The answer is: Flaming sword

Gen 3:24

In Genesis 3:24, we read about a curious incident involving the cherubim and a flaming sword that guards the Tree of Life after Adam and Eve are expelled from Eden. It's a poignant scene, showcasing both protection and separation. The cherubim, often depicted as majestic winged creatures, symbolize God’s divine presence and serve as powerful guardians of sacred spaces.

The "flaming sword" adds a dramatic flair to the narrative. Imagining a sword that not only burns but also potentially moves in all directions raises the stakes of trying to access the Tree of Life. This celestial barrier emphasizes the loss of direct communion with God and eternal life, punctuating the deeper theme of human disobedience and its aftermath.

Interestingly, the concept of a guarded garden may echo ancient Near Eastern mythology, where divine beings protect nature's provisions. Also, cherubim weren't mere symbols; they represent God’s power protecting what is holy, found later in the design of the Ark of the Covenant, where cherubim spread their wings over the mercy seat.

This passage stands as a reminder of choices, consequences, and the longing for restoration; it mirrors the human desire to reach what seems permanently lost. The sword's flames could signify not only judgment but perhaps a new beginning—one that requires effort, longing, and a pursuit of wisdom. It deepens our understanding of the relationship humans have with life, divinity, and redemption throughout the Bible.