"[And God] placed at the east of the Garden of Eden Cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the Tree of Life."



In this painting, women represent the beauty and power of angels, placed to guard the way to eternal life. God prevented Adam and Eve from eating the fruit of this tree and thereby living forever in a fallen condition. Adam and Eve were thus given a chance to experience mortal life as we know it, and a chance to be redeemed through the mercy of Jesus Christ.