On the Cherubim - Classic Text | Alexandria
On the Cherubim (De Cherubim) stands as one of Philo of Alexandria's most intricate allegorical commentaries, composed in the first century CE as part of his extensive corpus of Jewish philosophical writings. This treatise, written in Greek, offers a sophisticated allegorical interpretation of Genesis 3:24 and 4:1, exploring the profound symbolism of the Cherubim who guard the way to the Tree of Life after humanity's expulsion from Eden.
Composed during Alexandria's golden age as a center of Hellenistic Jewish culture, the work emerges from a unique historical context where Greek philosophy and Jewish theology engaged in profound dialogue. Philo wrote during the reign of Emperor Tiberius (14-37 CE), a period marked by significant intellectual ferment and cultural exchange between Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions. The treatise reflects this synthesis, demonstrating how Jewish scripture could be interpreted through the lens of Platonic and Stoic philosophical concepts.
The work's enduring significance lies in its innovative hermeneutical approach, where Philo transforms the biblical Cherubim into philosophical symbols representing God's supreme powers of goodness and authority. Through careful exegesis, he weaves together biblical narrative with Greek philosophical concepts, creating a complex tapestry of meaning that influenced both Jewish and early Christian interpretations of scripture. Philo's treatment of the Cherubim as cosmic powers rather than mere angelic beings marked a decisive shift in theological understanding, introducing allegorical interpretation methods that would profoundly impact medieval and renaissance biblical scholarship.
The legacy of On the Cherubim continues to resonate in contemporary theological and philosophical discussions, particularly in debates about the relationship between faith and reason, and the role of allegory in religious interpretation. Modern scholars find in Philo's work a sophisticated model for engaging with sacred texts that bridges cultural and intellectual traditions. The treatise raises perennial questions about the nature of divine power, human knowledge, and the possibility of reconciling different systems of thought, making it a crucial text for understanding the development of Western religious and philosophical thought.