The answer is: Flaming sword

Gen 3:24

When the first humans were driven from Eden, God didn't just say goodbye—He went all out, conferring an awe-inspiring set of guards to protect the Tree of Life. Can you imagine cherubim wielding flaming swords, ready to slice through any attempt to access that fruit? This vivid imagery sparks the imagination! In ancient traditions, cherubim are often depicted as powerful beings, sometimes with multiple faces, and they served fantastically important roles—especially in guarding divine treasures.

Interestingly, this scene carries echoes throughout the Scriptures. Later, in the book of Exodus, the designs of the mercy seat involve cherubim as well, reinforcing their role as guardians of sacred space, linking both banishment from Eden and the sanctity of divine presence. The symbolism doesn't stop there—flaming swords and angels also emerge throughout various mythologies. However, in the biblical context, they represent separation from God’s provision.

What of the Tree of Life itself? Its reemergence in Revelation points toward a time where access to eternal life will be restored, signifying hope and renewal. It reminds us that life and divine connection await those who seek them. In every spiritual journey, the quest for that Tree of Life might symbolize our desire to return to divine intimacy. So, next time you read this passage, think of the layers and richness it brings to our understanding of humanity’s relationship with the divine.