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)
The cherubim's faces are specifically directed towards the mercy seat, not just generally looking at it. This shows their constant attentiveness and desire to understand God's dealings with humanity through the atonement symbolized there. Their wings overshadowing the mercy seat suggest a protective covering, signifying divine guardianship over the place where God's grace met His justice.
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 has just instructed Moses to have the people gather materials for the tabernacle, and now He gives detailed specifications for the Ark of the Covenant and its lid, the mercy seat, along with the cherubim that will adorn them. This sacred furniture is the centerpiece of God's dwelling place among His people, where He promises to meet and commune with them.
Imagine two magnificent winged figures, their faces turned towards each other, yet both gazing intently downwards. What does this unique posture signify?
The cherubim, described as stretching their wings to cover the mercy seat, were more than just decorative elements. They symbolized heavenly beings, guardians of God's sacred presence.
This isn't just a 'lid' for the Ark. It's the focal point of the entire tabernacle, the place where God promised to commune with humanity. What makes it so special?
The 'mercy seat' (or atonement cover) was the most sacred part of the Ark of the Covenant. It was the divinely appointed spot where God promised to meet with His people, bridging the gap between His holiness and their sin.
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Understand the original words
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 describes the cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat, directly echoing the imagery and theological significance of Exodus 25:20 within the New Testament's understanding of Christ's atonement.
1 Peter 1:12This verse speaks of angels desiring to look into the mysteries of salvation, which directly relates to the cherubim's posture and gaze towards the mercy seat, symbolizing their intense interest in God's redemptive plan.
Psalm 80:1This Psalm's plea for God to 'shine forth, O Shepherd of Israel, you who are enthroned between the cherubim!' directly references the imagery of God's presence dwelling above the mercy seat between the cherubim, reinforcing the theme of divine presence and accessibility.
Ezekiel 1:24Ezekiel's vision of cherubim with wings stretched out, and the sound of their wings like the noise of many waters, mirrors the description in Exodus 25:20 and expands on the majestic, awe-inspiring nature of these celestial beings.
Exodus 37:9This verse is the parallel account of the construction of the mercy seat and cherubim, providing a corroborating description of their appearance and placement, underscoring the deliberate and divinely ordained design.
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…
pooleExodus 25:20: "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."
Towards God, who is supposed to sit there, whose face the angels in heaven always behold, and upon whom their eyes are fixed to observe and receive his commands; and towards Christ, the true propitiatory, which mystery they desire to look into , 1 Peter 1:12 ; not envying mankind…
The cherubim's faces are specifically directed towards the mercy seat, not just generally looking at it. This shows their constant attentiveness and desire to understand God's dealings with humanity through the atonement symbolized there. Their wings overshadowing the mercy seat suggest a protective covering, signifying divine guardianship over the place where God's grace met His justice.
God has just instructed Moses to have the people gather materials for the tabernacle, and now He gives detailed specifications for the Ark of the Covenant and its lid, the mercy seat, along with the cherubim that will adorn them. This sacred furniture is the centerpiece of God's dwelling place among His people, where He promises to meet and commune with them.
God has just instructed Moses to have the people gather materials for the tabernacle, and now He gives detailed specifications for the Ark of the Covenant and its lid, the mercy seat, along with the cherubim that will adorn them. This sacred furniture is the centerpiece of God's dwelling place among His people, where He promises to meet and commune with them.
"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." — The cherubim's faces are specifically directed towards the mercy seat, not just generally looking at it. This shows their constant attentiveness and desire to understand God's dealings with humanit…
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Last reviewed October 2026