In Ezekiel 41, why does the cherubim in the temple have the face of a lion and a man? What does this represent?
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Asked October 21 2015
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Kyle Gillette
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Singapore Moses
After giving in-depth reading on Ezek. 41, it is inaccurate to speak of all these courts, porches, and buildings as the temple. The proper term is the sanctuary, the temple being only a small part of it. The temple itself occupied only the 100-cubit square facing another 100-cubit square situated in the very center of the whole sanctuary (Ezek. 45:1-4). These cherubim with two faces and palm trees between were carved on wood or sculptured on the walls throughout the temple from the floor to above the doors (Ezek. 41:18-20) ✿ Why the cherubim had the face of a lion and a man and what they represent: 1. The cherubims with two faces of a man and a lion is symbolic of ZOA with 4 faces in the Sanctuary of the Heaven (Rev. 4:6-8) 2. The tabernacle of Moses and that of Solomon's temple had the same symbols as well. (1 Kings 7:36) 3. In the sanctuary of Heaven, we have literal angelic beings as described as 'ZOA' (Rev. 4:6-8); and are distinguished from the redeemed elders (Rev. 4:9-11), ordinary angels (Rev. 5:1-12), seraphim (Isa. 6:1-8), and cherubim (Ezek. 1:4-28; 10:1-22). ✿ Seven acts of the Zoa (G2226) in the literal sanctuary in Heaven: (1) They call attention to God's holiness (Rev. 4:4-8). (2) They fall prostrate in worship (Rev. 5:8-10). (3) They sing and play harps (Rev. 5:8-10). (4) They offer prayers of saints to God (Rev. 5:8-10). (5) They call forth the horsemen (Rev. 6:1-8). (6) They give vials to angels (Rev. 15:7). (7) They listen to worship of others (Rev. 14:3)
Meshack Gachago
The face of man and lion is symbolic of the redemption and restoration of man by the coming Jesus the perfect man and the lion of the tribe of Judah. The restored man will fully represent God's image and likeness (face of a man) and carry out the resposibilites (face of a lion) of a mature son of God. Lion is a picture of strength, courage and kingly stature. The fully restored man is called to be a king (to rule) and priest (be a divine interface) in the earth. As a mature man he fully represents God in the earth and all creation. That is where the corporate church is headed to as represented by the cherub with different faces.
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