Topical Encyclopedia The cherubim of gold, as described in the Bible, are significant figures in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, serving as both symbolic and functional elements within the Holy of Holies. These figures are first introduced in the book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for the construction of the Ark, which was to be the most sacred object in the Tabernacle.Biblical Description and Construction The cherubim are described in Exodus 25:18-20 : "And make two cherubim of hammered gold at the two ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other end; all made from one piece with the mercy seat. 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." These instructions highlight the cherubim's integral role in the design of the Ark. Crafted from pure gold, they were to be fashioned as part of the mercy seat, which served as the lid of the Ark. The cherubim's wings were to be outstretched, symbolically covering the mercy seat, which was considered the earthly throne of God. Symbolism and Function The cherubim are often associated with the presence and majesty of God. In the broader biblical context, cherubim are depicted as heavenly beings who serve as guardians of sacred spaces. Their presence on the Ark signifies the holiness and divine protection associated with the covenant between God and the Israelites. The positioning of the cherubim, facing each other and looking down toward the mercy seat, suggests a posture of reverence and vigilance. This arrangement emphasizes the Ark's role as the meeting place between God and His people, where the high priest would enter once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of Israel. Theological Significance The cherubim of gold over the Ark of the Covenant hold deep theological significance. They represent the intersection of heaven and earth, where God's presence dwells among His people. The mercy seat, overshadowed by the cherubim, is where God would communicate with Moses, as stated in 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." In this way, the cherubim serve as a reminder of God's holiness, His covenantal promises, and His desire to dwell among His people. The imagery of the cherubim continues to resonate throughout Scripture, appearing in visions of the heavenly throne room, such as in the books of Ezekiel and Revelation, where they are depicted as part of the divine entourage surrounding God's throne. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, cherubim-like figures were common in religious art and architecture, often serving as guardians of temples and palaces. However, the biblical cherubim are distinct in their role and symbolism, emphasizing the unique relationship between Yahweh and Israel. The use of gold in their construction underscores the value and purity associated with divine worship and the sacredness of the Ark itself. The cherubim of gold over the Ark of the Covenant thus stand as enduring symbols of God's presence, holiness, and the divine-human relationship established through the covenant. Their depiction in the Tabernacle, and later in Solomon's Temple, reflects the centrality of worship and the reverence due to God in the life of the Israelite community. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 4:4So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwells between the cherubim: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 8:6,7 2 Chronicles 5:7,8 Library What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? A Little Sanctuary The First vision "In Heaven": Chapters 4-5 The Fourfold Treasure The Figurative Language of Scripture. Scriptural Types. Solomon's Temple Spiritualized The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Against Jovinianus. Resources What are the ophanim? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the four living creatures in Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Do angels have wings? | 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 |
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