The Cherubim

[ktn4eg]

Were the cherubim that God commanded Moses to make in Exodus 25 "graven images"?

If they were not "graven images," then what were they?

I once read a Roman Catholic commentary on Exodus 20:4 that used the cherubim God commanded Moses to make as a means to justify their usage of images in their religion.

Any help on this seeming disparity would be appreciated.

 

[LeBuick]

Isn't that when Moses built the Ark of the covenant?

 

[bapmom]

There were several differences between the Cherubim for the Ark, and graven images.

God said don't make "to yourselves" any graven images. The Cherubim were not made for themselves, they were made for God as part of the Mercy Seat.

The cherubim were also not for common usage. They were only seen by the High Priest once a year, and he never bowed down to them.

They were also not an image of anything that is of this earth. Im not sure if that is really pertinent, but it is a difference.


Ive always wondered how they knew what cherubim looked like. God was very specific, He did not say Seraphim, or just "angels", He said Cherubim.