The Works of Philo of Alexandria, “On The Cherubim”, (De Cherubim)
A Series of Articles Summarising the Tractates of Philo of Alexandria
Introduction
Philo of Alexandria’s tractate “On The Cherubim” (De Cherubim) is a deep philosophical and theological examination of the cherubim as described in the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly their presence in the Garden of Eden and the Tabernacle.
This text is a part of Philo’s broader allegorical interpretation of the Torah, specifically focusing on these angelic figures and their symbolic significance.
This article is one of a series on the works of Philo of Alexandria, all of which are listed in the below Medium.com list:
You can find more articles on the “hidden language” of the Tanakh (Old Testament) in the below Medium.com list:
Overview and Structure
In “On The Cherubim,” Philo provides a detailed analysis of the passages from Genesis and Exodus that mention cherubim. His exploration is structured around a series of reflections that delve into the nature, purpose, and symbolic meanings of the cherubim. By doing so, Philo aims to uncover the deeper spiritual and philosophical messages encoded in the biblical descriptions of these celestial beings.
Themes and Content
Philo’s analysis in “On The Cherubim” touches on several key themes:
The Nature of Cherubim
Philo begins by discussing the nature of the cherubim, which he interprets not as literal creatures but as symbols of God’s dynamic and omnipresent power. He argues that cherubim represent higher knowledge and wisdom, serving as metaphors for the divine attributes that govern the universe. Philo allegorically represents the Cherubim as symbolic of God’s powers, particularly “goodness” or lovingkindness and “majesty” or sovereignty (which he calls the two chief “Potencies” of God. These attributes represent the dual aspects of divine interaction with the world — mercy and authority — through which the soul must navigate its moral and spiritual journey.
Cherubim in the Garden of Eden
The cherubim placed east of the Garden of Eden with a flaming sword are extensively analysed. Philo sees this arrangement as a symbol of God’s justice and mercy. The flaming sword represents the divine law that protects and restricts access to higher spiritual truths, symbolised by the Tree of Life. The cherubim themselves symbolise the highest spiritual attainments, guarding the path to enlightenment and divine wisdom. The “flaming sword” that turns in every direction is interpreted as the Logos (reason), which mediates between the divine attributes of goodness and authority. This represents the intellective and discerning capacity of the soul to distinguish between good and evil, guiding moral actions in accordance with divine wisdom.
Cherubim and the Tabernacle
Philo also examines the cherubim woven into the curtains of the Tabernacle and those overlaid on the Ark of the Covenant. He interprets these cherubim as symbols of the presence of God, signifying that the Law (contained within the Ark) is under the direct guardianship of divine forces. This setup symbolizes the concept that true knowledge and law are accessible only through divine grace and enlightenment.
Philosophical Implications
Throughout “On The Cherubim,” Philo connects the imagery of the cherubim with Platonic and Stoic philosophy, particularly the idea that true understanding comes from contemplating the forms (in Platonic terms) or living in accordance with nature and reason (Stoicism). He posits that the cherubim symbolize the highest forms of virtue and knowledge, which guard the divine mysteries.
The Role of the Cherubim in Spiritual Ascension
Philo argues that the cherubim are integral to the soul’s journey towards spiritual perfection. They represent stages of insight and enlightenment that the soul must encounter and understand as it seeks to approach God. Philo emphasises that understanding these symbolic meanings is crucial for the soul’s practical moral and spiritual development. By internalising the lessons of the Cherubim and the flaming sword, an individual learns to balance mercy with justice and to navigate life’s moral complexities with divine guidance. The engagement with these divine attributes is meant to cultivate virtues in the soul, leading to a more harmonious and purposeful life aligned with divine will.
Integration into Daily Life
The allegorical and symbolic teachings are not merely theoretical but intended to affect everyday behaviour directly. By perceiving the Cherubim as representations of divine principles, individuals are encouraged to embody these principles in their interactions and moral choices, thereby developing their souls towards divine likeness.
Quotes
Dynamic and guarding role
“And God cast out Adam, and placed him opposite the paradise of happiness; and he placed there the cherubim and a flaming sword, which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of Life.”
This indicates the dynamic and guarding role of the Cherubim, symbolizing God’s omnipresence and protective power.
Aligning the Cherubim with celestial bodies
“May we not say that Moses here introduces under a figure an intimation of the revolutions of the whole heaven? For the spheres in heaven received a motion in opposite directions to one another… the one sphere receiving a fixed motion towards the right hand, but the sphere of the other side receiving a wandering motion towards the left.”
This passage metaphorically aligns the Cherubim with celestial bodies, embodying divine wisdom and the higher order of the cosmos.
Goodness, authority and reason will choose between them
“I have also, on one occasion, heard a more ingenious train of reasoning from my own soul… It told me that in the one living and true God there were two supreme and primary powers — goodness and authority; and that by his goodness he had created everything, and by his authority he governed all that he had created; and that the third thing which was between the two, and had the effect of bringing them together was reason, for that it was owing to reason that God was both a ruler and good.”
Here, Philo describes how the Cherubim symbolically represent the dual aspects of God’s nature — his goodness and authority, mediated by divine reason or the Logos, further elucidating their role as metaphors for God’s essential powers.
Impact
“On The Cherubim” reflects Philo’s endeavour to merge Jewish theological concepts with Greek philosophical thought, using the scriptural text as a foundation for broader metaphysical discussions.
This work is significant not only for its content but also for its method, showcasing Philo’s unique approach to Biblical exegesis through philosophical allegory.
The cherubim, as interpreted by Philo, are much more than angelic guardians; they are profound symbols of the interface between the divine and the human, representing the intellectual and spiritual virtues that guide the soul towards God.
This treatise thus serves as a philosophical meditation on the means and ends of divine contemplation and moral perfection.
Hidden Spiritual Language in Bible Stories
An exploration of the stories of the Bible through the “exegesis lens” of PaRDeS. As a story of the descent, trials and ultimate purification and return of the soul back to the Creator, there appear to be literal, allegorical, symbolic and secret spiritual layers to scripture.
