The answer is: Flaming sword

Gen 3:24

In the ancient text of Genesis, after Adam and Eve taste the forbidden fruit, they're kicked out of the Garden of Eden. But don't worry! It isn’t just an eviction notice; it comes with the divine bouncer act—meet the cherubim, fancy flying creatures, keepers of sacred places. God doesn't just say "no re-entry" though; he brandishes a flaming sword that’s on constant rotation, slicing through the shadows and ensuring that the Tree of Life remains a divine mystery.

The flaming sword is often depicted as a dual-edged weapon—a cutting symbol that balances judgment and protection. Ever notice that in many cultures, swords often carry deep significance beyond just being a tool for combat? Like light and shadow, good and evil, this sword’s symbolism might hold hints of knowledge and opulence meant to be preserved, protecting the essence of life itself.

Interestingly, cherubim are more than just cute winged babies floating around in modern art. In the Old Testament, they guard the Ark of the Covenant, reminding us that they’re warriors of God's throne rather than mere infantile chubby cheeks. And isn't it fascinating how the Tree of Life concept echoes through the scripture? You see it popping up in Revelation too, hinting at the restored paradise.

The banishment symbolizes a separation—but also a promise of life's nurturing journey still ahead, reminding us that even in loss, we’re often just glimpsing the fabulous richness that life has to offer in the glimpses that lie ahead!