Take the image of the cherubim, those powerful, enigmatic beings guarding the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were expelled. What do they really represent?
Philo, a Jewish philosopher living in Alexandria around the time of Jesus, offers a fascinating interpretation in his writings, sometimes referred to as "The Midrash of Philo." He suggests the cherubim symbolize two fundamental virtues of God: His creative power and His royal power. It's a beautiful idea, isn't it? Two facets of the Divine, standing sentinel.
Philo elaborates, telling us that the creative power—the one associated with the name "God"—is gentle, peaceful, and beneficent. Think of a loving parent, nurturing and kind. But the royal power—linked to the name "Lord"—is legislative, chastising, and correcting. This is the aspect of God that sets boundaries and ensures justice. It’s a tougher love, but love nonetheless.
And what about that "flaming sword?" Philo sees it as a symbol of heaven itself. He points out that the air has a fiery color and constantly revolves, encompassing the entire universe. It’s a dynamic image, full of movement and energy. So these things, the cherubim and the flaming sword, together guard Paradise, because they preside over wisdom.
Philo uses an analogy to explain further: the wisdom of the world, he says, is like a mirror reflecting divine virtues. The world, in all its complexity and beauty, is a reflection of God's own nature. It’s through this wisdom that the universe is ordered and arranged. And how do we access this wisdom? Through philosophy—the love and pursuit of wisdom. The very word "philosophy" comes from the Greek, meaning love of wisdom, philosophia.
Because the creative virtue possesses both philosophical and royal qualities, Philo even suggests that the world itself is philosophical. Isn't that a profound thought? The universe, in its essence, is engaged in the pursuit of wisdom!
Now, some have interpreted the flaming sword differently, seeing it as a symbol of the sun. The sun, with its constant revolutions, marks the seasons and acts as a guardian of life. It's a powerful image, connecting the divine with the natural world.
So, the next time you encounter the image of the cherubim guarding the Garden of Eden, remember Philo's interpretation. They aren't just mythical creatures. They are symbols of God's creative and royal powers, reflections of divine wisdom, and reminders that the pursuit of wisdom is a journey that encompasses not just ourselves but the entire universe. What does this ancient image mean to you?