Exodus 25:18-20
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The cherubim weren't just decorative; they were hammered from the same gold as the mercy seat itself, signifying a deep, inseparable unity with the very place of atonement and God's presence. This detail suggests they weren't merely figures on the mercy seat, but integral parts of it, intimately connected to God's atoning work.
And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end. Of one piece with the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends. The cherubim shall spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is instructing Moses on how to build the Ark of the Covenant and its lid, the mercy seat, which will be the central piece of the Tabernacle. This sacred space is where God promises to meet His people and speak to them. These instructions follow the detailed directions for other sacred furnishings and the Tabernacle itself.
When we hear 'cherubim,' we might picture plump, winged babies. But the biblical cherubim were something quite different and awe-inspiring.
The exact form of the cherubim is a mystery, and scholars have debated it for centuries. However, we can glean a few key things:
The key takeaway is their association with God's holiness and presence, acting as guardians of sacred space.
These golden figures weren't just decorative. Their posture and placement tell a profound story about how God relates to His people.
The details of the cherubim's placement and posture are incredibly significant:
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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.
sakak · Hebrew Verb
To cast a shadow over or to protect by extending wings. In a biblical context, it implies a posture of reverence, service, and covering in the presence of God's glory.
This passage first introduces the cherubim as guardians of the Garden of Eden, establishing their role as powerful, divinely appointed sentinels over sacred space.
Psalm 80:1This psalm directly references God 'enthroned between the cherubim,' highlighting their symbolic role as the very seat of God's presence and authority among His people.
Ezekiel 1:5-28Ezekiel's vision provides a complex description of the cherubim, showing them as composite beings with multiple faces and wings, signifying their active, ever-present role in carrying out God's will and throne.
Hebrews 9:5This New Testament passage alludes to the cherubim and their placement over the ark, connecting the Old Covenant imagery to the heavenly realities and the work of Christ.
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 weren't just decorative; they were hammered from the same gold as the mercy seat itself, signifying a deep, inseparable unity with the very place of atonement and God's presence. This detail suggests they weren't merely figures on the mercy seat, but integral parts of it, intimately connected to God's atoning work.
God is instructing Moses on how to build the Ark of the Covenant and its lid, the mercy seat, which will be the central piece of the Tabernacle. This sacred space is where God promises to meet His people and speak to them. These instructions follow the detailed directions for other sacred furnishings and the Tabernacle itself.
God is instructing Moses on how to build the Ark of the Covenant and its lid, the mercy seat, which will be the central piece of the Tabernacle. This sacred space is where God promises to meet His people and speak to them. These instructions follow the detailed directions for other sacred furnishings and the Tabernacle itself.
"And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end. Of one piece with the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim…" — The cherubim weren't just decorative; they were hammered from the same gold as the mercy seat itself, signifying a deep, inseparable unity with the very place of atonement and God's presence. This de…
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Last reviewed October 2026
