The answer is: Flaming sword

Gen 3:24

When humanity is exiled from the Garden of Eden, the imagery takes on a deep significance, particularly with the mention of cherubim and the flaming sword. Cherubim in ancient texts aren’t your fluffy, chubby baby angels; they actually represent powerful celestial beings associated with God's presence and protection. In this instance, their daunting presence beside the sword serves a crucial purpose—indicative of the barriers humanity must face due to the choice of disobedience.

The sword, rendered in many translations as "flaming," symbolizes both a physical and spiritual distance from the divine. It makes you wonder—what does it mean to truly "guard" something? This isn't just a matter of physical security; it’s a serious safeguarding against the meddling of sin that led to expulsion.

Interestingly, this imagery echoes in several places throughout scriptural texts, hinting at the repercussions of choices and the restoration journey humans undertake toward reconciliation with life’s deeper truths. You might recall “swords” are often mentioned elsewhere as well, like in Ephesians 6, where it talks about the "sword of the Spirit."

So while the flaming sword acts as a barrier from the Tree of Life, it also symbolizes the fiery passions and decisions the human spirit must contend with after a meaningful decision is made. Little did we know this narrative paves the way for future explorations of life, redemption, and the path back to the cherished tree's promises!