an Ox.
d) The face of an Eagle.
3. Various interpretations have been given.
a) The ancient Rabbinic scholars suggest that these represented the groups of Israel’s tribes as they travelled through the Wilderness (Numbers 2).
b) Biblical scholars associate these faces with the 4 Evangelists:
i) Matthew (Lion)
ii) Mark (Ox)
iii) Luke (Man)
iv) John (Eagle)
c) But it must be noted that scholars differ in their opinions on the assignment of each face. The above mentioned does not represent a consensus of opinion of the scholars.
4. Spiritual lessons we may learn.
a) The Cherubim are complex in their being.
b) Whereas Man is limited to just his own likeness, the Cherubim are not.
c) That they have four faces would point to the fact that they are:
i) Far Superior to Man.
ii) Far Stronger than Man.
d) Yet, despite all their powers, they remain consistently steadfast in their service to the LORD.
e) The faithful must be inspired by their example of devotion to God.