“One cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the other end on that side: out of the mercy seat made he the cherubims on the two ends thereof.”
In this verse, we find a description of the crafting of the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred and significant object in ancient Israelite worship, and it played a central role in the tabernacle and later in the temple worship. Let’s break down the verse and explore its context and implications for our understanding.
Context:Exodus 37 describes the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, which was an intricate and highly important item in the tabernacle. The Ark was a wooden chest made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. It had a lid known as the “mercy seat,” and on either end of this lid were two golden cherubim.
Key Points:
- Cherubim: The cherubim were angelic beings that held great significance in Israelite religious imagery. They are often associated with the presence of God and played a role in guarding sacred spaces and conveying God’s majesty and holiness.
- The Mercy Seat:The mercy seat was the solid gold lid of the Ark of the Covenant. It was a symbol of God’s throne and presence among His people. It was here that God would meet with the high priest and communicate His will. The term “mercy seat” comes from the Hebrew word “kapporet,” which means “to cover” or “to atone.” It was on the mercy seat that the blood of the atoning sacrifice would be sprinkled on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:14-15).
- Cherubim on the Mercy Seat:The verse tells us that two cherubim were crafted out of the mercy seat itself. These cherubim were not separate statues placed on the mercy seat but were formed as part of the lid, facing each other with their wings outstretched, overshadowing the mercy seat. This design emphasized the cherubim’s role as guardians of God’s holiness and His presence, as well as their participation in the atonement process through the sprinkling of blood.
Spiritual Lessons:
- God’s Holiness and Mercy:The Ark of the Covenant, with the cherubim on the mercy seat, symbolizes the essential aspects of God’s character-His holiness and mercy. The cherubim, representing angelic beings, highlight the holiness of God and the need for reverence and respect in His presence. The mercy seat points to God’s compassion and willingness to forgive sins when the appropriate atoning sacrifices were made. It reminds us that God’s mercy and justice are perfectly balanced.
- Atonement through Sacrifice:The Ark, particularly the mercy seat, highlights the significance of atonement for sin. In the Old Testament, atonement required the shedding of blood, and the mercy seat served as a focal point for this process. In the New Testament, we see the ultimate atoning sacrifice through Jesus Christ, who shed His blood for the forgiveness of sins once and for all (Hebrews 9:11-15).
- Approaching God with Awe and Humility:The imagery of the cherubim on the mercy seat teaches us to approach God with awe, reverence, and humility. Just as the Israelites approached the Ark with fear and trembling, we are reminded of the need to approach God with respect and a contrite heart.
- God’s Presence Among His People:The Ark’s construction underscores God’s desire to dwell among His people and have a relationship with them. The presence of the Ark in the tabernacle and later in the temple demonstrated God’s faithfulness in guiding and protecting His people.
