Cherubim


In York Rite Masonry, we are introduced to the presence of Cherubim and their importance to our Masonic Ritual. The part of Masonic Ritual where the presence of Cherubim is most prominent is when we do the circumambulations in the Royal Master Degree where the Cherubim (if enough members are present) greet the candidate and the Conductor of the Council as they make their way around the Council.

The first mention of Cherubim in York Rite Masonry is during the Super Excellent Master Degree during the dedication of the Temple after the Keystone is lowered into place. The Ark is placed into the completed Temple and upon the Ark are Cherubim indicating the presence of God.

When we do the opening of the Royal Arch Degree, the Captain of the Host mentions the Masters of the Veils are guards of the Veils. He mentions that on the veils are representative of the four tribes of Israel, Judah, Ephraim, Ruben and Dan an on each banner is delineated a lion, an ox, a man and an eagle. This is the area in York Rite Masonry where we are most often reminded of the Cherubim.

In Ezekiel, chapter 1the Bible describes cherubim as being four living creatures with four heads. They have the figure of man and they have the feet of calves. They are creatures with four wings. The wings of one touch the wings of the other and the remaining two wrap around their bodies. The cherubim are described as moving in a straight line. They also darted to and from like a flash of lightning. Above the firmament of their heads was the likeness of a throne and above the likeness of the throne was a human like figure. Such was a likeness of the appearance of the Glory of the Lord.

The word Cherubim derives from the Hebrew word Keruvim.

The Roles of the Cherubim are to be Guards of the Tabernacle which is the presence of God on earth. They are also responsible for transporting God.

The original mention of Cherubim is in the book of Genesis where they are guardians to the tree of life. This is to prevent man from returning to the Garden of Eden.

In the Book of Ezekiel, they are described as moving in any direction without turning, they were said to have four wheels and the appearance of these wheels was like a wheel within a wheel. When they moved they could go in any direction without pivoting.

Wherever the head faced, they would go in that direction.

Their entire bodies including their backs, hands, wings and the wheels were full of eyes all around.

These eyes could represent their omnipotence and that nothing was hidden from their field of view  which came in handy as throne guards.

Cherubim are said to have eyes on their wings.

Satan, before his rebellion and fall from Heaven was a Cherub.

The four faces of the Cherub are the Lion, Ox, Man and Eagle:

  • The face of a Lion: symbolizes strength and majesty
  • The face of an Ox: Symbolizes patience and servitude
  • The face of a Man: Symbolized intelligence and prudence
  • The face of an Eagle: Symbolizes swiftness and clarity of Vision.

Some of the Cherubim mentioned in the Bible include: Archangels Gabriel and Rafael. Lucifer Rikbiel, Sachiel and Zophiel are also Cherubim mentioned in the Bible.

The functions of Cherubim are to guard the Holy of Holies. The other functions of the Cherubim are:

  • To Transport God
  • Throne bearers for God
  • They are also involved in worship and praise

Cherubim are different from Seraphim. Seraphim are supernatural beings created by God to serve and worship.

The word Seraphim derives from the Hebrew word Seraph meaning to burn. This is secondary to their fiery nature and purifying function.

They have six wings; one set is to conceal their face denoting reverence and awe. Another set of wings is for them to be able to fly and another set to cover their feet to conceal unworthiness.

Seraphim are described as sinless creatures.

As we advance through the Progressive Science and Philosophy of Masonry, we learn that a lot of the things that are placed in Masonic Ritual and Degrees are done with a very specific purpose in mind. I believe that the founders and creators of what is modern York Rite Masonry placed Cherubim in the aforementioned places to accentuate the importance and solemnity of our Ritual in achieving that greater spiritual intellect in order to advance our knowledge and become more like that perfect Ashlar for that final day when we shall be entered into the presence of the Lord.

By: Companion Eric Thiem

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