How does Hebrews 9:5 connect to Exodus 25:18-22 about the cherubim? The Inspired Testimony of Hebrews 9:5 “Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.” (Hebrews 9:5) The Original Blueprint: Exodus 25:18-22 “18 And make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat. 19 Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other end; both are to be of one piece with the mercy seat. 20 The cherubim are to have wings spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, and facing one another. The faces of the cherubim are to be toward the mercy seat. 21 Set the mercy seat atop the ark, and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark. 22 And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim on the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.” Key Parallels Between Hebrews 9:5 and Exodus 25 • Same heavenly design: two cherubim formed of one piece with the mercy seat. • Same posture: wings “overshadowing” the place where atoning blood was sprinkled (Leviticus 16:14-15). • Same purpose: marking the exact spot where God said, “I will meet with you.” • Hebrews cites the Exodus pattern as fixed history, underscoring the continuity of God’s revelation from Sinai to the New Covenant. Cherubim: Guardians of God’s Holiness • Genesis 3:24 – cherubim guard Eden’s way; access to God must be protected. • 1 Kings 8:6-7 – larger temple cherubim stretch wings over the ark, amplifying the same image. • Psalm 80:1; Psalm 99:1 – God “enthroned between the cherubim,” highlighting His majesty. • Ezekiel 10 and Revelation 4:6-8 – living creatures still surround His throne, confirming a consistent heavenly reality. From Shadow to Substance: Christ and the Mercy Seat • Hebrews 9:11-12 – Christ enters the true Holy of Holies “by His own blood,” once for all. • Romans 3:25 – “God presented Him as a propitiation” (hilastērion, the Greek word for mercy seat). • 1 John 2:2 – His atoning work satisfies God’s righteous demands. • Contrast: – Old Covenant: annual sprinkling of animal blood, cherubim overshadowing a gold cover. – New Covenant: once-for-all sprinkling of Christ’s blood, cherubim (and all creation) witnessing permanent redemption. • The writer of Hebrews deliberately ties Exodus 25 to Christ’s finished work, showing that the earthly pattern pointed forward to the reality accomplished at Calvary. Living in the Light of the Mercy Seat • Confidence: “We have boldness to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). • Reverence: the cherubim remind us of God’s blazing holiness and the solemn price of access. • Worship: like Isaiah before the seraphim (Isaiah 6:1-7), we respond with awe and gratitude. • Assurance: the unbroken line from Exodus to Hebrews guarantees that God keeps His word and invites us to draw near through His Son. |
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