What significance do the cherubim have in Exodus 37:7 for believers today? Exodus 37:7 Recap “He also made two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, one cherub on one end and one on the other; the cherubim were of one piece with the mercy seat at its two ends.” (Exodus 37:7) Who Are the Cherubim? • Real, personal angelic beings first seen guarding Eden’s entrance (Genesis 3:24). • Frequently connected with God’s throne and glory (Psalm 99:1; Ezekiel 10:3-4). • In the tabernacle they are forged from solid gold, inseparable from the mercy seat, gazing down at the atoning blood (Hebrews 9:5). Why Place Them on the Ark? 1. Guarding holiness • Like Eden, the cherubim announce that sinful humanity cannot rush unprepared into God’s presence. 2. Declaring sovereignty • God “enthroned between the cherubim” (2 Samuel 6:2) rules the universe; the Ark is His earthly footstool. 3. Highlighting mercy through sacrifice • Their outspread wings frame the spot where atoning blood is sprinkled (Leviticus 16:14-15), directing every eye to grace. Significance for Believers Today • God’s holiness is undiminished – The same majestic beings still proclaim, “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3). Approach with reverent awe (Hebrews 12:28-29). • Mercy triumphs over judgment – Blood on the mercy seat turned a place of potential wrath into a place of forgiveness; Christ’s blood now does that permanently (Romans 3:24-25; Hebrews 9:11-12). • Assurance of welcome – Because the cherubim are part of the lid, not the barrier, they picture angels rejoicing in our redemption (1 Peter 1:12; Luke 15:10). • Pattern for worship – Our gatherings echo heaven’s throne room where living creatures ceaselessly adore the Lamb (Revelation 4:6-8; 5:11-12). • Hope of glory – One day believers will stand openly before that throne, no veil, no separation, beholding what the golden cherubim only symbolized (Revelation 22:3-4). Living It Out • Cultivate reverence: let God’s blazing purity shape daily choices. • Rest in Christ’s once-for-all atonement: guilt has been covered at the true mercy seat. • Engage in wholehearted worship: join the angels in exalting the Sovereign King. |
    |