Living creatures

As represented by Ezekiel (1-10) and John (Rev 4, etc.), are the cherubim. They are distinguished from angels (Rev 15:7); they join the elders in the “new song” (5:8, 9); they warn of danger from divine justice (Isa 6:3-5), and deliver the commission to those who execute it (Ezek 10:2, 7); they associate with the elders in their sympathy with the hundred and forty-four thousand who sing the new song (Rev 14:3), and with the Church in the overthrow of her enemies (19:4).

They are supposed to represent mercy, as distinguished from justice, mercy in its various instrumentalities, and especially as connected with the throne of God, the “throne of grace.”