Devotional

The Anointed Cherub: Understanding Our Divine Purpose and Fall

“Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.” — Ezekiel 28:14

Commentary Devotional Prayer

Ezekiel 28:14 reads, "Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire." This profound verse is a striking reminder of the heights from which some, even angels, can fall and the responsibilities assigned by God, which should serve as a sobering lesson to us all in our journey of faith.

To understand the significance of this verse, we must delve into the rich background of this portion of Scripture. Ezekiel was a prophet who delivered God’s messages to the people of Israel during their Babylonian captivity. In Ezekiel 28, he shifts focus to the King of Tyre, but in this context, he also speaks to the spirit behind the human ruler. The passage personifies pride and arrogance, symbolized in the anointed cherub who was originally created in perfection.

The term "anointed cherub that covereth" is significant. It signifies not just privilege but also divine purpose. Cherubs are portrayed as guardians of sacred things, and in this instance, the anointed cherub was placed directly in the service of God’s holiness. We see here a being entrusted with great authority and closeness to God: he walked on the holy mountain, a metaphor for God's presence, and traversed the "stones of fire," possibly alluding to the divine manifestations of God’s glory and presence. This cherubic being was intended for a high calling to reflect God’s glory, yet the narrative takes a dramatic turn.

The fall of the anointed cherub is emblematic of the dangers of pride and the misuse of God-given authority. In the verses that follow Ezekiel 28:14, we read about the downfall of this cherub due to its pride and rebellion against God. It’s a tale of misplaced trust in one's own beauty and wisdom; rather than reflecting God’s glory, the cherub sought glory for itself. The consequences of this rebellion were severe: banishment and ruin.

As we reflect on this scripture in our lives, we should ask ourselves what it truly means to be "anointed". The biblical anointing signifies being chosen and set aside for a specific purpose by God. Just as the anointed cherub had a role within God’s heavenly court, we too are anointed and called to fulfill God’s divine purpose for our lives, as expressed in 1 John 2:20, "But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things." The anointing we receive is not for self-glorification but to enable us to glorify God and assist in building His kingdom.

Moreover, we should heed the warning exemplified in the story of the cherub. It serves as a clarion call to remain humble before God. The Lord opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). We are reminded that the gifts and callings we receive from God come with an expectation of stewardship. If we allow pride to overshadow our anointing, we risk experiencing a downfall similar to that of the once perfect cherub. Our purpose must be rooted in humility and the desire to bring glory to God alone.

In practical terms, we can apply this understanding by consistently seeking God through prayer and His Word, recognizing that our abilities are gifts from Him, not achievements of our own. It invites us to evaluate our intentions and motivations. Are we using our anointing—our gifts and callings—for personal gain or as a means to serve others and honor God?

In closing, let us pray that we may embody the role of the anointed in a positive light, shining brightly for the glory of God, free from the shadows of pride and arrogance. May we walk in the holiness of God and fulfill our destined purpose, steadfast in faith, committed to honoring our Creator who has set us upon His holy mountain.

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Artwork for Ezekiel 28:14

Ezekiel 28:14 - "Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire."

"Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire." - Ezekiel 28:14