Exodus 37:7

He made two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat,

Study Bible

He made two cherubim of hammered gold
The cherubim are angelic beings often associated with the presence and glory of God. In the context of the tabernacle, they symbolize the divine presence and serve as guardians of the sacred space. The use of hammered gold indicates the skill and artistry involved, reflecting the importance and sanctity of the objects within the Holy of Holies. Gold, a precious metal, signifies purity and divinity, underscoring the holiness of the cherubim and their role in the tabernacle. The cherubim's presence on the Ark of the Covenant connects to their role in Eden (Genesis 3:24) and the vision of God's throne in Ezekiel 10, emphasizing their function as protectors and attendants of God's throne.

at the ends of the mercy seat
The mercy seat, or "atonement cover," is the lid of the Ark of the Covenant, where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:14-15). This act symbolized the atonement of the people's sins and God's mercy in forgiving them. The placement of the cherubim at the ends of the mercy seat signifies their role as witnesses to God's covenant and His merciful interaction with Israel. The mercy seat itself is a type of Christ, who is our propitiation (Romans 3:25), highlighting the ultimate fulfillment of atonement through Jesus' sacrifice. The positioning of the cherubim also reflects the heavenly throne room imagery found in Revelation 4:6-8, where living creatures surround God's throne, emphasizing the continuity of God's presence and the worship He receives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Bezalel
The skilled craftsman chosen by God to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat with the cherubim.

2. Cherubim
Angelic beings depicted in the Bible as guardians of sacred spaces. In this context, they are crafted figures placed on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant.

3. Mercy Seat
The cover of the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's throne and His presence among the Israelites. It is where God would meet with Moses and communicate His will.

4. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel.

5. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey through the wilderness.

Teaching Points

God's Holiness and Presence
The cherubim on the mercy seat symbolize the holiness of God and His presence among His people. As believers, we are called to recognize and revere God's holiness in our lives.

Symbolism of Mercy
The mercy seat represents God's mercy and forgiveness. Through Christ, we have access to God's mercy, and we are encouraged to extend mercy to others.

Craftsmanship and Obedience
Bezalel's work demonstrates the importance of using our God-given talents for His glory. We should seek to serve God with excellence and obedience in our own lives.

Guardianship of Sacred Spaces
Just as the cherubim guarded the mercy seat, we are called to guard our hearts and maintain the sanctity of our relationship with God.

Foreshadowing of Christ
The mercy seat and the cherubim point to Jesus as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. We are reminded of the importance of Christ's sacrifice and our relationship with Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the cherubim in Exodus 37:7 compare to their role in Genesis 3:24, and what does this teach us about God's holiness?

2. In what ways does the mercy seat in the Old Testament foreshadow the work of Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the example of Bezalel's craftsmanship and obedience in our own lives and service to God?

4. What are some practical ways we can guard the sacred spaces in our lives, such as our hearts and our relationship with God?

5. How does understanding the symbolism of the mercy seat enhance our appreciation of God's mercy and forgiveness in our daily walk with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 3:24
The cherubim are first mentioned as guardians of the Garden of Eden, emphasizing their role in protecting holy spaces.

Hebrews 9:5
The New Testament reference to the cherubim and the mercy seat highlights their significance in the Old Covenant and points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence and mercy.

Psalm 80:1
This verse refers to God as the one who is enthroned between the cherubim, reinforcing the idea of God's presence and kingship.