The sending away was neither a request nor even just a command from the Lord. It was an action in which he was very actively involved. The words “drove out” in this verse clearly shows this. Man has to move out of Paradise and may not return to it. This is his punishment, yet also a rich protection. It is a condition for his salvation. The Lord places cherubim at the entrance to Paradise. This makes it clear that you could not enter Paradise in any other place. These cherubim, these angels, are not there for only a few days. No, they continued to remain there as guards. They have to keep every person out of Paradise with a flaming sword. This sword indicates God’s presence and especially the power of his judgment. He uses this judgment for the redemption of his people (see also Exodus 19:18; Psalm 104:4).
24 C'est ainsi qu'il chassa Adam; et il mit à l'orient du jardin d'Eden les chérubins qui agitent une épée flamboyante, pour garder le chemin de l'arbre de vie.