“And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.”
This verse is part of a larger section in the book of Exodus where God gives Moses detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the Ark of the Covenant. In this particular verse, God promises to meet and commune with Moses above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim, which are positioned on top of the Ark of the Testimony.
To better understand the significance of Exodus 25:22, let’s break it down:
- The Meeting Place with God:God declares that He will meet with Moses at the location described, above the mercy seat. This emphasizes the divine appointment and intimate connection between God and Moses. It signifies that God’s presence would manifest in a special way at this specific place.
- Communion with God:The word “commune” implies a close and personal conversation. God not only meets with Moses but also engages in dialogue, revealing His will and communicating His commandments to Moses. This underscores the relationship of trust and communication between God and His chosen servant.
- The Mercy Seat and the Cherubim:The mercy seat was the golden cover placed on top of the Ark of the Covenant, which housed the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. It symbolized the presence of God’s glory and His throne of mercy. The cherubim, angelic beings, were placed on either end of the mercy seat, facing each other. The cherubim symbolized the heavenly host and served as guardians of God’s holiness and the sacredness of His dwelling place.
- The Ark of the Testimony:The Ark of the Testimony served as a container for the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, representing the covenant between God and the Israelites. It was considered the most sacred object within the Tabernacle, representing the presence of God among His people.
This verse illustrates God’s desire to have a personal relationship with Moses and to communicate His commandments to the children of Israel. It also signifies the holiness of God’s dwelling place, the Tabernacle, and the sanctity of the Ark of the Covenant.
Overall, Exodus 25:22 reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s presence, engaging in communion with Him, and recognizing His holiness and authority. It also encourages us to approach God with reverence and obedience, just as Moses did, as we seek to understand and follow His commandments.
