Erich Lessing

SUPPORTING THE SHRINE. Against the low wall at the base of the raised shrine in the ‘Ain Dara temple were reliefs of bull-men, lion-men, eagle-men and humans with their arms raised over their heads as if supporting or carrying the floor of the shrine (a few are pictured above). These four are the traditional elements of the hybrid cherubim in Solomon’s Temple, as well as the creatures that constitute God’s chariot and bear his throne in Ezekiel 1. The ‘Ain Dara temple was probably meant to represent the throne or chariot of the resident deity.