Adam’s Real Sin
You are the anointed cherub that covers, I have set you so Ezekiel 28:14
Anointed Cherub – Ezekiel’s prophetic announcement to the king of Tyre describes more than we might think. Ezekiel provides us with a midrash on Adam. We need to pay close attention to the prophet’s words since they tell us a great deal about God’s intention for creating human beings. “You were in Eden, the garden of God,” Ezekiel writes. This is certainly not historically true of the king of Tyre, but it is true if we look at the general pattern of human behavior as seen in our progenitor, Adam. The prophet tells us that Adam had it all. Everything was prepared for him. He was placed on the holy mountain of God, blameless from the moment of his creation. He was anointed cherub.
Now what does that mean? What do the cherubs do? The word kerub isn’t used very often in Scripture. Our English word cherubim is a transliteration of the Hebrew kerubim (plural), not a translation. Why? The root word kerub is supposed to be the past participle of the verb karab (according to the way Hebrew nouns are formed), but this verb does not exist in Hebrew. The word does occur as a noun in other places, some of which are quite interesting: Genesis 3:24, Psalm 99:1 and Psalm 18:10. The design of the cherubim above the ark is similar to the description found in the vision of Ezekiel (1:4-14). Ezekiel adds to the picture in 10:18-22. You can compare this with John’s vision in Revelation 4:6-8. The kerubim were assigned the task of keeping sinful Adam and Havvah out of the Garden. Their images also guarded the ark of the covenant, standing on both sides of the mercy seat covering. In other words, they are guardians of God’s purposes for righteousness. Now Ezekiel tells us that Adam was supposed to play that role. He was anointed to guard (cover) the Garden, the representation of God’s good creation.
But something happened.
Ezekiel’s prophetic word describes the tragic event of Adam’s sin as idolatry. Adam served the serpent rather than YHWH. Adam listened to the voice of the serpent rather than the voice of YHWH. Adam remembered the words of the serpent but forgot the words of YHWH. Adam, not Eve, made the deliberate choice to serve himself and someone other than YHWH. Adam was created for leadership (mashah – anointed – is often used to describe a ceremonial ritual designating a leader). What kind of leadership? The leadership of the kerub, the guardian of God’s Garden, the protector of all that is good in the eyes of the Lord. But Adam took care of himself. He became the guardian of his own interests. That made him an idolater and required God to remove him from the Garden of Good. By the way, Havvah was also appointed a guardian – the guardian of Adam.
Men, do we want to recover the role YHWH gave us when we were created His image bearers? Then guard what He says is good. Guard His righteousness. Guard His name. Protect His creation against the sedition of the enemy. Become the anointed kerubim that He made us to be. The objective is crystal clear. God leaves no doubt about what He says is good. Our job is to protect His order of creation. In doing so, we will ensure the well being of every worshipper. A little less than angels? You bet! And for very good reasons. Will you take up the angelic role God assigned?
Oh yes, this anointed role is not accomplished alone. Women have a covenant relationship with the Lord to protect their men and bring blessings into their lives by making sure we men protect God’s good. It’s a big job, especially since men have a propensity to act like Adam.
Topical Index: Adam, Ezekiel 28:14, kerub, mashah, anointed, cherub, leadership
Shalom Skip,
Interesting article.
Traditionally, the interpretation of the pronouncements on the King of Tyre in Ezekiel 28 are also applied to HaSatan and not Adam. You didn’t mention this at all and I wondered what your thoughts on it were.
Do you reject this interpretation and only apply it to Adam?
I haven’t given this much thought. The application to Adam comes from Judaism or perhaps the Christian interpretation takes a different direction.
The same thing applies to Isaiah 14 too. Traditionally the words against the King of Babylon (particularly vv12-15) have also been applied to HaSatan.
I am no longer in “church” but for all the years that I was, these two chapters – Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14 – were applied to HaSatan. I don’t know if you or anybody else has any thoughts on this either.
Anyway, it is interesting to get a different perspective. Thank you.
Grace and peace to all! We are (all) too familiar with the failure and fall of Adam. His story is our story, for we too have committed the very same sins as the First Couple. And we easily can come to the place of agreement with G-d’s word when He says-“for all have sinned.”
I really do not have a problem with this. We do not have too teach our children to do wrong, -do we? It just comes naturally as weeds come “naturally” to a garden. Let your garden go sir (or ma’am) and then you may do some “lo’ and beholding”- weeds happen. Sin is so natural to us. Do what comes naturally? -I wouldn’t go there if was you, for you have no idea of how selfish I can be. We have become masters of manipulation so we can have it “our way.” Ego gone wild. Amazing isn’t it? I ask straight out- have we evolved or have we devolved?
Back, back,- back to the garden. Yes, I agree in totality.. What was the sin of the first Adam? (helpful household hint..-“Shema-O Israel”) Remember? How quickly we forget.. What is up with that? Adam failed to “shema” the instructions of YHWH. And so did_______ and so did_________. And so did Carl. Epic and widesweeping failure on the part of all Adams everywhere. We (all) have failed in this very same thing.
With the exception of ONE and only ONE. Enter Adam #2. The only perfect human (this includes male or female)- who ever lived. I would think by now- we would know His name. It is only a Name which is above every other name- that’s all. And according to G-d’s instructions-“Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the LORD shall be saved.” (Romans 10.13) Yes,- do these words from G-d’s Book impact anyone? My friends-“It is written.”
We now have written instructions all contained for us in a book. But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” (Matthew 4.4) Y’shua- our example and Exemplar- quoted the scriptures often. Yes, the Old(er) Covenant scriptures.
Not once, not twice (verily,verily-lol!) but three times He said to the Adversary -“It is written.” I wonder.. Why? -How well do we know the scriptures? Once again from the mouth of the Master- “Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?” (Mark 12.24) -Ouch!
Shema-Adam. Shema-Eve. Shema, O Israel. Shema-Carl. Listen and obey. Amen.
Hallel Yah! I’ve been waiting for this revelation come forth. Yes, the earth groans waiting for us to be revealed.
A very zealous and energetic friend of ours has a wonderful saying.
“I have never fallen into sin! I’ve always run eagerly as fast as I could after it.
Yes, certainly my experience, much to my shame. I am a true son of Adam in need to God’s graceful covering. In spite of that, He seems to have decided to use me as I allow Him to do so through repentance and obedience. I regret all those times when I blocked His hand. And I suffer because there were certainly plans He had for me that I never allowed Him to accomplish.