Topical Encyclopedia Gold, a precious metal highly valued for its beauty and rarity, holds significant symbolic and practical importance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the construction of sacred objects within the Tabernacle. The use of gold in the Mercy Seat and the Cherubim is a testament to its role in representing divine purity, holiness, and the glory of God.The Mercy Seat The Mercy Seat, or "kapporet" in Hebrew, was the cover of the Ark of the Covenant, crafted from pure gold. It served as the focal point of the Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle, where God's presence would dwell. According to Exodus 25:17-22 , God instructed Moses: "You are to construct a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and one and a half cubits wide. Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; all made from one piece with the mercy seat. The cherubim are to have wings spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, and facing each other. The faces of the cherubim are to be toward the mercy seat." The Mercy Seat was not merely a lid but a sacred space where God would meet with Moses and communicate His commandments to the Israelites. The use of pure gold underscored the sanctity and divine nature of this meeting place, symbolizing God's unapproachable holiness and the preciousness of His covenant with His people. The Cherubim The Cherubim, angelic beings depicted as guardians of the divine presence, were also crafted from gold and placed at either end of the Mercy Seat. Their wings were spread upward, overshadowing the Mercy Seat, and their faces were turned toward it. The cherubim's presence on the Mercy Seat emphasized the holiness and reverence due to God, as they symbolized His majesty and the protection of His sacred space. In the broader biblical context, cherubim are often associated with the throne of God, as seen in Ezekiel's visions (Ezekiel 10) and the description of the heavenly throne room in Revelation (Revelation 4:6-8). Their representation in gold on the Mercy Seat further highlights the connection between the earthly Tabernacle and the heavenly reality it mirrors. Symbolism and Significance The use of gold for the Mercy Seat and the Cherubim is rich in symbolism. Gold, being incorruptible and enduring, represents the eternal and unchanging nature of God. Its brilliance and beauty reflect the glory and majesty of the divine presence. In the context of the Tabernacle, gold served as a visual reminder of God's holiness and the reverence required in approaching Him. Moreover, the Mercy Seat, as the place of atonement, foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian theology, fulfilled the role of the High Priest and the sacrificial system. The gold used in the Mercy Seat and Cherubim thus points to the greater reality of redemption and reconciliation with God through Christ. In summary, the use of gold in the construction of the Mercy Seat and Cherubim within the Tabernacle underscores the sacredness of these objects and their role in the worship and covenant relationship between God and His people. The precious metal serves as a symbol of divine purity, holiness, and the eternal nature of God's presence among His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 25:17,18And you shall make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library What is the Sanctuary? The Ark of his Covenant Jehovah-Shammah: a Glorious Name for the New Year The Rent Veil The First vision "In Heaven": Chapters 4-5 The Blood of the Testament Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Death and Life in Christ One Thing is Needful; Resources Will there literally be streets of gold in heaven? | GotQuestions.orgIs it possible for gold dust to come down during a church service? | GotQuestions.org Why did the Magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Gold: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gold used in the Arts in Ornamenting the Priests' Garments Gold used in the Arts: Apparel Gold used in the Arts: Beaten Work Gold used in the Arts: Bedsteads Made of Gold used in the Arts: Crowns Made of Gold used in the Arts: Into Ornaments Gold used in the Arts: Made Into Wire Threads and Worked Into Embroidered Tapestry Gold used in the Arts: Modeled Into Forms of Fruits Gold used in the Arts: Overlaying With Gold used in the Arts: Shields of Gold used in the Arts: The Lampstands Made of, for the Tabernacle Gold was Used for Mercy Seat and Cherubims Gold was Used for Overlaying Cherubims in Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying Floor of Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying the Ark Gold was Used for Overlaying the Tabernacle Gold was Used for Overlaying the Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying Throne of Solomon Gold was Used for Sacred Candlesticks Gold was Used for Sacred Utensils Gold: Abundance of, in Solomon's Reign Gold: Altar Lamps, and Other Articles Made of Gold: Jews Condemned for Multiplying Gold: Kings of Israel not to Multiply Gold: Liable to Canker and Rust Gold: Most Valuable when Pure and Fine Gold: Offerings of, for Tabernacle Gold: Offerings of, for Temple Gold: Priestly and Royal Garments Adorned With Gold: Refined and Tried by Fire Gold: Taken in War, Dedicated to God Gold: The Patriarchs Were Rich In Gold: Vessels and Utensils Made of, for the Tabernacle Related Terms |
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