The answer is: Flaming sword

Gen 3:24

In Genesis 3:24, after the fuss with the sneaky serpent and the first dinner party gone wrong featuring that infamous forbidden fruit, we meet the cherubim—mysterious celestial beings. The presence of the cherubim, wielding a flaming sword, is fascinating for several reasons. First, it doesn’t just signify access restrictions; it represents a shift in humanity's relationship with God and paradise.

Now, let’s talk about the flaming sword. Imagine a blade of fire, gently arced and constantly swirling, like a modern-day laser show gone wild, but with divine purpose! This imagery conveys both protection and separation. God wants to assure that the Tree of Life remains unattainable to Adam and Eve, typically thought to symbolize everlasting life or divine wisdom. Ever wonder why the Tree of Life remained guarded and not destroyed? It underscores infinite grace and opportunity; it might just be waiting for a more suitable time in the grand universe noted throughout the Scriptures for restoration and redemption.

Interestingly, cherubim appear elsewhere in the Bible too! They are often depicted as guardians, like those at the entrance of the Temple and plans for the Ark of the Covenant. They embody protective qualities. Biblical scholars who dive into deeper meanings connect these beings to divine wisdom and intimacy with God. And even beyond the borders of biblical texts, you find cherub-like motifs in mythologies worldwide, suggesting a broader human fascination with the wild mixture of the celestial, the holy, and the safeguarded. Pretty intriguing stuff!