Cherubim: Figures of, Embroidered: And on the Curtain
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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.
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Exodus 26:31
And you shall make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubim shall it be made:
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Exodus 36:35
And he made a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubim made he it of cunning work.
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Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... he did to the poor infant in Ezekiel 16:8: I covered thee with embroidered gold:
and ... So He said, These two lads are figures: Passion, of the men of this world ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Resources
What were the wheels in Ezekiel 1? | GotQuestions.org

What was the Holy of Holies? | GotQuestions.org

How many angels are there? | GotQuestions.org

Cherubim: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Cherubim

Cherubim Cherub

Cherubim in Ezekiel's Vision of the Temple

Cherubim in the Tabernacle

Cherubim in 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: Figurative

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: Symbolical

Cherubim: The Ark of the Covenant Rested Beneath the Wings of

Cherubim: The Glory of God Exhibited Upon

Related Terms

Cherubim's (1 Occurrence)

Ark-cover (21 Occurrences)

Mercy-seat (23 Occurrences)

Enthroned (25 Occurrences)

Cherub (21 Occurrences)

Palm-trees (23 Occurrences)

Carved (36 Occurrences)

Wheels (30 Occurrences)

Overshadowing (5 Occurrences)

Living (3112 Occurrences)

Finely (27 Occurrences)

Twined (25 Occurrences)

Craftsman (23 Occurrences)

Artistic (14 Occurrences)

Screening (3 Occurrences)

Skilled (44 Occurrences)

Skillful (42 Occurrences)

Skilful (38 Occurrences)

Workman (22 Occurrences)

Curious (18 Occurrences)

Cunning (43 Occurrences)

Ends (108 Occurrences)

Byssus (40 Occurrences)

Overlaid (50 Occurrences)

Twisted (79 Occurrences)

Material (61 Occurrences)

Wings (81 Occurrences)

Olivewood (4 Occurrences)

Olive-wood (4 Occurrences)

Graved (5 Occurrences)

Stuff (49 Occurrences)

Cherubims (19 Occurrences)

Carvings (6 Occurrences)

Skilfully (13 Occurrences)

Seraphim (2 Occurrences)

Flowers (42 Occurrences)

Scarlet (54 Occurrences)

Staffs (47 Occurrences)

Nave (19 Occurrences)

Wing (18 Occurrences)

Poles (58 Occurrences)

Yarn (37 Occurrences)

Sits (52 Occurrences)

Covering (191 Occurrences)

Hammered (22 Occurrences)

Threshold (28 Occurrences)

Purple (54 Occurrences)

Engraved (62 Occurrences)

Beaten (73 Occurrences)

Blue (51 Occurrences)

Staves (50 Occurrences)

Beneath (73 Occurrences)

Faces (158 Occurrences)

Inner (141 Occurrences)

Palm (49 Occurrences)

Oracle (57 Occurrences)

Kebar (8 Occurrences)

Underneath (19 Occurrences)

Overshadowed (4 Occurrences)

Lions (50 Occurrences)

Ledges (7 Occurrences)

Whirling (7 Occurrences)

Wreaths (9 Occurrences)

Innermost (22 Occurrences)

Faced (32 Occurrences)

Cover (254 Occurrences)

Panels (10 Occurrences)

Chebar (8 Occurrences)

Curtains (34 Occurrences)

Seatward (1 Occurrence)

Sittest (15 Occurrences)

Extended (40 Occurrences)

Upward (74 Occurrences)

Vail (44 Occurrences)

Sitteth (74 Occurrences)

Spread (257 Occurrences)

Center (30 Occurrences)

Carrying (88 Occurrences)

Cherubim: Figures of On the Walls
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