What does Exodus 25:19 teach about God's holiness and our approach to Him? The Scene in Exodus 25 God is giving Moses the exact pattern for the Ark of the Covenant—the throne on earth where His presence would dwell in a uniquely intense way. Every detail is deliberate, teaching Israel (and us) about who He is and how He must be approached. Text of Exodus 25:19 “Make one cherub at one end and the second cherub at the other; at the two ends of the mercy seat you shall make the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat.” Key Observations • Two cherubim—angelic beings—stand guard over the mercy seat. • They are “of one piece” with the lid, showing unity in God’s design. • Their placement at the “two ends” frames the exact spot where God says, “There I will meet with you” (Exodus 25:22). • Cherubim elsewhere in Scripture are guardians of holy space (Genesis 3:24; Ezekiel 10:1-20). What This Reveals About God’s Holiness • Holiness guarded: The cherubim signal that access to God is not casual; His presence is surrounded by heavenly guardians. • Holiness centralized: The mercy seat is the focal point; God’s holiness is not diffused but centered and concentrated. • Holiness unchanging: Being “one piece” stresses the permanence and completeness of God’s holy standard—no part can be detached or modified. Implications for Our Approach to Him • Reverence first: The imagery calls for trembling respect (Psalm 99:1). • Approach through mercy: The covering is literally the “mercy seat.” Blood was sprinkled here on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:14-15). Holiness is satisfied only through sacrificial atonement. • No self-designed paths: God dictated every measurement; we draw near on His terms, not ours (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Confidence in Christ: The cherubim once blocked Eden, but through the true mercy seat—Jesus’ shed blood—believers now have bold access (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 4:14-16). Supporting Scriptures • Isaiah 6:2-3 — Seraphim cry “Holy, holy, holy,” reinforcing the guarded holiness theme. • Revelation 4:6-8 — Living creatures encircle God’s throne, echoing the cherubim motif. • John 14:6 — “No one comes to the Father except through Me,” Christ fulfilling the mercy seat’s purpose. • 1 Peter 1:16 — “Be holy, because I am holy,” calling believers to reflect the God they approach. Bringing It Home Exodus 25:19 quietly but powerfully teaches that God’s holiness is both guarded and gracious. The cherubim declare, “He is set apart,” while the mercy seat nestled between them proclaims, “He makes a way.” Our response is a life of awe-filled obedience, approaching Him only through the blood of the Lamb yet doing so with joyful confidence, knowing the holy God welcomes those who come by His appointed means. |
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