We can only assume that Satan may have looked similar. (We know there were two from the pattern that God gave to Moses for the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25.) What does a cherub look like? According to Ezekiel 10:14, 'Each of the cherubim had four faces: The first was the face of a cherub, the second that of a man, the third that of a lion, and the fourth that of an eagle.' Ezekiel 1:5-14 adds a great deal of detail. Our main focus will be on Heylel, the anointed cherub who rebelled against God, becoming the enemy, and so he is named Satan, 'adversary.' But before we consider the meaning of the names that describe his present character, we will look at who he was originally.Įzekiel 28:12 informs us that he was one of two cherubs whose wings covered the throne of God. He reveals to us the Hebrew names of three great and powerful angels: Michael, Gabriel, and Heylel (also spelled as Helel). We know God names things for what they are. Yet, it is imperative that we know these things because we are behind enemy lines! The apostle Paul writes in II Corinthians 2:11, 'So that we may not be exploited by Satan (we are not ignorant of his schemes),' and in II Corinthians 11:3, 'But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his treachery, your minds should be led astray.' The apostle was concerned that church members would be easy pickings for the 'roaring lion,' so they needed to be aware of how Satan operates. Satan, the deceiver, never likes to be revealed for who and what he is and how he operates. To be effective against our powerful and deceptive spiritual enemy, we must know him so we can be prepared to counter his attacks effectively. They want to know how they operate, their character, their strengths and weaknesses, their methods or schemes, and so on. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour.' If at all possible, wise military leaders never go into battle without carefully studying their opponents. The apostle Peter echoes this in I Peter 5:8: 'Be sober and alert. Speaking of this directly to those in God's church, Paul writes in Ephesians 6:12 (New English Translation used throughout): 'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.' It is clear that people are confused about what is right and wrong, having been drawn away from the Christian ethic that infused America for many generations.

While the world is at odds, and leaders busy themselves with strategies to fight physical wars, it should come as no surprise to God's people that we are engaged in a great spiritual battle.

Operate behind enemy lines