What can we learn about God's holiness from the cherubim's posture in Exodus 25:20? Anchored in the Text “ ‘The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat with them, while facing each other; the faces of the cherubim are to be toward the mercy seat.’ ” (Exodus 25:20) The Language of Posture • Wings spread upward – an unending reach toward heaven, declaring God’s exalted position (cf. Psalm 113:4). • Overshadowing the mercy seat – a protective covering, marking off sacred space that only holiness can occupy (Psalm 91:4). • Faces turned inward – unbroken focus on the place where atonement is made, spotlighting God’s holiness joined with mercy (Hebrews 9:5). Holiness Guarded in Gold • Gold, the most precious metal, stresses incomparable worth (1 Kings 6:20-22). • Cherubim are not decoration; they are guardians (Genesis 3:24). Their placement over the ark says “No casual approach allowed.” • Every detail was commanded by God, underscoring that holiness is defined by Him, not by human preference (Leviticus 10:1-3). Faces Fixed on Mercy • The gaze of the cherubim centers on the mercy seat—where blood would be sprinkled each Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:14-15). • Holiness does not eliminate mercy; it frames it. Judgment and compassion meet in perfect balance (Psalm 85:10). • Their inward focus models worship—adoration directed toward God’s saving work, not outward toward spectators. Echoes Through Scripture • Isaiah 6:2-3—seraphim cover faces and feet while crying “Holy, holy, holy,” emphasizing reverence and separation. • Ezekiel 1:11—cherubim wings lifted up, declaring that heavenly beings continually uphold God’s throne. • Revelation 4:8—living creatures never cease proclaiming holiness, showing the theme endures into eternity. • Psalm 99:1—“He is enthroned between the cherubim; let the earth quake.” The posture in Exodus foretells a universal call to awe. What We Learn About God’s Holiness • It is elevated—symbolized by wings reaching upward. • It is protective—God’s holiness shields His people even as it summons reverence. • It is focused on redemption—the holy gaze rests where atonement is provided. • It is uncompromising—approach must be on His terms, through blood and covenant. • It is celebrated by heaven—angelic beings delight to proclaim and guard it. Living in the Light of This Truth • Approach God with both confidence and awe, remembering Christ is now our mercy seat (Romans 3:25). • Let worship center on His saving work, not on ourselves. • Guard holy things—time, speech, conduct—because the One who dwells within is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Join the cherubim’s chorus daily: exalt His holiness, celebrate His mercy, and keep your focus fixed on the place of atonement—Jesus. |
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