Why make a book, a board book no less, on a seemingly obscure detail in the Bible?
As we’ve written about previously, God has created a world filled to the brim with symbols. God reveals these symbols to us in His word, and it's now our duty and glory as kings to search them out.
In Ezekiel, the four faces of the cherubim are the ox, lion, eagle, and the man. After much reflection on biblical patterns, some Bible teachers (James Jordan, for example) have observed that these correspond to the flow of the Bible, the order of the gospels, and the offices of Jesus as Priest, King, and Prophet. They even line up with the different stages of life.
The Ox
The Ox is Priestly. Oxen as animals plod along, doing what they're told. This corresponds to the work of the priests, which was spelled out to the fine details of their daily tasks. The pentateuch is the "Ox" books, and Matthew is the "ox" or "priestly" gospel, with Jesus being a teacher. Little children are in the "ox" stage of life, learning to do what they are told. Life is spelled out for them.
The Lion
The Lion is Kingly. Lions are wild and bound across the land. The lions line up with Kings, who were NOT told everything they were to do, but had to use wisdom. The wisdom books and historical books of the Old Testament are the "lion" books, and Mark is the "lion" gospel, with Jesus being a man of action and going everywhere abruptly. Adults are in the Kingly stage of life. There is no more playbook, and we have to use wisdom to navigate life well.
The Eagle
The Eagle is a prophet. Prophets are not kings or priests, but they move between heaven and earth. They soar above without a care to the lines of property below. This corresponds to the prophetic books of the Old Testament, as prophets mediated between heaven and earth, hearing from Yahweh and then relaying his message to the people. Luke/Acts is the "eagle" gospel, with all of it's hovering travel narratives. This corresponds to old age, and our elders are mediators in our community and are close to heaven.
What about the man? Eager to learn more?
Here at Little Word, we don't want to merely get books out there without further comments. Here are some great resources to further your knowledge in the "OLEM" paradigm - which will help you train your children as they grow up and ask, "Hey, why was it important for me to learn to say, "Ox, Lion, Eagle, Man?"
Ox, Lion, Eagle, Man - A 10 minute video from Peter Leithart
The Theopolis Podcast - Episode 11: Ox, Lion, Eagle, Man - with James Jordan