Topical Bible: Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Vail of the Temple

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The cherubim hold a significant place in biblical theology, often depicted as celestial beings associated with the presence and majesty of God. Their representations are found in various elements of the tabernacle and temple, serving as symbolic guardians of sacred spaces.

Biblical Description and Symbolism

In the construction of the tabernacle and later the temple, cherubim were intricately woven into the fabric of the vail, which separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. This vail served as a physical and symbolic barrier, delineating the space where God's presence was most intensely manifest. The cherubim on the vail underscored the holiness and inaccessibility of God, except through divinely appointed means.

Scriptural References

The instructions for the creation of the vail with cherubim are detailed in the Old Testament. In Exodus 26:31, the LORD commands Moses: "You are to make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it." This directive highlights the importance of the cherubim as part of the sacred design, emphasizing their role in the divine order.

Similarly, in the construction of Solomon's Temple, the presence of cherubim on the vail is noted. 2 Chronicles 3:14 states, "He made the veil of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim worked into it." This continuity from the tabernacle to the temple signifies the enduring theological significance of the cherubim as symbols of divine protection and holiness.

Theological Implications

The depiction of cherubim on the vail serves multiple theological purposes. Firstly, it reinforces the concept of God's holiness and the separation between the divine and the human. The cherubim, as guardians of the sacred, remind the faithful of the reverence due to God and the sanctity of His dwelling place.

Secondly, the presence of cherubim on the vail points to the heavenly reality that the earthly tabernacle and temple sought to emulate. The cherubim are often associated with the throne of God, as seen in visions such as those in Ezekiel 1 and Revelation 4, where they are depicted as part of the divine entourage surrounding God's throne.

Christological Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the tearing of the vail at the moment of Christ's death (Matthew 27:51) holds profound significance. This event symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, achieved through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The cherubim, once guardians of the divine presence, now witness the opening of access to God for all who come through Christ.

The representations of cherubim on the vail, therefore, not only reflect the holiness and majesty of God but also point forward to the redemptive work of Christ, who fulfills and transcends the Old Testament symbols, granting believers direct access to the Father.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 3:14
And he made the veil of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and worked cherubim thereon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Scriptural Types.
... as he that dwells between the cherubim.1 Sam.4 ... them both." In accordance with these
representations a large ... the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

The First vision "In Heaven": Chapters 4-5
... The first thing made was not the Tabernacle itself ... These were not the real cherubim,
of course; they ... Representations of them were woven into the Vail (Exodus 26 ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision in heaven .htm