Exodus 37:9

And the cherubim had wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the mercy seat.

Study Bible

And the cherubim had wings that spread upward
The cherubim are angelic beings often associated with the presence and glory of God. Their wings spreading upward signifies their readiness to serve and their connection to the divine realm. In the context of the Tabernacle, this imagery emphasizes the heavenly nature of the Ark of the Covenant. The upward spread of the wings also symbolizes the cherubim's role in worship and adoration of God, reflecting the heavenly worship described in Isaiah 6:2 and Revelation 4:8.

overshadowing the mercy seat
The mercy seat, or "atonement cover," was the lid of the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence would appear. The cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat signifies protection and the sacredness of this space. This imagery connects to the concept of God's throne, as seen in Psalm 99:1, where God is enthroned between the cherubim. The mercy seat is central to the Day of Atonement rituals (Leviticus 16), prefiguring Christ's atoning sacrifice (Romans 3:25), where He becomes the ultimate mercy seat for believers.

The cherubim faced each other
The positioning of the cherubim facing each other suggests a unity and harmony in their purpose, reflecting the divine order and the cooperative nature of God's creation. This orientation also indicates their focus on the mercy seat, symbolizing the centrality of God's presence and the importance of atonement. The facing cherubim can be seen as a representation of the heavenly host's agreement and participation in God's redemptive plan.

looking toward the mercy seat
The cherubim's gaze toward the mercy seat highlights the significance of this location as the focal point of God's presence and interaction with His people. It underscores the importance of atonement and reconciliation with God, as the mercy seat was where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice, symbolizing the covering of sin. This anticipates the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the mediator between God and humanity (Hebrews 9:11-12), where He fulfills the role of both high priest and sacrifice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Cherubim
Angelic beings often associated with the presence of God. In the context of the Ark of the Covenant, they symbolize divine protection and the holiness of God.

2. Mercy Seat
The cover of the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's throne on earth and His presence among His people. It is the place where atonement was made once a year by the high priest.

3. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel. It was central to Israel's worship and symbolized God's presence.

4. Bezalel
The craftsman appointed by God to construct the Ark and its components, including the cherubim and the mercy seat, according to divine specifications.

5. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where the Ark was housed, serving as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of the Cherubim
The cherubim's posture and position remind us of the reverence and awe due to God. They symbolize the holiness and majesty of God's presence.

The Mercy Seat as a Place of Atonement
The mercy seat represents God's willingness to forgive and reconcile with His people. It points to the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ.

God's Presence Among His People
The Ark and the mercy seat signify God's desire to dwell among His people, guiding and protecting them. This foreshadows the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers.

Craftsmanship and Obedience
Bezalel's work on the Ark demonstrates the importance of using our God-given talents in obedience to His commands, contributing to His kingdom.

The Role of Sacred Spaces
The tabernacle and its components teach us about the importance of setting apart spaces and times for worship and communion with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the cherubim's posture and position on the mercy seat reflect our attitude toward God's holiness and presence in our lives?

2. In what ways does the concept of the mercy seat as a place of atonement connect to the New Testament understanding of Jesus' sacrifice?

3. How can we apply the principle of using our talents for God's glory, as demonstrated by Bezalel, in our daily lives?

4. What does the presence of the Ark in the tabernacle teach us about the importance of creating sacred spaces for worship today?

5. How can the symbolism of the cherubim and the mercy seat enhance our understanding of God's desire to dwell among His people and guide us?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Leviticus 16:14-15
Describes the Day of Atonement rituals, where the high priest sprinkles blood on the mercy seat, emphasizing its role in atonement and reconciliation with God.

Hebrews 9:5
References the cherubim and the mercy seat, connecting the Old Testament symbolism to the New Testament understanding of Christ's atoning work.