What is the difference between
an Archangel and the Cherubim?

What is the difference between
an Archangel and the Cherubim?

Q. What is the difference between an Archangel and the Cherubim?

(Submitted by: M. M.)

A.The spirit beings, endowed with tremendous power and knowledge, who are at God's service, are collectively called with the general name of Angels, "host of heaven," "principalities and powers." Several Scriptures make mention of them and of Cherubim (plural of Cherub), yet Archangels are only mentioned twice in the all Bible. The description of these Holy, spirit beings is very scant, except for the Cherubim that have four faces and four wings (Ezekiel 10:20-21). There is no description of the Archangels in the Bible. The only one named is Michael in the ninth verse of Jude.

The Bible, although naming these Spirit beings many times, is obscure as far as their names (except Lucifer, Michael and Gabriel ), rank and specific tasks, with few exceptions.

There are some religious beliefs that make the Cherubim the same as the Archangels, but there is no biblical support for that.

Undoubtedly both of the two belong to a higher order of Angels: the Cherubim connected with and having proximity to God's throne (Ezekiel 1 and 10). Additionally, Exodus 25; 1 Kings 8:6-7, and several more Scriptures, place the Cherubim in the Holy of Holies of the temple (Sanctuary) on this earth, which was a replica of God's throne in heaven:

"who serve the copy and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, 'See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.' " (Hebrews 8:5, quoting from Exodus 25:40).

The only time the Cherubim appear away from God's throne is at the time Adam and Eve were ousted from the garden of Eden:

"So He drove out the man; and placed Cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life. " (Genesis 3:24)

This Scripture is evidence that there are several Cherubim. Lucifer was originally one of them, directly associated with the throne of God (Ezekiel 28:14).

The Archangels are involved in major events on the earth (and undoubtedly in the whole universe) as some passages in Scripture indicate (Daniel 10:13, 20; 12:1).

Gabriel (one of the only three named) was also involved in major biblical events ( Daniel 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19, 26 ) and may be an Archangel also, but the Bible doesn't say.

The Scriptures give little information on angelic beings. We would all like to know more about these extraordinary creatures, yet God has chosen, in this present age, to disclose very limited knowledge about them. In the kingdom of God all mystery will be removed:

"For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. " (1Corinthians 13:12)

It is better be safe and satisfied with what God reveals in Scripture, than speculate and be off target.

Answer Given By: Adriano Borean