CHERAN to CHESTNUT TREE

CHERAN

A Horite Ge 36:26; 1Ch 1:41

CHERETHITES

A Philistine tribe, which adhered to David, and with the Pelethites formed his bodyguard 1Sa 30:14, 16; 2Sa 8:18; 15:18; 20:7, 23; 1Ki 1:38, 44; 1Ch 18:17; Eze 25:16; Zep 2:5

Solomon's escort at his coronation 1Ki 1:38

CHERETHIM

(Ezek. 25:16), more frequently Cherethites, the inhabitants of Southern Philistia, the Philistines (Zeph. 2:5).

The Cherethites and the Pelethites were David's life-guards (1 Sam. 30:14; 2 Sam. 8:18; 20:7, 23; 23:23). This name is by some interpreted as meaning "Cretans," and by others "executioners," who were ready to execute the king's sentence of death (Gen. 37:36, marg.; 1 Kings 2:25).

CHERITH

a cutting; separation; a gorge, a torrent-bed or winter-stream, a "brook," in whose banks the prophet Elijah hid himself during the early part of the three years' drought (1 Kings 17:3, 5).

It has by some been identified as the Wady el-Kelt behind Jericho, which is formed by the junction of many streams flowing from the mountains west of Jericho. It is dry in summer. Travellers have described it as one of the wildest ravines of this wild region, and peculiarly fitted to afford a secure asylum to the persecuted.

But if the prophet's interview with Ahab was in Samaria, and he thence journeyed toward the east, it is probable that he crossed Jordan and found refuge in some of the ravines of Gilead.

The "brook" is said to have been "before Jordan," which probably means that it opened toward that river, into which it flowed. This description would apply to the east as well as to the west of Jordan. Thus Elijah's hiding-place may have been the Jermuk, in the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh.

A brook near Jericho 1Ki 17:3-7

CHERUB

plural cherubim, the name of certain symbolical figures frequently mentioned in Scripture. They are first mentioned in connection with the expulsion of our first parents from Eden (Gen. 3:24). There is no intimation given of their shape or form. They are next mentioned when Moses was commanded to provide furniture for the tabernacle (Ex. 25:17-20; 26:1, 31). God promised to commune with Moses "from between the cherubim" (Ex 25:22). This expression was afterwards used to denote the Divine abode and presence (Num. 7:89; 1 Sam. 4:4; Isa. 37:16; Ps. 80:1; 99:1).

In Ezekiel's vision (Eze 10:1-20) they appear as living creatures supporting the throne of God. From Ezekiel's description of them (Eze 1:1; 10:1 all; Eze 41:18, 19), they appear to have been compound figures, unlike any real object in nature; artificial images possessing the features and properties of several animals. Two cherubim were placed on the mercy-seat of the ark; two of colossal size overshadowed it in Solomon's temple. Ezekiel (Eze 1:4-14) speaks of four; and this number of "living creatures" is mentioned in Rev. 4:6.

Those on the ark are called the "cherubim of glory" (Heb. 9:5), i.e., of the Shechinah, or cloud of glory, for on them the visible glory of God rested. They were placed one at each end of the mercy-seat, with wings stretched upward, and their faces "toward each other and toward the mercy-seat." They were anointed with holy oil, like the ark itself and the other sacred furniture.

The cherubim were symbolical. They were intended to represent spiritual existences in immediate contact with Jehovah. Some have regarded them as symbolical of the chief ruling power by which God carries on his operations in providence (Ps. 18:10).

Others interpret them as having reference to the redemption of men, and as symbolizing the great rulers or ministers of the church. Many other opinions have been held regarding them which need not be referred to here. On the whole, it seems to be most satisfactory to regard the interpretation of the symbol to be variable, as is the symbol itself.

Their office was, (1) on the expulsion of our first parents from Eden, to prevent all access to the tree of life; and (2) to form the throne and chariot of Jehovah in his manifestation of himself on earth. He dwelleth between and sitteth on the cherubim (1 Sam. 4:4; Ps. 80:1; Ezek. 1:26, 28).

Name of a place or person Ezr 2:59; Ne 7:61

CHERUBIM

Eastward of the garden of Eden Ge 3:24

In the tabernacle Ex 25:18-20; 37:7-9

The ark of the covenant rested beneath the wings of 1Ki 8:6, 7; 2Ch 5:7, 8; Heb 9:5

Figures of, embroidered .On the walls of the tabernacle Ex 26:1; 36:8

And on the curtain Ex 26:31; 36:35

In the temple 1Ki 6:23-29; 2Ch 3:10-13

Figures of .On the curtain 2Ch 3:14

On the walls 1Ki 6:29-35; 2Ch 3:7

On the lavers 1Ki 7:29, 36

In Ezekiel's vision of the temple Eze 41:18-20, 25

FIGURATIVE Eze 28:14,16 SYMBOLICAL Eze 1:1; 10:1

CHESALON

strength; confidence, a place on the border of Judah, on the side of Mount Jearim (Josh. 15:10); probably identified with the modern village of Kesla, on the western mountains of Judah.

A landmark on the north boundary of the tribe of Judah Jos 15:10

CHESED

gain, the son of Nahor (Gen. 22:22).

Son of Nahor Ge 22:22

CHESIL

A town in the south of Palestine Jos 15:30 Probably identical with BETHUL Jos 19:4

And BETHUEL 1Ch 4:30

CHEST

(Heb. 'aron, generally rendered "ark"), the coffer into which the contributions for the repair of the temple were put (2 Kings 12:9, 10; 2 Chr. 24:8, 10, 11).

In Gen. 50:26 it is rendered "coffin." In Ezek. 27:24 a different Hebrew word, genazim (plur.), is used. It there means "treasure-chests."

For money 2Ki 12:9; 2Ch 24:8-11

CHESTNUT TREE

(Heb. 'armon; i.e., "naked"), mentioned in connection with Jacob's artifice regarding the cattle (Gen. 30:37).

It is one of the trees of which, because of its strength and beauty, the Assyrian empire is likened (Ezek. 31:8; R.V., "plane trees").

It is probably the Oriental plane tree (Platanus orientalis) that is intended. It is a characteristic of this tree that it annually sheds its outer bark, becomes "naked." The chestnut tree proper is not a native of Palestine.

General scriptures concerning Ge 30:37; Eze 31:8