Cherubim is a plural Hebrew word referring to angelic sentinels placed in the Garden of Eden to guard “the way of the tree of life” (Genesis 3:24). A “flaming sword,” the exact nature and description of which are not given in the scriptures, was also put in position to keep Adam and Eve from partaking of the fruit of that tree and living forever in a sinful condition. The biblical account gives no specific reason for these guardian agents being employed, but Alma 12:22–26 teaches that it was essential to keep the first fallen mortals from partaking of the fruit of the tree of life (representing immortality and eternal life) in order to experience this preparatory and probationary state, death, resurrection from death, and the full benefits of the plan of redemption. According to verse 30, this plan of redemption was known and accepted before we ever came to earth and is granted to us here as we exercise faith, repent, and do holy works.