The four living creatures are mysterious beings described in the Bible in the books of Ezekiel and Revelation. They appear in Ezekiel’s vision of God’s throne-chariot (Ezekiel 1) and in John’s vision of the throne room of heaven (Revelation 4). Though their descriptions vary somewhat between these visions, they have traditionally been identified as cherubim – powerful angelic beings who attend to God’s throne.
What do the 4 living creatures represent?
The four living creatures are symbolic representations of attributes of God and aspects of creation. Though interpretations vary, here is a generally accepted view of what each creature represents:
- Lion – Power, sovereignty, courage
- Ox/Calf – Strength, sacrifice, service
- Man – Intelligence, wisdom, reason
- Eagle – Swiftness, far-sightedness, elevation
Together, the four living creatures symbolize the fullness of God’s attributes and his creative majesty. Their constant worship and praise of God (Revelation 4:8) show reverence for his divine holiness, power, and wisdom.
What are the descriptions of the 4 living creatures?
Here are the key descriptions of the four living creatures from Ezekiel 1 and Revelation 4:
Ezekiel’s Vision
- Each had four faces – that of a man, lion, ox and eagle (Ezekiel 1:10)
- Each had four wings (Ezekiel 1:6)
- The soles of their feet were like calves’ hooves, gleaming like polished bronze (Ezekiel 1:7)
- Under each wing was a human hand (Ezekiel 1:8)
- Their wings touched each other – they moved together without turning (Ezekiel 1:9,12)
- Each creature went straight ahead, moving wherever the spirit directed (Ezekiel 1:12)
- The creatures were “like burning coals of fire”, “like torchers”, with lightning flashing among them (Ezekiel 1:13)
John’s Vision
- The first was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like an eagle (Revelation 4:7)
- Each had six wings and was covered all around with eyes (Revelation 4:6,8)
- Day and night they never stop saying “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 4:8)
So in both visions, the creatures have four faces, wings, eyes all over, gleaming bronze hooves or feet, and the ability to move in any direction. They manifest qualities of strength, courage, wisdom and speed in carrying out God’s will.
What are the names of the 4 living creatures?
The four living creatures are not named in Scripture. However, based on the church father Irenaeus in the 2nd century, they have traditionally been given the following names:
- Lion – Leo
- Ox/Calf – Taurus
- Man – Aquarius
- Eagle – Scorpio
These names come from the Zodiac, reflecting the influence of ancient Babylonian astrology on Irenaeus’ perspective. Most biblical scholars today do not endorse associating the four creatures with Zodiac signs, since Scripture itself gives no names for them.
What do the 4 living creatures do?
The four living creatures have several key functions and activities described in Scripture:
- 1. Worship and praise God ceaselessly (Revelation 4:8) – This shows reverence for God’s holiness.
- 2. Serve and attend to God’s throne (Ezekiel 1:5; Revelation 4:6) – This reflects their role as high-ranking angelic servants.
- 3. Move in any direction instantly (Ezekiel 1:12,17) – This shows their ready obedience and ability to carry out God’s will.
- 4. Signal impending judgment (Revelation 6:1-8) – The creatures call forth the horsemen of the apocalypse, ushering in divine wrath.
Overall, the four living creatures exemplify continuous worship of God while also obeying his will unquestioningly as angelic messengers. Their specific actions reinforce God’s sovereignty, wisdom and power.
Are the 4 living creatures angels?
Most biblical scholars identify the four living creatures as a special class of angelic beings called cherubim (singular “cherub”) who function as guardians of God’s holiness and attendants at his throne. There are several reasons for identifying them as cherubim:
- – God’s mobile throne in Ezekiel’s vision is supported and transported by the cherubim (Ezekiel 10). The four living creatures are directly identified as cherubim in Ezekiel 10:20.
- – Cherubim symbolically guarded the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were banished (Genesis 3:24).
- – Images of cherubim were woven into the tabernacle curtains and carved on the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the presence of God (Exodus 25-26).
- – In the Bible, cherubim seem to have ready access to God’s throne in heaven, much like the four living creatures in Revelation.
So while they are not called “angels” directly, the four living creatures clearly serve as angelic beings attending to God and ready to do his bidding. They manifest spiritual qualities like wisdom, courage and strength which humanity lacks without divine aid.
Conclusion
The four living creatures described in Ezekiel and Revelation are mysterious spiritual attendants to God’s throne who manifest his holy attributes and creation’s diversity. They symbolize divine qualities like power, wisdom and sovereignty. Though not named explicitly, they serve as high-ranking cherubim continuously worshiping God and obeying his will. Their descriptions in Scripture reveal glimpses of God’s divine nature and transcendence over all creation.