Cherubim: The Ark of the Covenant Rested Beneath the Wings of
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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.
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1 Kings 8:6,7
And 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.
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2 Chronicles 5:7,8
And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD to his place, to the oracle of the house, into the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubim:
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Hebrews 9:5
And over it the cherubim of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
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Library

The Form and Spirit of Religion
... but because, between the wings of those cherubim God had ... You remember that this ark
of the covenant, after it ... to notice, and that is, that this ark not only ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the form and spirit of.htm

Importance of Small Things in Religion
... of angels; and between the wings of the cherubim, when the ... together, and bring up
the ark of the covenant of your ... We want to bring up the ark from its obscurity ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/importance of small things in.htm

A Little Sanctuary
... The Lord is my light and my salvation." In the holy place were the cherubim: God
has ... In the holy place was the ark: God is to us the ark of the covenant. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a little sanctuary.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... their army and fleet"Judah, Dan, and the story of Samson"Benjamin on the Philistine
frontier"Eli and the ark of the covenant"The Philistine dominion ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... of holies, all the utensils, and the ark, were types ... enter by the blood of the
everlasting covenant into the ... dwarfs, are low, dark, weak, and beneath, not only ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Second Commandment
... be routed, their priests slain, the ark taken captive ... The parents are in covenant
with God, and God ... The cherubim, types representing the angels, are described ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 2 the second commandment.htm

Resources
What are cherubim? Are cherubs angels? | GotQuestions.org

Why 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 ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
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: Symbolical
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