Exodus 25:20 – “The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 25:20 provides detailed instructions for the positioning of the cherubim on the atonement cover (also known as the mercy seat) of the Ark of the Covenant. The cherubim were to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover. They were to face each other, with their eyes directed downward toward the cover itself. This specific arrangement was not just about aesthetics; it was rich in symbolic meaning.
The cherubim’s wings, spread upward and overshadowing the cover, symbolize the protective and reverent nature of these angelic beings. Their posture indicates that they are guarding something of immense importance—the very presence of God, which would dwell above the cover. By facing each other and looking down at the cover, the cherubim signify that God’s holiness and justice are ever-present, watching over His covenant with Israel.
The cover they are gazing upon is the place where atonement would be made for the sins of the people of Israel. This act of atonement was central to maintaining the relationship between God and His people, making the position and orientation of the cherubim a reflection of God’s readiness to extend mercy while upholding His justice.
Historical Context
The historical context of Exodus 25:20 is the period after the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt. As they journeyed through the wilderness, God gave Moses detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, which would serve as the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people. The Ark of the Covenant, with its atonement cover and cherubim, was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, housed in the Most Holy Place.
In ancient Israel, cherubim were understood to be angelic beings associated with the presence of God. The instructions to position the cherubim with their wings spread upward and their faces toward the cover reflected their role as guardians of God’s holiness. The Ark, with these cherubim, was central to Israelite worship, symbolizing God’s throne on earth and His covenant with His people.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 25:20 emphasizes the holiness of God and the necessity of approaching Him with reverence and awe. The cherubim, positioned with wings spread and eyes directed toward the cover, represent the vigilance with which God’s holiness is guarded. This imagery reminds us that God’s presence is not something to be taken lightly; it is holy, and it demands respect.
The cherubim’s gaze upon the atonement cover also highlights the central role of atonement in the relationship between God and His people. The cover was where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement, symbolizing the covering of Israel’s sins. This act was necessary for maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel, pointing to the seriousness of sin and the need for divine forgiveness.
Literary Analysis
From a literary perspective, Exodus 25:20 is part of a detailed set of instructions that carefully describe the construction of the Ark and its components. The specific description of the cherubim’s posture and orientation adds to the richness of the narrative, emphasizing the sacredness of the Ark. The verse serves as a key element in the broader literary structure of the book, where every detail of the Tabernacle’s construction is designed to reflect God’s holiness and the order required in worship.
The use of cherubim in this context also ties back to other biblical references, such as the cherubim placed at the entrance of the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:24. This literary connection reinforces the idea that cherubim are guardians of sacred spaces, making their role on the Ark particularly significant.
Biblical Cross-References
Several biblical cross-references help deepen our understanding of Exodus 25:20:
- 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 protectors of sacred spaces.
- Psalm 80:1 – Refers to God as the one who is enthroned between the cherubim, emphasizing His majesty and the reverence due to Him.
- Hebrews 9:5 – Mentions the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat, connecting the imagery of the Old Testament with the New Testament understanding of God’s presence and atonement.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 25:20 serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the reverence with which we should approach Him. The imagery of the cherubim with their wings spread upward and their eyes fixed on the atonement cover challenges us to consider how we view God’s presence in our lives. Do we approach Him with the same respect and awe that the cherubim symbolize?
This verse also encourages us to reflect on the significance of atonement. The cherubim’s gaze upon the cover reminds us that our relationship with God is made possible through the atonement of our sins, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. It challenges us to recognize the seriousness of sin and the incredible gift of forgiveness that God offers through Christ’s sacrifice.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 25:20 reveals God’s love in His desire to dwell among His people while providing a way for them to approach Him. The positioning of the cherubim, guarding the atonement cover, reflects God’s holiness, but the cover itself represents His mercy. God’s love is shown in His provision of atonement, allowing His people to maintain a relationship with Him despite their sinfulness.
God’s detailed instructions for the Ark, including the cherubim, demonstrate His care for His people by ensuring that they could worship Him in a way that was both reverent and meaningful. This love is further expressed in the way God continually seeks to restore and maintain fellowship with His people, offering mercy and forgiveness.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 25:20 connects directly to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the atonement cover. The cherubim, with their wings overshadowing the cover, symbolize the holiness and justice of God, while the cover itself represents the place where atonement is made. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the one who makes it possible for us to approach God’s presence without fear, fulfilling the symbolism of the atonement cover and the cherubim.
Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus provided the ultimate atonement for sin, allowing us to enter into God’s presence with confidence. Hebrews 4:16 invites us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” This verse reminds us that, just as the cherubim guarded the mercy seat, Jesus stands as our mediator, ensuring that we have access to God’s mercy and grace.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the instruction to position the cherubim with their wings spread upward and facing the atonement cover challenge you to think about the holiness of God?
- What does this verse teach you about the significance of God’s presence and the reverence required in approaching Him?
- How can the example of the cherubim overshadowing 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 and the cherubim deepen your appreciation for His role as your mediator?
- How can you live in a way that reflects the holiness and reverence that Exodus 25:20 emphasizes, knowing that God has provided a way for you to approach Him through Christ?
Exodus 25:20 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 cherubim and atonement cover represented—the place where God’s mercy meets our need for forgiveness, allowing us to experience His presence and grace.