King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
One cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the [other] end on that side: out of the mercy seat made he the cherubims on the two ends thereof.
Complete Jewish Bible:
one keruv for one end and one keruv for the other end; he made the k'ruvim of one piece with the ark-cover at its two ends.
Berean Standard Bible:
one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold.
American Standard Version:
one cherub at the one end, and one cherub at the other end: of one piece with the mercy-seat made he the cherubim at the two ends thereof.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
One{H259} cherub{H3742} on the end{H7098} on this side, and another{H259} cherub{H3742} on the other end{H7098} on that side: out of the mercy seat{H3727} made{H6213} he the cherubims{H3742} on the two{H8147} ends{H7098}{H7099} thereof.
Cross-References (KJV):
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Commentary for Exodus 37:8
**Exodus 37:8 Themes:**
- **Divine Presence and Holiness:** The verse describes part of the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest that held the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments. The cherubim, winged celestial beings, were placed on either end of the mercy seat, which was the gold cover of the Ark. This arrangement symbolized the throne of God, emphasizing His presence and the holiness of the sanctuary.
- **Craftsmanship and Obedience:** The detailed workmanship of the cherubim reflects the importance of following God's instructions exactly as given to Moses. This attention to detail and adherence to divine command is a recurring theme in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
**Historical Context:**
- **The Exodus Era:** Exodus 37:8 is set during the time of Moses, after the Israelites' escape from Egypt and while they were wandering in the Sinai desert. God gave Moses specific instructions for the Tabernacle, which was to be the place of worship for the Israelites until they reached the Promised Land.
- **Tabernacle Construction:** This verse is part of the narrative that outlines the creation of the Tabernacle's furniture according to God's detailed specifications. The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them during their journey. The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, located in the Holy of Holies, the innermost chamber.
- **Cultic Worship:** The Ark and its mercy seat played a central role in the Israelites' cultic worship. The high priest would enter the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to sprinkle blood on the mercy seat to atone for the sins of the people.
In summary, Exodus 37:8 reflects themes of divine presence, holiness, and the importance of obedience in worship. Historically, it is situated in the context of the Israelites' journey towards the Promised Land, emphasizing the meticulous construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred objects as commanded by God.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H259
There are 801 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֶחָד
Transliteration: ʼechâd
Pronunciation: ekh-awd'
Description: a numeral from אָחַד; properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first; a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, - Strong's Number: H3742
There are 66 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כְּרוּב
Transliteration: kᵉrûwb
Pronunciation: ker-oob'
Description: of uncertain derivation; a cherub or imaginary figure; cherub, (plural) cherubims. - Strong's Number: H7098
There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָצָה
Transliteration: qâtsâh
Pronunciation: kaw-tsaw'
Description: feminine of קָצֶה; (used like קָצֶה); a termination; coast, corner, (selv-) edge, lowest, (uttermost) participle - Strong's Number: H3727
There are 22 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כַּפֹּרֶת
Transliteration: kappôreth
Pronunciation: kap-po'-reth
Description: from כָּפַר; a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred Ark); mercy seat. - Strong's Number: H6213
There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָשָׂה
Transliteration: ʻâsâh
Pronunciation: aw-saw'
Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. - Strong's Number: H8147
There are 647 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שְׁנַיִם
Transliteration: shᵉnayim
Pronunciation: shen-ah'-yim
Description: dual of שֵׁנִי; feminine שְׁתַּיִם; two; also (as ordinal) twofold; both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. - Strong's Number: H7099
There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קֶצֶו
Transliteration: qetsev
Pronunciation: keh'-tsev
Description: and (feminine) קִצְוָה; from קָצָה; (used like קָצֶה, but with less variety); a limit; end, edge, uttermost participle