What does the cherubim's posture teach us about reverence and holiness? Focus Verse “Then he made two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat. The cherubim had their wings spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat, and they faced one another; the faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat.” (Exodus 37:9) What We See in Their Posture • Wings lifted high—extended in continual adoration • Heads bowed inward—gazing toward the mercy seat, not outward to the world • Bodies stationed above the atonement cover—ever guarding the place of propitiation • Unity in stance—each mirroring the other in perfect agreement Reverence Displayed • Lifted wings signal awe. Cherubim do not lounge in the presence of God; they stand ready, alert, worshipful (cf. Isaiah 6:2). • Bowed faces reject self-exaltation. Even these highest creatures avert attention from themselves, directing all honor to the Lord (cf. Revelation 4:8-11). • Fixed gaze on the mercy seat reminds us that true reverence centers on God’s redemptive work, never on spectacle or emotion. Holiness Illustrated • Distance kept. Though near, the cherubim never touch the glory beneath them—teaching separation from what is common (Leviticus 10:3). • Overshadowing wings form a boundary. Holiness requires a clear line between sacred and profane (Ezekiel 42:20). • Continuous posture. There is no hint of fatigue; holiness is a lifestyle, not a momentary pose (Hebrews 12:14). Supporting Scriptures • Psalm 99:1—“He is enthroned between the cherubim.” Holiness flows from His throne, and those closest to it model that holiness. • 1 Samuel 4:4 and 2 Samuel 6:2—ark called “the LORD of Hosts enthroned between the cherubim,” underscoring the cherubim’s constant testimony. • Hebrews 9:5—the cherubim still speak in the New Covenant, reminding believers of God’s unchanging standard of purity and reverence. New Testament Echoes • The women at the empty tomb stood at the head and foot of where Jesus had lain (John 20:12), visually recalling the cherubim around the mercy seat—now framing the ultimate act of mercy. • Believers are called “a holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5), mirroring the cherubim’s role: living witnesses to God’s holiness. Living It Out Today • Approach worship with lifted “wings”—hearts expectant, ready to serve. • Keep eyes fixed on Christ, our mercy seat (Romans 3:25), resisting the pull of self-focus. • Guard holy spaces in life—home, church, thought life—so nothing common crowds out the sacred. • Practice unity in reverence; corporate worship gains power when God’s people stand in one accord, just as the paired cherubim did. |
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