Cherubim are heavenly creatures whose exact form and function are unknown. The revelations of other heavenly creatures suggest that these are not figurative but intelligent servants of God. The word cherubim is the plural form of the singular, cherub. Bruce R. McConkie said, "Apparently a cherub is an angel of some particular order or rank to whom specific duties and work are assigned. That portion of the Lord's word which is now available among men does not set forth clearly either the identity or work of these heavenly beings." (Mormon Doctrine, p. 124.)
Even less is known of the flaming sword. The early brethren considered the flaming sword to be a figure for an angel of God who wields a flaming sword in the defense of truth (Journal of Discourses 4:43; 13:180). During the early Kirtland period, spiritual manifestations were frequent. One experience confirms this concept, "Elder Roger Orton saw a mighty angel riding upon a horse of fire, with a flaming sword in his hand, followed by five others, encircle the house, and protect the Saints." (History of the Church, 2:386) Finally, Elder John W. Taylor, while paraphrasing DC 7:6, made an interesting change in the text,"More blessed is my servant John, because he desires to tarry upon the earth to bring souls unto me, and to do a greater work than he has yet done, and verily, I say unto you, I will make him a flaming sword of fire and a ministering angel unto all those who shall be heirs of salvation to them that dwell upon the earth." (Conference Report, Oct. 1900, p. 56, italics added) We cannot know for sure whether John the Beloved is necessarily the angel who kept the way of the tree of life, but that the term flaming sword refers to an angel who is given a special assignment of protection.