cherub, (plural) cherubims
“Cherubim” From Dictionary of Biblical Words:
The plural of the Hebrew word CHERUB, the origin of which is doubtful. They were symbolic living creatures Ezekiel saw (i. 5) by the river Chebar supporting of God’s throne and connected with the actings of that throne in righteousness and judgment (Gen. 3; Psa. 18; Ezek. 10). The Seraphim, on the contrary, are described as above the throne (Isa. 6) and are connected with actions of mercy and peace. The apparent union of these two creatures (after the cross of Christ) in the four beasts of Rev. 4 shows that mercy and truth have met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other (Psa. 85:10).
“Beasts, the Four” From Dictionary of Biblical Words:
These are not beasts, but living creatures, combining the six wings and the cry of “Holy, holy, holy” of the seraphim in Isa. 6 with the four appearances and the eyes of the cherubim of Ezek. 1 The four faces embrace all creation—man, cattle, beasts of the field, and fowls of the air. They are the executive instruments of the throne of God, combining intelligence, firmness, power and rapidity. They are an instance of what is often found in Scripture: the combination of two things after the cross that are separate before.
Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
A place in Babylonia (Ezra 2:59; Neh. 7:61).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
Representatives of God’s power in creation and judicial government. They were placed at Eden to keep the tree of life after the fall of man (Gen. 3:24). They were depicted in needlework and in carving both in the tabernacle and the temple, and two of them with wings were represented as overshadowing the mercy-seat (Ex. 25:18-22; Ex. 26:1, 31; Ex. 37:7-9; 1 Kings 6:23-35; 1 Kings 8:6-7). In the visions of Ezekiel cherubim were seen in connection with the wheels, representing the glory and course of God’s government in active judgment of Israel. They are called “living creatures” in Ezekiel 1, with the faces of a man (intelligence), of a lion (strength), of an ox (plodding endurance), and of an eagle (swiftness): see also Ezekiel 10 where they are called “cherubims,” and compare Revelation 4:6-9, where in the AV the four living creatures are unhappily called “beasts.”
The winged bulls which were placed at the entrances of the Assyrian palaces were probably traditions of the cherubim. In the Accadian language they were termed kirubu, and were thought to preserve the places from the entrance of evil spirits.
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Meaning:
of uncertain derivation; a cherub or imaginary figure
KJV Usage:
cherub, (plural) cherubims