What is the meaning of Exodus 25:20? Wings that spread upward Exodus 25:20: “And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward…” • The upward stretch directs every eye—and heart—heavenward. Like the living creatures of Ezekiel 1:11, whose wings “were spread upward,” these real, personal beings point toward God’s throne. • Genesis 3:24 shows cherubim stationed at Eden’s gate with a flaming sword; their wings in the tabernacle echo that original guardianship of holiness. • Isaiah’s seraphim cover themselves with wings while calling, “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:2–3), reminding us that true worship begins with an exalted view of the Lord. Overshadowing the mercy seat “…overshadowing the mercy seat.” • Picture the golden wings forming a shelter over the atonement cover—just as the cloud of glory later filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34). • On the Day of Atonement the high priest sprinkled blood beneath that protective canopy (Leviticus 16:14-15); life met law, and mercy triumphed. • Luke 1:35 uses the same thought of overshadowing when the angel tells Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you,” linking God’s nearness with His redeeming purpose. Facing each other “The cherubim are to face each other…” • Unity matters in heaven’s court: the two cherubim share one stance, affirming every word of God “by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15). • In 1 Kings 8:7, Solomon’s temple repeats the same posture, showing that God’s design is consistent and intentional. • Angels rejoiced together at creation (Job 38:7); here they stand together for redemption. Looking toward the mercy seat “…looking toward the mercy seat.” • Their gaze is fixed on the very place where God says, “There I will meet with you” (Exodus 25:22). Heaven’s interest centers on grace. • Hebrews 9:5 calls this cover “the mercy seat,” adding, “But we cannot discuss these things in detail now”—yet the cherubim keep studying it. So do we. • Romans 3:25 names Jesus as “the propitiation,” our mercy seat, set forth publicly in His blood. Even angels “long to look into these things” (1 Peter 1:12), mirroring the cherubim’s posture. summary The upward-spread wings exalt God, the overshadowing wings shelter atonement, the united faces witness to truth, and the fixed gaze celebrates mercy. These golden cherubim silently preach the gospel: a holy God makes a way for sinful people through blood, inviting all worshipers to look toward the mercy He provides. |
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