Topical Encyclopedia The cherubim are a class of angelic beings frequently mentioned in the Bible, often associated with the presence and majesty of God. They are depicted as guardians of sacred spaces and are closely linked with the divine throne. In the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple, cherubim hold significant symbolic and theological importance.Biblical Description and Symbolism In the construction of the Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, cherubim were intricately woven into the fabric of the curtains. These curtains served as a barrier between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The presence of the cherubim on the curtains symbolized the holiness and the divine protection of the sacred space. Scriptural Reference Exodus 26:31-33 provides a detailed description of the curtain: "You are to make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold, standing on four silver bases. Hang the veil from the clasps and place the Ark of the Testimony behind the veil. The veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place." This passage highlights the craftsmanship and the divine instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle. The cherubim, skillfully embroidered into the veil, served as a constant reminder of God's presence and the sanctity of the space they guarded. Theological Significance The depiction of cherubim on the curtain underscores their role as protectors of the divine realm. In the broader biblical narrative, cherubim are often seen as guardians of God's holiness. For instance, in Genesis 3:24, cherubim are stationed at the east of the Garden of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life after Adam and Eve's expulsion. In the Tabernacle, the embroidered cherubim on the curtain not only served a decorative purpose but also conveyed a deeper theological message. They represented the boundary between the divine and the human, the holy and the common. The veil, with its cherubic figures, was a visual and symbolic reminder of the separation between God and humanity due to sin, a separation that would later be addressed through the redemptive work of Christ. Artistic and Cultural Context The artistry involved in the creation of the cherubim on the curtain reflects the high value placed on craftsmanship in ancient Israelite culture. The use of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, along with finely spun linen, indicates the importance of the Tabernacle as a place of worship and the reverence due to God. The cherubim's presence in the Tabernacle and later in Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:23-28) illustrates their enduring significance in Israel's religious life. These figures served as a constant reminder of the heavenly reality and the divine order that the Israelites were called to honor and uphold. In summary, the embroidered cherubim on the curtain of the Tabernacle were more than mere artistic embellishments; they were profound symbols of God's holiness, the sacredness of His dwelling place, and the divine protection over His covenant people. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 26:31And you shall make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubim shall it be made: Nave's Topical Index Exodus 36:35 Library Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources What were the wheels in Ezekiel 1? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Holy of Holies? | GotQuestions.org How many angels are there? | GotQuestions.org Cherubim: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cherubim in Ezekiel's Vision of the Temple Cherubim of Gold: Formed out of, and at Each End of the Mercy Seat Cherubim of Gold: God's Presence Manifested Between Cherubim of Gold: Placed Over the Ark of the Covenant Cherubim of Gold: The Oracles or Answers of God Delivered from Between Cherubim: Animated by the Spirit of God Cherubim: Called the Cherubim of Glory Cherubim: Eastward of the Garden of Eden Cherubim: Engaged in Accomplishing the Purposes of God Cherubim: Figures of On the Curtain Cherubim: Figures of On the Lavers Cherubim: Figures of On the Walls Cherubim: Figures of, Embroidered: And on the Curtain Cherubim: Figures of, Embroidered: On the Walls of the Tabernacle Cherubim: Form and Appearance of Cherubim: Placed at the Entrance of Eden Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Bases of Brazen Lavers Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Curtains of the Tabernacle Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Doors of the Temple Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Vail of the Tabernacle Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Vail of the Temple Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Walls of the Temple Cherubim: Riding On, Illustrative of Majesty and Power of God Cherubim: Sound of Their Wings Was As the Voice of God Cherubim: The Ark of the Covenant Rested Beneath the Wings of Cherubim: The Glory of God Exhibited Upon Related Terms |