Exodus 25:22 – “There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 25:22 is a profound verse that reveals where God chose to meet with Moses and, by extension, the people of Israel. The “cover” mentioned here is the atonement cover (or mercy seat) of the Ark of the Covenant. This cover, with the cherubim on either side, was the focal point of the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle. God tells Moses that He will meet with him “above the cover between the two cherubim.” This is where God’s presence would be manifested, and it is from this place that He would communicate His commands for the Israelites.
This verse highlights the significance of the Ark as more than just a sacred object. It was the earthly throne of the divine King, where heaven touched earth, and God’s presence was made known in a special way. The promise of God’s presence “there” indicated a specific place where His glory would dwell among His people, making it a central location for worship and guidance.
Historical Context
The historical context of Exodus 25:22 is during the time when the Israelites were in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. They were receiving the law and instructions from God on how to live as His covenant people. The Tabernacle, with the Ark of the Covenant at its heart, was designed to be the place where God’s presence would dwell among His people as they journeyed towards the Promised Land.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, the presence of a deity was often associated with specific places or objects, and for Israel, the Ark of the Covenant became that central point of divine presence. The Ark was placed in the Most Holy Place, separated from the rest of the Tabernacle by a thick veil. Only the high priest could enter this sacred space, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, emphasizing the holiness of God’s presence.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 25:22 reveals the closeness and accessibility of God, balanced with His holiness. God’s willingness to meet with Moses and speak from above the atonement cover underscores His desire to be in relationship with His people. Yet, the specific location—between the cherubim over the Ark—also highlights the sacredness of this meeting place. God’s presence is both near and awe-inspiring, requiring reverence.
This verse also points to the concept of mediation. Moses was the mediator between God and the Israelites, receiving God’s commands and delivering them to the people. The Ark, with the atonement cover, served as the physical location of this mediation, where God’s will was made known. This foreshadows the ultimate mediation that would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 25:22 is a key verse in the narrative that describes the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The verse serves as the culmination of the instructions regarding the Ark, emphasizing its purpose not just as a container for the covenant law but as the place where God would meet with His people. The phrase “I will meet with you” is central, highlighting the personal and relational aspect of God’s interaction with Moses and, by extension, with Israel.
The literary structure of this verse, with its clear designation of the location (“above the cover between the two cherubim”), underscores the importance of specific places and objects in Israelite worship. This structure reflects the broader theme of God’s holiness and the careful approach required to enter His presence.
Biblical Cross-References
Several biblical cross-references deepen our understanding of Exodus 25:22:
- Leviticus 16:2 – Describes the Day of Atonement, when the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place, where God’s presence dwelled above the atonement cover, emphasizing the significance of this meeting place.
- 1 Samuel 4:4 – Refers to the Ark of the Covenant as the place where God is “enthroned between the cherubim,” highlighting its role as the throne of God.
- Hebrews 9:3-5 – Describes the layout of the Tabernacle and the Most Holy Place, linking the Ark and the atonement cover to the presence of God and the sacrificial system that pointed to Christ.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 25:22 is a reminder of the importance of God’s presence in our lives and the significance of meeting with Him. Just as God promised to meet with Moses above the atonement cover, He invites us into His presence through prayer, worship, and His Word. This verse challenges us to consider how we approach God—whether we come to Him with reverence, recognizing His holiness, and with the expectation that He will speak and guide us.
This verse also speaks to the idea of mediation. In the Old Testament, Moses and the high priest were the mediators between God and the people. Today, we have Jesus Christ as our mediator, who grants us direct access to God’s presence. This access is a profound privilege, one that we should not take lightly.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 25:22 reveals God’s love in His desire to be close to His people and to guide them. By choosing a specific place to meet with Moses and communicate His commands, God was demonstrating His commitment to leading Israel according to His will. This willingness to dwell among His people, despite their imperfections, shows God’s deep love and His desire for a personal relationship with them.
God’s provision of a meeting place also reflects His understanding of the need for clear guidance and communication. He didn’t leave His people to wander without direction but provided a way for them to know His will and follow His commands, all because of His love for them.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 25:22 connects directly to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the atonement cover. Just as God met with Moses above the mercy seat, God meets with us through Jesus, who is both our mediator and the atonement for our sins. Hebrews 9:11-12 speaks of Christ entering the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.
Jesus’ role as our mediator means that we no longer need an earthly high priest to go before God on our behalf. Through Jesus, we have direct access to God’s presence, where we can receive His guidance, forgiveness, and grace. This fulfillment of the Old Testament imagery of the Ark and the mercy seat shows the completeness of Christ’s work in reconciling us to God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the promise of God meeting with Moses above the atonement cover challenge you to think about the importance of God’s presence in your own life?
- What does this verse teach you about the balance between God’s holiness and His desire for a relationship with His people?
- How can the example of God’s meeting place in the Tabernacle inspire you to approach Him with reverence and expectation today?
- In what ways does recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of the atonement cover deepen your appreciation for the access you have to God through Him?
- How can you live in a way that reflects the importance of meeting with God regularly, knowing that He desires to guide and communicate with you?
Exodus 25:22 calls us to reflect on the significance of God’s presence and the privilege of meeting with Him. It challenges us to approach God with reverence and gratitude, recognizing the importance of His guidance in our lives. 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 presence is made known, and where we receive His grace and guidance.