The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Cain vs. Abel

It is not a good translation of the Hebrew. Here's what it says more accurately:

"God caused cherubim to dwell (to encamp) at the east (on the eastern side) of the garden, and the (i.e., with the ) flame of the sword turning to and fro (moving rapidly)."

Courtesy of Keil-Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament - Pentatuch, vol. 1, p. 107. The purpose of the cherubim being there was to keep man from having access to the Tree of Life until the consummation. (cf. Rev 20, 21) Cherubim are noted to be of the highest order of created beings and often representatives of God especially in judgment.

And yes, "At the end of days" is a reference to the "Sabbath" which God instituted at creation and of which man was to keep. For the most thorough defense of the biblical teaching concerning the Sabbath, see here: The Covenantal Sabbath.