In Genesis 3:24 you said that "the flaming sword" (להט החרב) was a reference to God's shechinah glory, but these Hebrew words mean "flaming sword" as of an angel. You said it was not a literal sword. Why do you think this?
While we can't be certain of the nature of the flaming sword, it's association with cherubim strongly suggests it was an appearance of the Shechinah Glory of God. Cherubim are typically found guarding the glory of God wherever it appears in the Old Testament in Ezekiel 1. Since we know the cloud pictures the glory of God, then we understand that they are stationed at the heart of God’s glory:
EZEK. 1:4 As I looked, behold, a storm wind was coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing forth continually and a bright light around it, and in its midst something like glowing metal in the midst of the fire.
The cherubim guard God’s glory and we see this role reflected in numerous places:
- Cherubim guarded the way into the Garden after Adam and Eve were sent out of the Garden
- They served to remind early man that sinful flesh could not coexist with the presence of God’s glory
- Golden cherubim guarded the mercy seat in the tabernacle and were embroidered on the curtains leading into the tabernacle
- They are seen serving in the throne room of God in various places in the Old Testament
Therefore, Pastor Armstrong draws the conclusion that the flaming sword is a manifestation of God's glory, which also fits the message of the text at that point. Where before mankind enjoyed the full presence of God, now
humanity could only experience an abstract representation of God (i.e., the Shechinah Glory), and where before God's presence was a welcoming comfort, now it was a threatening force. These were visible reminders of the consequences of sin.
