Exodus 25:19

KJV

And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: [even] of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

And make {H6213} one {H259} cherub {H3742} on the one end {H7098}, and the other {H259} cherub {H3742} on the other {H2088} end {H7098}: even of the mercy seat {H3727} shall ye make {H6213} the cherubims {H3742} on the two {H8147} ends {H7098} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

Make one keruv for one end and one keruv for the other end; make 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

And make one cherub at the one end, and one cherub at the other end: of one piece with the mercy-seat shall ye make the cherubim on the two ends thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 25:19 provides precise instructions for the construction of the Mercy Seat, specifically detailing the fashioning of two cherubim at its opposing ends. These divine directives are part of God's meticulous blueprint for the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary designed to embody His divine presence among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The verse underscores the integral and inseparable connection between these celestial guardians and the Mercy Seat, which served as the golden lid of the Ark of the Covenant, signifying the most sacred space where God would meet with His people and where atonement for sin would be made.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 25 commences a detailed and extensive section (chapters 25-31) dedicated entirely to God's instructions for building the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings. The Lord begins with the most holy components of the sanctuary: the Ark of the Covenant ([Exodus 25:10-16](/exodus/25-10-16 "Exodus 25:10-16 - Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant")) and its golden lid, the Mercy Seat ([Exodus 25:17-22](/exodus/25-17-22 "Exodus 25:17-22 - Instructions for the Mercy Seat and Cherubim")). Verse 19 specifically focuses on the cherubim, which are mandated to be an inseparable part of the Mercy Seat itself. These winged figures, described in the subsequent verse as facing each other and looking down upon the Mercy Seat ([Exodus 25:20](/exodus/25-20 "Exodus 25:20 - Cherubim's Posture")), function not merely as ornamentation but as essential components of the divine throne, from which God promises to commune with Moses and issue His commands ([Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Promise to Speak from the Mercy Seat")). The meticulous precision of these instructions underscores the absolute holiness of God and the sacredness of the space where He chose to dwell among His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The divine command to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings is given to Israel during their wilderness wanderings, a pivotal period following their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the covenant ratification at Mount Sinai. This era was foundational for shaping Israel's identity as God's chosen people, establishing their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. In the broader ancient Near East, temples were commonly understood as the dwelling places of deities, and their iconography often included guardian figures. However, the Israelite Tabernacle stood apart: it was a portable sanctuary for a monotheistic God who, while transcendent and boundless, chose to dwell among His people in a specific, divinely ordained manner. The Tabernacle served as a constant, tangible reminder of God's presence, His covenant fidelity, and His holiness, providing a restricted yet vital point of contact between a holy God and a sinful people, all within the context of their journey towards the Promised Land. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its components, including the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10 - Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant") and the [Mercy Seat](/exodus/25-17 "Exodus 25:17 - Instructions for the Mercy Seat"), were central to establishing the sacrificial system and the means of atonement, which would become indispensable for the nation's spiritual life and reconciliation with God.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 25:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **God's Holiness and Presence**, emphasizing that a holy God requires a holy dwelling place and a specific, divinely prescribed means of approach. The cherubim, as guardians, reinforce this sanctity. Connected to this is the theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation**, as the Mercy Seat is the designated place where sin would be covered and God's wrath propitiated, particularly on the annual [Day of Atonement](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement"). The meticulous details of the Tabernacle's construction, including the cherubim, highlight **Divine Order and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's precise blueprint for His interaction with humanity and His absolute authority over all creation. Finally, the passage speaks to the theme of **Divine Revelation and Communication**, as the Mercy Seat is explicitly stated to be the place from which God would speak to Moses and issue His commands, underscoring the intimate yet awe-inspiring nature of God's relationship with His chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Make (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, a primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In the context of Exodus 25:19, this verb signifies the divine command to construct or fashion the cherubim. It highlights God's active involvement in providing the precise blueprint for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, emphasizing that every detail, including the cherubim, is a direct result of His sovereign will and design, not human ingenuity. The breadth of its meaning suggests not just physical creation but also the accomplishment of a divine purpose.
* **Cherub (Hebrew, _kᵉrûwb'_):** From H3742, of uncertain derivation, referring to a cherub or imaginary figure. These are powerful, winged celestial beings consistently associated with guarding God's holiness and His sacred presence. They first appear in [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding the Tree of Life") guarding the way to the tree of life after the Fall. In later prophetic visions (e.g., [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Vision of the Cherubim and God's Glory"), [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - Cherubim and the Glory of God")), cherubim are depicted as bearers of God's throne-chariot and guardians of His glory. Their presence on the Mercy Seat signifies the sacred, guarded nature of God's dwelling place and His transcendent holiness, reinforcing the idea of limited access to the divine presence.
* **Mercy Seat (Hebrew, _kappôreth'_):** From H3727, derived from the verb _kāpar_ (כָּפַר), meaning "to cover," "to atone," or "to make propitiation." The _kappôreth_ was not merely a lid for the Ark but the very place where atonement was made on the annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), when the high priest would sprinkle blood upon it ([Leviticus 16:14](/leviticus/16-14 "Leviticus 16:14 - Sprinkling Blood on the Mercy Seat")). It represents the crucial meeting point of God's justice and His mercy, where sin is covered, and reconciliation is achieved between a holy God and a sinful humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end":** This clause specifies the symmetrical and precise placement of the two cherubim, one at each extremity of the Mercy Seat. Their positioning, facing each other with wings outstretched and gazing downwards (as further described in [Exodus 25:20](/exodus/25-20 "Exodus 25:20 - Cherubim's Posture")), creates a sacred enclosure, drawing attention to the central space above the Mercy Seat where God's presence would manifest. This arrangement emphasizes their role as vigilant guardians and silent witnesses to the divine encounter and the sacred rituals performed there.
* **"[even] of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof":** The KJV's "[even]" clarifies a profoundly significant detail: the cherubim were not to be separate pieces attached to the Mercy Seat but were to be hammered out of the *same solid piece of gold* as the Mercy Seat itself (cf. [Exodus 37:8](/exodus/37-8 "Exodus 37:8 - Beaten Work of the Cherubim")). This detail underscores an inseparable unity between the cherubim and the Mercy Seat. It highlights that the guardianship of God's holiness and the provision of atonement are intrinsically linked and originate from the same divine source and design. They are not merely decorative additions but are integral to the very essence of the place of propitiation, demonstrating the holistic and integrated nature of God's redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 25:19, particularly within its broader context of the Tabernacle instructions, employs several potent literary devices that enrich its theological meaning. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the cherubim symbolizing divine presence, holiness, and guardianship, recalling their initial role in [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding Eden") guarding the way to the tree of life. The Mercy Seat itself is a profound symbol of atonement, God's throne, and the sacred nexus where His justice and mercy converge. The highly detailed instructions evoke vivid **Imagery**, particularly the visual of two winged beings facing each other, their wings outstretched, creating an awe-inspiring canopy over the Ark. This imagery conveys a sense of profound reverence, mystery, and the guarded nature of God's holiness. Furthermore, the term "Mercy Seat" functions as **Metonymy**, where the physical object stands in for the spiritual reality of propitiation, divine communion, and the entire process of God's merciful provision for sin. The meticulous repetition of instructions throughout Exodus also serves as **Emphasis**, underscoring the absolute importance and divine origin of every detail.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 25:19 encapsulates profound theological truths concerning God's nature and His relationship with humanity. It underscores God's absolute holiness, which necessitates a specific, divinely ordained means of approach for sinful humanity. The cherubim, as vigilant guardians of His sacred presence, emphasize the awe and reverence due to a holy God, while the Mercy Seat itself highlights His merciful provision for human sin through atonement. This intricate design reveals a God who is both transcendent, dwelling in unapproachable light, and immanent, desiring to dwell among His people yet maintaining His divine standards. The meticulousness of the instructions also speaks to God's sovereignty and His precise plan for reconciliation, foreshadowing a greater, more perfect sacrifice that would fully bridge the gap between God and humanity. The unity of the cherubim and the Mercy Seat, being hammered from one piece, signifies that God's holiness and His mercy are not contradictory but are perfectly integrated aspects of His divine character and plan.

* [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Cherubim Guarding the Way to the Tree of Life")
* [Leviticus 16:14](/leviticus/16-14 "Day of Atonement Rituals on the Mercy Seat")
* [Psalm 99:1](/psalm/99-1 "God Enthroned Above the Cherubim")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions for the Mercy Seat and its cherubim in Exodus 25:19 serve as a powerful reminder of God's profound holiness and His meticulous care in establishing a way for sinful humanity to approach Him. This passage invites us to reflect on the immense privilege of access to God, which was once so restricted and guarded by celestial beings. It cultivates a sense of awe and reverence for the divine, prompting us to consider the gravity of sin that necessitated such a precise and costly provision for atonement. In our contemporary context, where casualness toward the sacred can be prevalent, this text calls us to cultivate a deeper appreciation for God's majesty and the profound gift of His presence. It encourages us to approach Him not lightly, but with humble gratitude and a recognition of the immense sacrifice that has opened the way for us to draw near with confidence. The unity of the cherubim and the Mercy Seat also reminds us that God's holiness and His mercy are inextricably linked, inviting us to embrace both aspects of His character in our worship and walk.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's instructions for the Tabernacle and Mercy Seat inform our understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "atonement" as symbolized by the Mercy Seat challenge our modern understanding of sin and forgiveness?**
* **How can we cultivate a greater sense of reverence for God's holiness in our lives today, knowing the depths of His sacred presence and the cost of access?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the cherubim facing each other and looking down?**

Answer: This posture emphasizes their role as vigilant guardians and silent witnesses to the sacred space and the atonement ritual. Their gaze is directed towards the Mercy Seat, the focal point of God's presence and the place where His justice and mercy meet. This imagery suggests a posture of adoration, attentiveness to God's glory, and a silent testimony to the profound work of propitiation occurring below them. It also visually creates a sacred enclosure, underscoring the holiness and exclusivity of the divine encounter, indicating that access to God's presence is both guarded and mediated.

**Why were the cherubim made "of the mercy seat" rather than separately attached?**

Answer: Being hammered out of the same piece of pure gold (as described in [Exodus 37:8](/exodus/37-8 "Exodus 37:8 - Cherubim of Beaten Work")) signifies an inseparable unity between the cherubim and the Mercy Seat. This intrinsic connection emphasizes that the cherubim are not merely decorative but are fundamentally linked to the place of atonement and God's dwelling. It underscores the holistic nature of God's design for His holy presence and the divinely provided means of access, indicating that the guardianship of holiness and the provision of mercy are part of a singular, integrated divine plan, originating from the same divine source and purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 25:19, with its focus on the cherubim and the Mercy Seat, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Mercy Seat, the place of propitiation where blood was sprinkled to cover sins, is a profound type of Christ Himself. The New Testament explicitly identifies Christ as our [propitiation](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation") (Greek: _hilasterion_), using the very term that the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) uses for the Mercy Seat. Just as the blood on the Mercy Seat temporarily covered the sins of Israel, Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross provides a permanent and eternally effective atonement for the sins of humanity ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). The cherubim, once guarding limited access to God's presence in the Tabernacle ([Hebrews 9:5](/hebrews/9-5 "Hebrews 9:5 - Cherubim of Glory Over the Mercy Seat")), now point to the open and confident access we have to God's very throne of grace through Jesus, our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Through His shed blood, Christ has consecrated a [new and living way](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - A New and Living Way through Christ's Blood") into the very presence of God, fulfilling and surpassing all the shadows and symbols of the Old Covenant. The dwelling place of God is no longer confined to a physical structure but is now found in the hearts of believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit, all made possible by the atoning work of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.