“And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat;”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah, which includes the first five books of the Old Testament. Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land under the leadership of Moses.
The verse in question is part of the detailed description of the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. God instructed Moses to build the Ark, a sacred container that symbolized His presence and housed the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments.
The Ark of the Covenant:The Ark was a rectangular box made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold inside and out. It had a lid, known as the mercy seat, made of pure gold. On top of the mercy seat, there were two cherubim, crafted out of gold, facing each other with their wings outstretched.
The Cherubim:Cherubim are angelic beings often associated with the presence of God. In this context, they were crafted as part of the Ark and were a representation of the heavenly realm and the spiritual beings surrounding God’s throne.
Unity and Perfection:The verse highlights that the two cherubim were made “of gold, beaten out of one piece.” This emphasizes the unity and perfection of the design. The cherubim were not separate pieces attached to the mercy seat; rather, they were formed from a single piece of gold, symbolizing the harmonious relationship between heavenly beings and the divine.
The Mercy Seat:The mercy seat was the top cover of the Ark and served as the place where God’s presence would manifest. It was a place of atonement and reconciliation between God and His people. The outstretched wings of the cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat symbolize God’s protective presence and grace over His covenant with Israel.
Spiritual Lessons:
- The Holiness of God:The construction of the Ark and the cherubim illustrates the holiness and majesty of God. It reminds us that God’s presence is not to be taken lightly but approached with reverence and awe.
- Unity in Worship:The cherubim being made from one piece of gold signifies the unity of worship and devotion to God. It reflects the importance of being united as believers, setting aside differences, and focusing on serving and honoring God together.
- God’s Presence and Grace:The mercy seat represents the presence of God among His people. Despite human imperfections and sin, God extends His mercy and grace through the atonement made on the mercy seat. It reminds us of God’s love and willingness to forgive when we come to Him in repentance.
- Heavenly Perspective:The cherubim facing each other also reminds us of the spiritual realm and the heavenly perspective we should seek. It encourages us to fix our eyes on eternal things rather than solely on earthly matters.
Application:As we reflect on Exodus 37:27, let’s consider how we approach God in worship and daily life. Are we seeking unity and harmony with fellow believers, and are we aware of God’s holiness and grace in our lives? Let’s remember that God’s presence is with us, and we should approach Him with reverence and humility, acknowledging His mercy and seeking His guidance in all things. Just as the cherubim overshadowed the mercy seat, God’s protective presence is always with His people, providing comfort and assurance in challenging times.
