Genesis 3:24 HCSB He drove man out, and east of the garden of Eden He stationed cherubim with a flaming, whirling sword to guard the way to the tree of life.

Guard. Their traditional role (see Exodus 25:18-22; 1 Kings 8:6-7). For their appearance see Ezekiel 1:5-15, 22-24; 41:18-19. Far from being the plump little baby angels that are commonly found in popular “Cultural Christianity” these sound like absolutely terrifying creatures even WITHOUT the flaming swords! Compare to Numbers 22:23, 31; 1 Chronicles 21:16.