For centuries, cherubim have been depicted as chubby, winged baby angels. But that's nothing like the creatures Ezekiel describes in Scripture: four faces, four wings, calf-like feet, mysterious wheels within wheels, and eyes covering their bodies.So how did these extraordinary biblical beings become associated with the familiar baby angels of Christian art?

In this entry of The Biblical Bestiary, I illustrate the cherubim described in Ezekiel's visions, investigate their appearance throughout Scripture, and trace the surprising history of cherubim imagery—from the Ark of the Covenant, to ancient Greco-Roman putti and Renaissance art.Finally, we'll explore the deeper significance of these heavenly throne attendants, and how they ultimately point us toward Christ.