Topical Encyclopedia The cherubim hold a significant place in biblical theology, particularly in their association with the Ark of the Covenant. These celestial beings are depicted as guardians of sacred spaces and are often associated with the presence and glory of God. In the context of the Ark of the Covenant, the cherubim are intricately linked to the divine presence that dwelt among the Israelites.Biblical Description and Role The cherubim are first mentioned in the context of the Garden of Eden, where they are stationed to guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24). Their role as guardians is further emphasized in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, where they are depicted as overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings. The Ark itself was a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel. In Exodus 25:18-20 , God commands Moses regarding the design of the Ark: "And make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece with the mercy seat. And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat." The cherubim on the Ark are not merely decorative; they signify the throne of God, where His presence would dwell among His people. The space between the cherubim on the mercy seat is where God would meet with Moses and communicate His will to the Israelites (Exodus 25:22): "And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the Ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites." Symbolism and Theological Significance The cherubim's presence on the Ark underscores the holiness and separateness of God. They serve as a reminder of the divine majesty and the reverence due to God. The imagery of the cherubim with outstretched wings suggests protection and the covering of God's glory, emphasizing the sacredness of the covenant relationship between God and His people. In the broader biblical narrative, cherubim are often associated with the throne of God, as seen in visions by prophets such as Ezekiel (Ezekiel 10:1-22) and John in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 4:6-8). These visions reinforce the idea of cherubim as attendants to the divine presence, highlighting their role in the heavenly realm. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, cherubim-like figures were common in religious art and architecture, often depicted as composite creatures with features of humans, lions, and eagles. These figures were typically seen as guardians of sacred spaces, a concept that resonates with their biblical portrayal. The cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant reflect a unique adaptation of this cultural motif, emphasizing the distinctiveness of Israel's worship and the centrality of God's presence among His people. The Ark, with its cherubim, was housed in the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, signifying the focal point of divine-human interaction. Conclusion The cherubim, as depicted in the context of the Ark of the Covenant, serve as powerful symbols of God's holiness, presence, and covenantal faithfulness. Their role as guardians and attendants to the divine throne underscores the reverence and awe with which the Israelites approached their God, who dwelt among them in glory and majesty. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 8:6,7And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD to his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubim. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 5:7,8 Hebrews 9:5 Library The Form and Spirit of Religion Importance of Small Things in Religion A Little Sanctuary The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Solomon's Temple Spiritualized The Second Commandment Resources What are cherubim? Are cherubs angels? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God have the cherubim guard just the east side of Eden (Genesis 3:24)? | GotQuestions.org What is the hierarchy of angels? | 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 |