Hebrews 9:5
Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "cherubim of glory" doesn't just mean they were made of gold; it points to their function as carriers or manifestations of God's very presence and majesty. This detail highlights that the ark wasn't just an ornate box, but the literal throne of God among His people, a concept the author is about to contrast with Christ's ultimate work.
The author is describing the ornate furnishings of the tabernacle, specifically the Ark of the Covenant and its lid, the mercy seat. This detailed description of the sacred objects, including the glorious cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat, serves to highlight the grandeur and sanctity of the Old Covenant worship. However, the author intentionally cuts short a fuller explanation of these mysterious symbols, indicating that the primary focus will be on the actions and significance of the high priest within this sanctuary.
Imagine stepping into the holiest of places. Above the Ark of the Covenant, magnificent beings stand guard. But what exactly were these 'cherubim of glory,' and why are they mentioned here?
The text mentions "cherubim of glory." This isn't just about fancy golden statues; these were divine beings or symbols representing God's presence and majesty.
Divine Presence and Protection
Carriers of God's Glory
The author highlights the 'mercy seat' beneath the cherubim. What made this specific spot so crucial, and why is it called by such a powerful name?
The 'mercy seat' (or propitiatory) was the lid of the Ark of the Covenant. It was far more than just a cover; it was the very place where God's mercy was made available to His people.
A Place of Atonement
Understand the original words
cheroubim · Greek Noun
Angelic beings associated with the throne of God; their presence symbolizes the holiness of God and the protection of His glory.
hilastērion · Greek Noun
The cover of the Ark of the Covenant where the blood was sprinkled on the Day of Atonement; it signifies the place where God's wrath is satisfied and mercy is extended.
c. 1445 BC
Tabernacle Construction
The Israelites construct the Tabernacle in the wilderness according to God's detailed instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai.
c. 1445 BC— this verse
Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat Made
The Ark of the Covenant and its golden mercy seat, with the cherubim of glory overshadowing it, are crafted by skilled artisans as specified by God.
c. 1000 BC
Ark in Jerusalem
King David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, intending to build a permanent temple, though his son Solomon would fulfill this task.
c. 960 BC
Temple Construction Complete
Solomon completes the First Temple in Jerusalem, housing the Ark of the Covenant within the Most Holy Place.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and take the Ark of the Covenant into exile, marking the end of an era.
This passage directly describes the creation of the cherubim and their placement over the mercy seat on the ark, providing the foundational Old Testament imagery for Hebrews 9:5.
1 Samuel 4:4This verse mentions God dwelling between the cherubim, highlighting their connection to God's presence and glory, which is also emphasized in the description of the 'cherubim of glory' in Hebrews 9:5.
Ezekiel 10:18-20Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim, described in detail, illuminates their role as carriers of God's glory and presence, offering a powerful, though different, perspective on these symbolic beings.
Romans 3:25Paul refers to Jesus as a propitiation (mercy seat) through faith in his blood, directly linking the Old Testament mercy seat and its atoning function to Christ, the substance of the shadow described in Hebrews 9:5.
1 Peter 1:12Peter speaks of angels desiring to look into the mysteries of salvation, which aligns with the scholarly interpretation that the cherubim, by looking down at the mercy seat, symbolized the watchful interest of heavenly beings in God's redemptive plan.
ellicottHebrews 9:5: "And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly."
(5) Cherubims of glory. —See Exodus 25:18-22 ; Exodus 29:43 ; Numbers 7:89 ; Ezekiel 10:19-20 . As these passages will show, the reference is to the glory which appeared above the mercy seat. (See Note on Hebrews 1:3 .) This is the only express mention of the cherubim in the New Testament; but see the Notes on Revelation 4:6 , et seq. The mercy seat (literally, the propitiatory)…
pooleHebrews 9:5: "And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly."
And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy-seat; on the cover of the ark at each end was a cherub of beaten gold; these and the cover of the ark were all of one piece, they had their feet on the ledge of the cover, or its crown, at each end; their faces looked towards each other, and their wings touched each other in the extreme part of them, and so on the cover form…
The phrase "cherubim of glory" doesn't just mean they were made of gold; it points to their function as carriers or manifestations of God's very presence and majesty. This detail highlights that the ark wasn't just an ornate box, but the literal throne of God among His people, a concept the author is about to contrast with Christ's ultimate work.
The author is describing the ornate furnishings of the tabernacle, specifically the Ark of the Covenant and its lid, the mercy seat. This detailed description of the sacred objects, including the glorious cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat, serves to highlight the grandeur and sanctity of the Old Covenant worship. However, the author intentionally cuts short a fuller explanation of these mysterious symbols, indicating that the primary focus will be on the actions and significance of the high priest within this sanctuary.
The author is describing the ornate furnishings of the tabernacle, specifically the Ark of the Covenant and its lid, the mercy seat. This detailed description of the sacred objects, including the glorious cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat, serves to highlight the grandeur and sanctity of the Old Covenant worship. However, the author intentionally cuts short a fuller explanation of these mysterious symbols, indicating that the primary focus will be on the actions and significance of the high priest within this sanctuary.
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The Throne of Grace
The author abruptly states, 'Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.' Why the sudden silence? What profound mystery lies beyond our current grasp?
The author's statement, 'Of which we cannot now speak particularly,' isn't a sign of ignorance, but a deliberate acknowledgment of the limits of language and current understanding.
The Limits of Explanation
Pointing to Christ
"Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail." — The phrase "cherubim of glory" doesn't just mean they were made of gold; it points to their function as carriers or manifestations of God's very presence and majesty. This detail highlights that the…
