“And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof.”
Exodus 25:19 is part of a larger passage that describes the instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred object that housed the stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments and symbolised the presence of God among the Israelites.
In this particular verse, God instructs Moses to make two cherubim (plural form of cherub) and place them on the ends of the mercy seat, which was the cover of the Ark of the Covenant. The cherubim were angelic figures with wings, often associated with the presence and glory of God in biblical imagery.
The significance of the cherubim on the mercy seat can be understood in a few different ways:
- Guardians of God’s Holiness:The cherubim symbolise the holiness of God and His presence in the midst of His people. Placing the cherubim on the mercy seat signifies the importance of guarding the sanctity and reverence of God’s dwelling place among His chosen people.
- Representatives of the Heavenly Realm:Cherubim are heavenly beings mentioned in various parts of the Bible, such as Genesis 3:24 and Ezekiel 10:1-2By including cherubim on the mercy seat, God establishes a connection between the earthly Ark and the heavenly realm, emphasising the divine origin and authority of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
- Protectors of God’s Covenant:The Ark of the Covenant contained the tablets of the Law, representing the covenant God made with the Israelites. The cherubim positioned on either end of the mercy seat may symbolise their role as guardians and protectors of the covenant between God and His people.
It’s important to note that while the cherubim are mentioned here, the primary focus is on the mercy seat and the presence of God above it. The mercy seat was where God would meet with Moses and speak to him (Exodus 25:22). The cherubim serve as an integral part of the imagery surrounding the Ark, signifying the holiness and divine presence of God.
In summary, Exodus 25:19 highlights the specific instructions given to Moses to craft the cherubim and place them on the ends of the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant. The cherubim symbolise God’s holiness, serve as representatives of the heavenly realm, and guard the covenant between God and His people.
