And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The cherubim, crafted from hammered gold, weren't merely decorative. They were purposefully made "of beaten work," suggesting they were hammered from a single piece of gold, emphasizing unity and simplicity, perhaps reflecting the inseparable nature of God's presence and the covenant. Their placement on the ends of the mercy seat also highlighted their role not just as symbols, but as active participants in the divine encounter, guarding and pointing towards the very place of God's presence.
And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is giving Moses detailed instructions for constructing the Ark of the Covenant and its ornate cover, the mercy seat. This isn't just about building a religious artifact; it's about establishing a place where God's presence will dwell among His people, serving as the central point of their worship and communion with Him. These instructions for the Ark and its adornments, including the cherubim, immediately follow the Lord's command for the people to bring freewill offerings for the sanctuary.
What were these creatures, and why were they made of gold?
The exact form of the cherubim remains a bit of a mystery! Scripture doesn't give us a detailed blueprint, leaving room for interpretation. Some scholars suggest they were composite figures—part human, part animal, part eagle—while others believe they were winged human figures.
What we do know is their material and purpose:
Why is this 'mercy seat' so crucial, and what happened there?
The 'mercy seat' (Hebrew: kapporet) is far more than just a lid for the Ark. Its name hints at its function: atonement, covering, or expiation.
Imagine the scene:
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Understand the original words
kerubim · Hebrew Noun
Celestial beings of high rank associated with the immediate presence and holiness of God. They function as guardians of God's sanctity and throne.
miqshah · Hebrew Noun
A process of shaping metal by striking it repeatedly with a hammer, rather than casting it in a mold. In Scripture, it often emphasizes craftsmanship, durability, and a unified, singular creation.
This passage describes the creation of the cherubim and the mercy seat, directly referencing the instructions given in Exodus 25:18 and providing the physical context for their placement.
1 Kings 6:23-28This passage details the cherubim placed inside Solomon's Temple, showing a continuity of this symbolic representation of God's presence and the cherubim's role as guardians in a later sanctuary.
Ezekiel 1:5-14Ezekiel's vision provides a more complex and detailed description of cherubim, highlighting their composite nature and their function as carriers of God's glory, which deepens the understanding of their symbolic significance.
Psalm 80:1This psalm directly references God dwelling 'between the cherubim,' connecting the imagery of the cherubim on the mercy seat to God's active presence and leadership over His people.
Hebrews 9:5This New Testament passage refers to the cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat, reinforcing the significance of this imagery within the broader context of God's covenant and Christ's mediation.
clarkeExodus 25:18: "And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat."
Thou shalt make two cherubims - What these were we cannot distinctly say. It is generally supposed that a cherub was a creature with four heads and one body: and the animals, of which these emblematical forms consisted, were the noblest of their kinds; the lion among the wild beasts, the bull among the tame ones, the eagle among the birds, and man at the head of all…
calvinExodus 25:1-22: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
Expandentque cherubim duas alas superne tegentes alis suis propitiatorium, et se mutuo aspicient: ad propitiatorium erunt facies cherubim.
And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put th…
The cherubim, crafted from hammered gold, weren't merely decorative. They were purposefully made "of beaten work," suggesting they were hammered from a single piece of gold, emphasizing unity and simplicity, perhaps reflecting the inseparable nature of God's presence and the covenant. Their placement on the ends of the mercy seat also highlighted their role not just as symbols, but as active participants in the divine encounter, guarding and pointing towards the very place of God's presence.
God is giving Moses detailed instructions for constructing the Ark of the Covenant and its ornate cover, the mercy seat. This isn't just about building a religious artifact; it's about establishing a place where God's presence will dwell among His people, serving as the central point of their worship and communion with Him. These instructions for the Ark and its adornments, including the cherubim, immediately follow the Lord's command for the people to bring freewill offerings for the sanctuary.
God is giving Moses detailed instructions for constructing the Ark of the Covenant and its ornate cover, the mercy seat. This isn't just about building a religious artifact; it's about establishing a place where God's presence will dwell among His people, serving as the central point of their worship and communion with Him. These instructions for the Ark and its adornments, including the cherubim, immediately follow the Lord's command for the people to bring freewill offerings for the sanctuary.
"And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat." — The cherubim, crafted from hammered gold, weren't merely decorative. They were purposefully made "of beaten work," suggesting they were hammered from a single piece of gold, emphasizing unity and sim…
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Last reviewed October 2026