Exodus 25:18 – “And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 25:18 provides instructions for making two cherubim, crafted from hammered gold, to be placed at the ends of the atonement cover (also known as the mercy seat) on the Ark of the Covenant. Cherubim are angelic beings associated with the presence of God, often depicted as guardians of His holiness. These two figures were to be positioned on either side of the mercy seat, facing each other with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover.
The cherubim were not merely decorative elements; they symbolized the majesty and holiness of God. Their presence on the atonement cover represented the throne of God on earth, where His glory would dwell above the Ark in the Tabernacle’s Holy of Holies. This was the place where God would meet with Moses and communicate His will to the people of Israel.
Historical Context
The historical context of Exodus 25:18 is during the time when the Israelites were in the wilderness, following their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. God gave Moses specific instructions for building the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark was central to Israelite worship, and the cherubim on the atonement cover signified the sacredness of the Ark as the dwelling place of God’s presence.
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, cherubim were often seen as guardians of sacred spaces. The Israelites would have understood these figures as powerful, protective beings who guarded the holiness of God. The inclusion of cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant reflected the understanding that God’s presence was both majestic and fearsome, requiring reverence and awe.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 25:18 emphasizes the holiness and majesty of God. The cherubim, made of pure gold, symbolize the divine nature of God’s presence. Their placement on the atonement cover highlights the idea that God’s throne is surrounded by holiness, and His presence is both glorious and unapproachable without the proper means of atonement.
The cherubim also serve as a reminder of the separation between God and humanity due to sin. The atonement cover, where the blood of the sacrifice was sprinkled on the Day of Atonement, provided a way for the people to approach God, but only through a mediator—the high priest. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God’s holiness requires a mediator to bridge the gap between Him and sinful humanity.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 25:18 is part of the detailed description of the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. The instruction to create the cherubim from hammered gold, rather than casting them, indicates the care and craftsmanship required. This detail underscores the significance of these figures in the design of the Ark. The cherubim are mentioned multiple times in the Bible, often in contexts that emphasize God’s holiness and the sacredness of the spaces they guard, such as the entrance to the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:24.
The use of cherubim in the design of the Ark also serves as a literary and theological link between the Tabernacle and the larger biblical narrative of God’s presence with His people. Their presence on the Ark ties the earthly Tabernacle to the heavenly realities it represents.
Biblical Cross-References
Several biblical cross-references help deepen our understanding of Exodus 25:18:
- Genesis 3:24 – Describes the cherubim placed at the entrance to the Garden of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life, highlighting their role as guardians of sacred space.
- 1 Kings 6:23-28 – Describes the larger cherubim that Solomon placed in the Holy of Holies in the Temple, showing the continuity of this imagery in Israelite worship.
- Hebrews 9:5 – Refers to the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat, connecting the Old Testament imagery with the New Testament understanding of atonement.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 25:18 serves as a powerful reminder of the holiness and majesty of God. The cherubim on the atonement cover symbolize the sacredness of God’s presence and the reverence with which we should approach Him. This verse challenges us to consider how we view God’s holiness and how we approach Him in our worship and daily lives.
The imagery of the cherubim also reminds us that access to God’s presence is not something to be taken lightly. Just as the cherubim guarded the atonement cover, we are called to approach God with humility and respect, recognizing His glory and our need for atonement through Jesus Christ.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 25:18 reveals God’s love in His desire to dwell among His people while also providing a means for them to approach Him safely. The cherubim, while symbolizing the holiness and majesty of God, also highlight the fact that God has made a way for His people to come near Him through the process of atonement. This demonstrates God’s love and mercy, as He provides the means for reconciliation despite the separation caused by sin.
God’s instructions for the Ark and the cherubim show His careful provision for His people, ensuring that they could experience His presence in a way that was both meaningful and safe.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 25:18 connects to Jesus Christ in its focus on the holiness of God and the need for atonement. The cherubim on the atonement cover symbolize the guardians of God’s holiness, and the cover itself represents the place where atonement for sin was made. This imagery points forward to Jesus, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the atonement cover.
In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the one who makes it possible for us to enter God’s presence without fear. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has torn down the barrier between God and humanity, providing the perfect atonement for sin. The cherubim’s role in guarding the atonement cover reflects the truth that Jesus, our mediator, has made a way for us to come boldly before God’s throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the instruction to make cherubim out of hammered gold challenge you to consider the holiness of God and the reverence with which you approach Him?
- What does this verse teach you about the significance of God’s presence and the care required in approaching Him?
- How can the example of the cherubim on the atonement cover inspire you to reflect on the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement?
- In what ways does recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of the atonement cover deepen your appreciation for His role as your mediator?
- How can you live in a way that reflects the holiness and reverence that Exodus 25:18 emphasizes, knowing that God has provided a way for you to approach Him through Christ?
Exodus 25:18 calls us to reflect on the holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching His presence. It challenges us to recognize the significance of atonement and the central role that Jesus Christ plays in making it possible for us to come before God. As we consider this verse, we are reminded of the greater truth that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of what the atonement cover represented—the place where God’s mercy meets our need for forgiveness, allowing us to experience His presence and grace.