Angels on Assignment
Chapter 1
Angels – Ministering
Spirits
Angels are ministering
spirits. “And of the angels He says: ‘Who makes His angels spirits and His
ministers a flame of fire (Hebrews 1:7 and Psalms 104:4).’”
“But to which of the
angels has He ever said: ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make your enemies your
footstool’? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for
those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:13-14)
Angels are messengers who
execute God’s purposes. The Greek word for angel is angelos, which
means: a messenger; an envoy; one who is sent.
Worship of angels is
forbidden in the Bible (Revelation 19:10; 22:8-9 and Colossians 2:18). We do
not bow down to angels, but only to Jesus Christ.
Angels are very strong and
perform God’s Word. Psalms 103:20 says, “Bless the Lord, you His angels, mighty
in strength, who perform His Word, obeying the voice of the Lord.”
When we speak God’s Word
over situations, angels are activated to work on our behalf. When you praise
God and speak words of faith, you invite God’s holy angels. When you speak
words of doubt and complain, demons are attracted.
Mankind was created a
little lower than the angels (Psalms 8:4-5).
Jesus is fully God and
fully man. While He was here on this earth, He was a little lower than the
angels (Hebrews 2:9). Now Jesus is crowned as King of kings and Lord of lords and
is seated at the right hand of the Father and the angels bow down to Him and
worship Him.
Angels worship the Lord
through singing and the many other forms of worship (Revelation 5:8-14).
A host of angels heralded
the birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 2:13-14).
The angels are too
numerous to be counted (Hebrews 12:22 and Revelation 5:11).
Angels assist in the
righteous judgments of God (Matthew 13:39-49) and gather the elect from the
four corners (North, South, East, West) of the earth (Matthew 24:41).
Angels are sent to protect
us (Psalms 91:11-12).
Some have entertained
angels unaware (Hebrews 13:2).
Jesus was taken up to
heaven in a cloud and two angels addressed the crowd (Acts 1:9-11). He will
return to earth with hosts of angels (Matthew 16:27).
We shall judge angels one
day (1 Corinthians 6:3).
Angels do not marry nor
are given in marriage (Mark 12:25 and Luke 20:34-36). However, they have
husbands and wives, have sexual relations, and give birth to babies. They live
together in the same mansion. It’s more like domestic partnership.
Some common angels have
wings, and other angels do not. Most do not have wings, and have the appearance
of a human being. Some are tall, and others are the same average height of
humans.
Angels were created a
little higher than humans. They have expertise and knowledge in the fields of
medicine, science, chemistry, technology, and other related fields. They are
extremely intelligent and have much wisdom and understanding.
Angels love to laugh and
have a good time. They have the joy of the Lord. They go through difficult
seasons in their life too, just like us humans. Their lives are not perfect.
They can communicate
through verbal speaking and by thoughts.
Angels give us positive,
good, godly dreams that give us hope and encouragement.
Angels transport babies
who miscarried or who were aborted to Heaven, and their little bodies are taken
to a hospital-like center, and the babies grow to maturity.
Then the babies are either
adopted out if there are no relatives in Heaven who can take care of the
children, or the babies are given to a relative to be raised by. Mothers who
have lost babies will see them again in Heaven someday.
Angels have a myriad of
emotions, just like humans do. They can be happy and joyful, or they can be sad
or mourn losses (usually a loss of a significant relationship). They can get
very angry or be upset and irritated. They can get impatient in dealing with
certain individuals and be irritable. They can be glad, and overflow with
gratitude and thankfulness. They experience the full scope of emotions that
humans do. So therefore, they understand us humans very well.
Angels can fly, with or
without wings.
Angels can instantly
appear or disappear.
Angels can go from earth
to Heaven instantly, within a matter of seconds.
Angels can walk through
walls or descend through ceilings.
Angels can drive vehicles,
fly jets, or call people on the phone, if they come in the appearance of a
human and no one suspects they are an angel.
Angels and humans are
compatible as far as being able to produce offspring together.
Angels protect and rescue
our pets when they are in trouble. Sometimes angels take pets on home to Heaven
if they wander off from home, or are very aged and sick (angels take them to
heaven either in the physical body like Elijah and Elisha, or the pet dies and
they take their spirit body to Heaven).
Angels take care of our
pets for us that are deceased, until we arrive in Heaven.
Angels comfort us when we
are sad.
They often sing songs over
us, or envelop us in their love and tender care.
Angels are also skilled
nurses, and can give humans medications, injections, and other medical
procedures. Years ago when I used to suffer with migraines, they used to give
me something like bread, like manna, and then the migraine would instantly go
away.
Angels are anointed to
heal the sick.
Angels often show up at
the end of a person’s life and sing songs to them, or speak to them audibly
through dreams. Sometimes an entire choir of angels begin to sing comforting
songs to you.
Angels take saints on home
to Heaven when they pass on from this life. On some occasions, Jesus shows up
in Person and takes people on home to Heaven.
Sometimes angels wake us
up from our sleep, if we are sleeping too long or are having troubled dreams,
by a knocking sound, or a doorbell ringing, or a vibration like sensation in
our ears or forehead, or playing surround music. Sometimes you might hear a
loved one’s voice calling you.
Angels are always with you
24 hours a day, but most humans are unaware of their presence. They are there with
you whether you are dressed or naked, whether cooking or taking a shower. It is
against the rules for an angel to ever abandon their humans or let them out of
their sight.
Everyone has guardian
angels. A minimum of two angels guard each individual. Some people have several
angels guarding them day and night.
Angels work in shifts, and
come and go. They have to return to Heaven to get some sleep and to eat and be
with their family.
There are always a minimum
of two or more angels for every human, just in the event that demons show up,
then they have more backup.
Angels heed the word of
the Lord. We can pray to God that He would have our angels carry out His will
for our lives. But we can’t boss angels around.
It’s not wise to talk to
angels every day, all the time. That is because demons can show up invisible,
disguising themselves as holy angels, and fool you and deceive you. If you have
the gift of discerning of spirits, you will automatically know when it’s a holy
angel or a demonic spirit (demons are fallen angels).
Angels are attracted to
atmospheres where there is worship and praise. They love musical instruments,
and singing and dancing.
They show up, and then the
Shekinah Glory fills the place. The Shekinah Glory is the Holy Spirit, but it also
involves a myriad of holy angels too. Angels worship Jesus just like humans do,
and they bow down to Him and take their orders from Him or the Father. Angels
can impart the Glory and Anointing. They often literally pour Anointing Oil on
people in an anointed atmosphere, and they can heal the sick and brokenhearted,
and give people visions.
Angels rescue people from
dangerous situations.
Angels often speak to us
through our thoughts, or through a green light or red light, or a bubbly joyful
feeling or a grieved feeling on the inside, depending on the matter. You have
to learn how to distinguish their voice from that of the Holy Spirit. They also
speak to us through dreams and visions. Sometimes they speak by having our
mother’s voice call us or speak to us in a dream.
Angels often help us out
with practical matters. For instance, years ago I wanted to get involved with
Aqua Aerobics. My angels found the perfect aqua shirts (in teal and fuschia)
and led me to the website to order it. They also led me to find teal and fuschia
aqua shoes where the colors matched my outfit perfectly. So sometimes when we
think it’s just us doing the choosing or finding what we want, it’s actually
our angels leading us to those things and bringing it to our attention.
Angels show up with a
clipboard and notepad when you give tithes and offerings. They record the date,
the hour and moment, the setting (such as at church), and the amount we gave.
If we gave less than 10%, then it was recorded as a zero (as if we gave nothing).
If we gave a generous amount, it’s recorded. If we gave just to please men,
it’s recorded as a zero (irregardless of the amount we gave). Angels know our
thoughts and intentions of the heart. You cannot hide anything from angels.
Angels often help people
find the right spouse. They are very good matchmakers, as they follow the
leading of the Holy Spirit.
Angels can read our
thoughts and know the intentions of our hearts. They know when we are sad or
depressed, and they seek to comfort and encourage us. They know when we are
happy and joyful. They understand our confusion at times, or if our emotions
are all torn apart. There really is nothing you can hide from angels.
Sometimes due to cultural
differences, angels may misinterpret your actions. But that is more on the rare
side, and not the norm.
Other names for angels in
the Bible include:
· Morning Stars (Job 38:4,7)
· Sons of God (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:4,7)
· Hosts (Psalms 24:10; 103:21)
· Angels of Light (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)
· Sons of the Mighty (Psalms 29:1-2)
· Holy Ones (Jude 14-15)
Other angelic beings in
the Bible include:
· Archangels
· Seraphim
· Cherubim
· Living Creatures
· Living Beasts
· Wheels (Ophanim)
· Chariots
Archangels are the same as
common angels, except hold higher ranking positions. They usually make their
abode at God’s Throne where His Glory dwells, and are dispatched to intervene
in certain situations from time to time.
Some have wings and others
do not have wings.
Two archangels mentioned
in the Bible are Michael and Gabriel. Michael had to fight the Prince of Persia
(major demonic stronghold) in order to heed Daniel’s prayers. Gabriel was sent
to deliver good news to Mary, Zacharias and Daniel.
Michael is an archangel in
charge of the angelic army and he is called a chief prince (Revelation 12:7-9,
Jude 9, Daniel 10:8-21).
Gabriel is a mighty angel
who was sent to deliver messages to Daniel (Daniel 8:16-27; 9:21-27), Zacharias
(Luke 1:19) and Mary (Luke 1:26-38).
Chapter
2
Angels - Seraphim
Seraphim are an order of celestial beings who Isaiah beheld in a vision
standing above Yahweh as He sat upon His Throne (Isaiah 6:1-9).
Seraphim are God’s attendant angels.
Their occupation is three-fold:
1. To celebrate the praises of Yahweh’s holiness and power (Isaiah 6:3)
2. To serve as agents of purification and sanctification (Isaiah 6:6-8)
3. To act as a medium of communication between Heaven and earth (Isaiah
6:6)
Anti-phonal worship
1.
Isaiah saw two or more choirs of
seraphim standing on either side of the Throne singing and chanting anthems in
anti-phonal mode. They would answer,
respond and repeat each other as they cried out: “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts; the
whole earth is full of His glory!”
2.
The seraphim call special
attention to God’s glory and majesty.
3.
In Isaiah 6:4, as the seraphim
worship Yahweh, the posts of the doors are shaken like an earthquake and the
Shekinah glory in the form of smoke fills the House (Temple or Throne).
Seraphim serve as agents of
purification and sanctification
1.
Seraphim depict the holiness of
God. In Isaiah 6:6-7, one of the seraphs
used tongs to take a live coal from off the altar and laid it upon Isaiah’s
mouth. Then the seraph declared: “Lo this has touched thy lips and thine
iniquity is taken away and thine sin purged.”
2.
The seraph imparts spiritual fire
from God to Isaiah.
3.
In Isaiah’s case, his lips (words
spoken, speech) was purified by fire so that he could enter into his prophetic
office.
4.
As the hot coal purged Isaiah’s
lips and removed his sin, he was inaugurated into office. In the same manner, so were the disciples by
the tongues of fire resting on them, the sign of their magnifying Jesus in
various languages (Acts 2).
5.
Isaiah’s feelings of unfitness
for the prophetic office, as well as his personal sin, were removed only by
being brought into contact with the sacrificial altar of which Messiah is the
anti-type.
Seraphim act as the medium of
communication between Heaven and earth
1.
The seraph was the servant God
used to apply the hot coal and to be the mediator to deliver the message from
Yahweh.
Appearance of Seraphim
Seraphim have six wings:
1.
With two wings they cover their
face (a token of humility and reverence to not look upon a holy God nor pry
into His secret counsels).
2.
With two wings they cover their
feet (a token of respect and service).
3.
With two wings they do fly (they
are kept ready for instant flight in performing God’s service).
Other than having six wings, seraphim bear a general resemblance to
human likeness.
Seraphim have the appearance of fire or serpentine flashes of
lightning.
Psalm 104:4 “Who maketh His angels spirits; His ministers a flaming
fire” (cross reference is Hebrews 1:7).
The Hebrew definitions of
seraphim are:
1.
Burning, glowing, to be set on
fire; zeal; copper color (perhaps denoting their brilliance and brightness of
appearance).
2.
Fiery serpents (see Numbers
21:6,8 and Deuteronomy 8:15). In Isaiah
14:29; 30:5, it’s translated as “flying fiery serpents”.
The Fausset’s Bible Dictionary states that seraphim and fiery serpents
are connected in the same definition because seraphim are likened to the
rapidity of a serpent in carrying out their duties in God’s service. Seraphim are likened to flashes of lightning,
which resemble the swiftness of movement of the serpent. Seraphim are likened to serpents because of
their wisdom.
Satan’s serpent form in appearing to man may have some connection with
his original form as a seraph of light.
In Ezekiel 28:14-16, Lucifer is described as the anointed covering
cherub. Seraphim and cherubim are
similar.
The first few letters of the Hebrew word sareph (sar) means: prince, ruler, head person of any rank or
class. Thus, seraphim are noted as being
one of the highest ranks of the order of angels.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia states that seraphim in
Jewish theology are connected with cherubim and ophanim (wheels) as the three
highest orders of attendants of Yahweh, and are superior to the angels who are
messengers sent on various errands.
Chapter
3
Angels – Cherubim, Living Creatures
Cherubim are similar to, but not identical with the seraphim. Bible
passages indicate that there are variations of cherubim.
1.
Four Living Creatures (Ezekiel)
2.
Four Living Beasts (Revelation)
Four Living Creatures
In the vision that Ezekiel had, he saw four living creatures. Each
cherub bore the likeness of a man (Ezekiel 1:5). Each cherub had four wings
(Ezekiel 1:6,11).
Each cherub had four faces (Ezekiel 1:6,10). In the front was the face
of a man. On the right side was the face of a lion. On the left side was the
face of an ox. On the back was the face of an eagle.
The hands of a man were under their wings on all four sides (Ezekiel
1:8).
They had straight legs like that of a man, but a cloven sole of a calf’s
foot. Their feet gleamed like burnished brass (Ezekiel 1:7).
They had eyes all around their bodies (Ezekiel 10:12).
Their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and out of the fire
went lightning (Ezekiel 1:13-14). The cherubim not only have the appearance of
burning coals, but also dwell in the midst of fire. In Ezekiel 10:2,6 the man
clothed in linen gathered burning coals in his hands from between the wheels
and cherubim and scattered it over the city.
They went straight forward in the direction wherever the Spirit led them
without turning their bodies (Ezekiel 1:9,12).
A wheel (Hebrew word ophan) stood beside each living creature (Ezekiel
1:15-21; 3:13; 10:2-19; 11:22). Ophanim angelic beings are also known as
Thrones or Whirling Wheels, and are depicted by the appearance of a whirlwind
(Ezekiel 1:4-5). The spirit of the cherubim were within the wheels (Ezekiel
1:20-21; 10:16-17).
The sound of the cherub wings was majestic, awesome, dreadful, amazing
and wondrous (Ezekiel 1:24; 3:13; 10:5). The sound of their wings was like:
A. The Almighty when He speaks
B. The sound of many rushing waters
C. Like the shouts and tumult of an army
D. Like the roar of thunder or the rumbling of an
earthquake
Chapter
4
Angels, Pt 4 - Cherubim, Living Beasts
Bible passages indicate that there are variations of cherubim.
1.
Four Living Creatures (Ezekiel)
2.
Four Living Beasts (Revelation)
In my previous post, I talked about the four living creatures mentioned
in Ezekiel.
Four Living Beasts
In the vision that John the Beloved had in the book of Revelation, he
saw four living beasts around the Throne. Each beast had its own face and
appearance. These cherubim were part man and part beast.
One beast had the appearance of a lion. The second beast had the
appearance of an ox. The third beast looked like a man. The fourth beast looked
like an eagle.
Each beast had six wings.
They were full of eyes all around their bodies, and even under their
wings (Revelation 4:6,8).
The four living beasts led worship around the Throne. They count
themselves among the redeemed. They fall down before the Lamb (Jesus) and
worship Him (Revelation 5:8-14; 7:11-12). The four beasts listen to the song of
the 144,000 (Revelation 14:1-3).
The four beasts magnify the holiness and power of God.
The four beasts join with the saints and twenty-four elders in
worshiping the Lamb at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and rejoicing over the
destruction of the Harlot who corrupted the earth (Revelation 19:1-9).
The four beasts are emblematic of the Divine Providential
Administration. The four beasts are associated with decreeing and executing the
holy judgments of God. They represent the righteous government of God. The four
beasts are specifically mentioned in Revelation as proclaiming the judgments
contained in each of the first four seals when the Lamb opened each one
(Revelation 6:1-8).
The four beasts are not specifically mentioned in the execution of the 5th,
6th and 7th seals, but is assumed to be associated
because later on in Revelation 15:5-8 one of the four beasts gave to the seven
angels (in the 7th seal) seven bowls of wrath to pour out.
The four beasts dwell in the center, and around, the Throne of God
serving as attendants of Yahweh.
Revelation 4:6 “And before the Throne there was a sea of glass like unto
crystal; and in the midst of the Throne, and round about the Throne, were four
beasts full of eyes before and behind.”
Revelation 5:6-7 “And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the Throne and
of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been
slain, having seven horns and seven eyes which are the seven Spirits of God
sent forth into all the earth. And He came and took the book out of the right
hand of Him that sat upon the Throne.”
The four beasts in Revelation are not to be confused with the four
beasts mentioned in Daniel 7:3-8 (lion with eagle’s wings, bear, leopard with
four heads and four wings, beast with iron teeth and ten horns). These beasts
represent world kingdoms.
Chapter
5
Angels, Pt 5 - Cherubim, Symbolism
Symbolism of the Appearance of
the Four Beasts and Four Living Creatures
Wings
Express the rapidity of fulfilling God’s will. The outstretched wings
speak of them guarding the Throne (Isaiah 37:16) and guarding the sprinkled
blood on the Mercy Seat (1 Samuel 4:4).
Eyes All Around
Manifold wisdom of God, omni-presence of God (everywhere at the same
time) and omniscience of God (all knowing).
Four Faces
Lion = King of the forest; Gospel of Matthew and Christ depicted as King.
Jesus is majesty. Kingly righteousness with a hatred of evil, as a lion
springing on its victim; the Church having the boldness and strength of a lion;
the lion is the banner of the tribe of Judah. Judah means “praise”.
Ox = King of the field; Gospel of Mark and Christ depicted as suffering
servant. Christ’s laborious endurance; diligence and patience in duty (as an ox
is bound to the soil); able to bear others’ burdens; gentle and meek; the ox is
the banner of the tribe of Ephraim. Ephraim means “double fruitful”.
Man = King of creation; Gospel of Luke and Christ depicted as fully God and
fully man. Christ’s brotherly love and compassion for the whole human race.
Intelligence and wisdom of man. Face of a man speaks of the mind, reason,
affections, emotions and all the things that encompass humanity. A man is the
banner of the tribe of Reuben. Reuben means “behold a son”.
Eagle = King of the birds of the air; Gospel of John and Christ depicted as
Divine, Heavenly, eternal and God Almighty. The soaring majesty of the divine
Word made flesh; ascending to heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Soaring above
the storms and distresses of life. Incredible vision, wisdom and faithfulness.
Freedom in the Spirit. Contemplation of heavenly things as the eagle; being
renewed like the eagles; a swift bird strong and powerful, not becoming weary.
Feasting on pure things. The eagle is the tribe of Dan. Dan means “a judge”.
The four beasts and living creatures represent the elect redeemed from
the four corners of the earth – the Body of Christ worldwide. The Church is
being perfected to walk in its four-fold aspect, ministering and functioning as
kings-priests unto God.
The lion and eagle speak of kingship and dominion. The ox and man speak
of priesthood.
1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation; a peculiar people, that you should show forth the praises of him
who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
Revelation 5:10 says, “And has made us unto our God kings and priests
and we shall reign on the earth.”
The four standards (banners) under which Israel encamped in the
wilderness was a lion for Judah on the East; an eagle for Dan on the North; an
ox for Ephraim on the West; and a man for Reuben on the South. In the middle
was the tabernacle with the Shekinah Glory Cloud (God’s presence).
Chapter
6
Angels, Pt 6 - Cherubim, Facts
The cherubim include:
- Four Living Creatures with four wings and four
faces (lion, ox, man, eagle)
- Four Living Beasts with six wings and each one
had their own appearance (a lion, an ox, a man, an eagle)
- Artistic Ornamental Cherubim in Moses’
Tabernacle depict two gold cherubim on either side of the Ark bearing the
resemblance of a man and having two long wings
- Artistic Ornamental Cherubim in Solomon’s
Temple depict two cherubim on either side of the Ark as having the
resemblance of a gold lion with two wings
- Artistic Ornamental Cherubim in Ezekiel’s
Temple have two faces (a man and a lion)
- Some cherubim have the appearance of fire or
serpentine flashes of lightning
- Wheels (ophanim angelic beings) have the
appearance of a whirlwind and flashes of lightning
- Chariots are a mode of transportation (i.e.
riding on a cherub)
Cherubim serve as Bearers and Guardians of God’s Throne (Ezekiel
1:22-28; 10:1, Revelation 4:6; 5:6-7; 7:11-12; 14:3). They are carriers of
God’s Divine Majesty.
The Lord of Hosts is repeatedly described as: “He that sitteth (enthroned) between the cherubim” (1 Samuel 4:4, 2
Samuel 6:2, 2 Kings 19:15, 1 Chronicles 13:6, Psalm 80:1; 99:1, Isaiah 37:16).
Cherubim are associated with the Shekinah Glory of God (the Shekinah is
the weighty, tangible, visible presence of the Lord). See Ezekiel 9:3; 10:4,18;
11:22.
Cherubim are often associated with worship and praise of God. The
cherubim serve the purpose of magnifying the Holiness and Power of God. They
also are a visible reminder of the Majesty and Glory of God, and His abiding
presence with His people.
God’s meeting place to commune with us and give us answers come from
that place between the cherubim. We access that place through faith and
worship.
“And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above
the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the
Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the
children of Israel” (Exodus 25:22).
God promised to commune with Moses “from between the cherubim”. This
expression was afterwards used to denote the Divine Abode and Presence.
The cherubim hold the knowledge of God, as they are close to the Glory
of God and attendants of His Throne. In Talmud, the cherubim are equated with
the order Ophanim (Wheels or Chariots) or the order Hayyoth (Holy Beasts). As
angels of light, glory and keepers of the heavenly records, the cherubim excel
in knowledge.
The cherubim are first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 3:24. When God
drove Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, He placed cherubim at the east of
the garden. “And a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to
the tree of life.” The office of the cherubim was to render it impossible for
man to return to Paradise and eat of the tree of life, and remain in their
fallen state forever.
Fausset’s Bible Dictionary states that as the flaming sword proclaimed
God’s just wrath against sin, so the cherubim proclaimed mercy in store for
lost man. They guarded the tree of life, not against man, but for the time when
men shall recover it and never to lose it. If Adam and Eve had of partaken of
the tree of life, they would have remained lost forever.
We next read of the cherubim in connection with the furnishing of the
Tabernacle (Exodus 25:18-20). Directions were given to place two golden
cherubim on either side of the Ark of the Covenant, their wings outstretched
over the Mercy Seat. (The Mercy Seat was a slab of gold laid on top of the Ark
of the Covenant.)
The Mercy Seat speaks of propitiation and atonement of sin by the
sprinkling of blood. The cherubim looked down on the sprinkled blood that
symbolizes the righteousness of God and the perfect work of redemption by the
sacrifice of Christ (Romans 3:24-26).
Animal blood used to be sprinkled on the Mercy Seat on the Day of
Atonement by the High Priest, but sins were only atoned for one year.
Sacrifices had to be repeated over and over again.
Jesus, as Great High Priest, after His resurrection, took His Blood and
sprinkled His own blood on the Mercy Seat in Heaven, thus providing eternal
propitiation of sins. No more blood sacrifices needed to be offered.
Cherubim execute the holy judgments of God. As the redeemed will
hereafter be one with Christ in His executing vengeance on the ungodly
(Revelation 19:11-16), so will the cherubim also take part in that execution of
vengeance (Revelation 15:7, Ezekiel 10:7).
The cherubim are described as “the wings of the wind”. Psalm 18:10b “And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly;
yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.” Psalm 104:3b-4 “Who maketh the clouds His chariot; who
walketh upon the wings of the wind. Who maketh His angels spirits, His
ministers a flaming fire.”
At one time Lucifer, who now is Satan, was an anointed covering cherub
(Ezekiel 28:14,16) until he rebelled against God (Isaiah 14:12-14, Ezekiel
28:12-19) and lost his place in heaven. He sought to usurp God’s Throne.
The garden in which Lucifer dwelt was situated on a holy mountain of
God, the “mountain of assembly” (Isaiah 14:13), high above the stars in the
recesses of the North. It is a wonderful place, adorned with all manner of
precious stones. In that place, Lucifer, perfect from the day in which he was
created, resplendent with beauty, excelling in wisdom, walked among the fiery
stones. However, pride filled Lucifer’s heart and he fell from glory and was
hurled from the sanctuary which he had polluted.
Thou, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. In Eden, the garden of God
were thou, all precious stones were thy covering. Thou were a cherub with wings
outstretched in protection, thou were on the holy mountain of God, thou didst
walk amongst fiery stones. Thou were innocent in thy ways from the day on which
thou were created until iniquity was found in thee … thou didst sin, therefore
I will cast thee out from the mountain of God and destroy thee, O covering
cherub away from the fiery stones.
Some scholars believe that the “stones of fire” mentioned in Ezekiel
28:14,16 is in reference to seraphim (Lucifer walked among the seraphim, the
highest order of angels).
Angels have a mind, free will and emotions. They can choose to obey or
disobey God, as is seen in the case with Lucifer and the one-third of angels
who followed Lucifer.
Angels,
Pt 7 – Chariots and Wheels
Chariots
Chariots speak of cherubim as a mode of transportation (i.e. riding on a
cherub).
Psalm 18:10b “And he rode upon a
cherub, and did fly; yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.”
Psalm 68:17 “The chariots of God
are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in
Sinai, in the Holy Place.”
Psalm 104:3b-4 “Who maketh the
clouds His chariot; who walketh upon the wings of the wind. Who maketh His
angels spirits, His ministers a flaming fire.”
2 Samuel 22:11 “And He rode upon a
cherub, and did fly; and he was seen upon the wings of the wind.”
2 Kings 2:11 “And it came to pass,
as they (Elijah and Elisha) still went on, and talked, that behold, there
appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both ascunder;
and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into Heaven.” It’s possible that angels
carried Elijah up into heaven. The whirlwind speaks of the wheels (ophanim).
1 Chronicles 28:11,18 “Then David
gave his son Solomon the plans … the plans for all that he had received by the
Spirit … ‘All this’, said David, ‘the Lord made me understand in writing, by
his hand upon me, all the works of these plans” … “and refined gold by weight
for the altar of incense, and for the construction
of the Chariot – that is, the gold
cherubim that spread their wings and overshadowed the Ark of the Covenant
of the Lord.’”
The cherubim are described as “the wings of the wind” (Psalm 18:10b;
104:3b-4, 2 Samuel 22:11).
Wheels
The Hebrew word for wheels is ophan. Wheels are ophanim angelic beings.
Wheels, in Ezekiel, are seen as being in association with the cherubim.
Appearance of the Wheels
They have the appearance of fire.
Daniel 7:9 says, “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the
Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his
head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.”
Also see Ezekiel 10:2,6
Their appearance is like unto a beryl stone – Ezekiel 1:16, 10:9. The Amplified Version says in Ezekiel 10:9
that the stone was a sparkling chrysolite.
They look like a wheel in the middle of a wheel – Ezekiel 1:16.
They have eyes all around their bodies – Ezekiel 1:18, 10:12.
Their rims were so high that they were dreadful, and their rims were
full of eyes round about – Ezekiel 1:18.
They have the appearance of a whirlwind.
More About the Wheels
Wheels are always mentioned in connection with the cherubim in Ezekiel.
When the living creatures stood, the wheel stood beside them. When the living
creatures moved, the wheels moved with them. When they flew upward, the wheels
went up, too. When the living creatures stopped, the wheels stopped (Ezekiel
1:19-21).
The wheels did not turn aside as they went in the four directions
(Ezekiel 1:16).
The spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. So wherever the
Spirit went, the wheels and the living creatures also went (Ezekiel 1:20-21).
The Spirit of Life was in the wheels (Ezekiel 10:17).
The wheels are called “Whirling Wheels” (Ezekiel 10:2,6,13 Amplified).
The man clothed in white linen stood beside the wheel (Ezekiel 10:6-7).
