“The flaming sword”

As a result of Adam and Eve eating from the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil, God removed them from the Garden of Eden. God did this not so much as a means of punishment but as a means of protection – so that they did not eat of the tree of life and remain in their fallen, sinful state forever. (Genesis 3:22-23) Then after driving Adam and Eve out of the garden, we read in Genesis 3:24 that, “at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction to guard the way to the tree of life.” As we look closer at this verse, it reveals several powerful truths.

The cherubim are a type of angelic being. They are mentioned many times in reference to both the tabernacle and the temple, and are always pictured as covering or shielding The Ark of the Covenant, where God’s presence was manifest, with their outstretched wings. It is their clear duty to guard the holiness of God’s presence from any defilement – much like the gatekeepers of the temple, who were stationed at the gates of the temple “so that no one would enter who was in any way unclean.” (2 Chronicles 23:19)

It is significant that these cherubim were stationed at the east of the Garden of Eden, implying that it was in this direction that God had sent man away. This is confirmed in Genesis 4:16, where Cain was sent out from God’s presence and settled in Nod, which was described simply as being “east of Eden.” It is confirmed in Genesis 11:2 also, where the people of earth “journeyed east.” When God later instructed Moses to build the tabernacle, He told him clearly to make and erect it according to the pattern God had shown him. And according to God’s pattern, the Tabernacle faced east, so that as someone drew near to God in the tabernacle they would proceed from East to West. This journey then, from east to west, indicates the way back to God.

In addition to the cherubim themselves, God also placed “The flaming sword” at the entrance to the garden. Although no one is really sure what exactly this flaming sword was, it is described as being a sword and having the appearance of fire – both of which pictures are also used to describe Jesus. In John1:1 and Revelation 19:13 Jesus is Called “The Word of God” which is “The sword of the spirit.” (Ephesians 6:17) And in Malachi 3:2 He is referred to as being like a “refiner’s fire” who will purify his people by burning away all their impurities, just as is done in the refining of gold and silver.

Anyone who wishes to come to God and partake of the tree of eternal life must first encounter the “flaming sword” of Jesus Christ – the Word of God. This is because it is only “He that overcomes” that will partake of the tree of life (Revelation 2:7) and the only way to overcome is through faith in Jesus. (1 John 5:4) And, as we draw near to God through faith in Jesus our faith will be “tested by fire.” (1 Peter 1:7, 4:12)

This testing by fire in the life of a believer is the process of sanctification, and is accomplished by the Word and Spirit of Truth within us. (John 17:17) Anyone who will yield to this cleansing, sanctifying process will come out as “a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” (2 timothy 2:21) This is referred to in Proverbs 25:4 like this: “Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith.”

If you have found yourself in an encounter with the “flaming Sword” Congratulations! Allow the fruit of patience to keep you in the fire, until it has completed its work, that you may be “perfect and entire, lacking nothing!” (James 1:2-4)