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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 25:10–22. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The first thing which is here ordered to be made is the ark with its appurtenances, the furniture of the most holy place, and the special token of God's presence, for which the tabernacle was erected to be the receptacle.
I.The ark itself was a chest, or coffer, in which the two tables of the law, written with the finger of God, were to be honourably deposited, and carefully kept. The dimensions of it are exactly ordered; if the Jewish cubit was, as some learned men compute, three inches longer than our half-yard (twenty-one inches in all), this chest or cabinet was about fifty-two inches long, thirty-one broad, and thirty-one deep. It was overlaid within and without with thin plates of gold. It had a crown, or cornice, of gold, round it, with rings and staves to carry it with; and in it he must put the testimony, Exo 25:10-16. The tables of the law are called the testimony because God did in them testify his will: his giving them that law was in token of his favour to them; and their acceptance of it was in token of their subjection and obedience to him. This law was a testimony to them, to direct them in their duty, and would be a testimony against them if they transgressed. The ark is called the ark of the testimony (Exo 30:6), and the tabernacle the tabernacle of the testimony (Num 10:11) or witness, Act 7:44. The gospel of Christ is also called a testimony or witness, Mat 24:14. It is observable,
1.That the tables of the law were carefully preserved in the ark for the purpose, to teach us to make much of the word of God, and to hide it in our hearts, in our innermost thoughts, as the ark was placed in the holy of holies. It intimates likewise the care which divine Providence ever did, and ever will, take to preserve the records of divine revelation in the church, so that even in the latter days there shall be seen in his temple the ark of his testament. See Rev 11:19.
2.That this ark was the chief token of God's presence, which teaches us that the first and great evidence and assurance of God's favour is the putting of his law in the heart. God dwells where that rules, Heb 8:10.
3.That provision was made for the carrying of this ark about with them in all their removals, which intimates to us that, wherever we go, we should take our religion along with us, always bearing about with us the love of the Lord Jesus, and his law.
II.The mercy-seat was the covering of the ark or chest, made of solid gold, exactly to fit the dimensions of the ark, Exo 25:17, Exo 25:21.
This propitiatory covering, as it might well be translated, was a type of Christ, the great propitiation, whose satisfaction fully answers the demands of the law, covers our transgressions, and comes between us and the curse we deserve. Thus he is the end of the law for righteousness.
III.The cherubim of gold were fixed to the mercy-seat, and of a piece with it, and spread their wings over it, Exo 25:18.
It is supposed that these cherubim were designed to represent the holy angels, who always attended the shechinah, or divine Majesty, particularly at the giving of the law; not by any effigies of an angel, but some emblem of the angelical nature, probably some one of those four faces spoken of, Eze 1:10. Whatever the faces were, they looked one towards another, and both downward towards the ark, while their wings were stretched out so as to touch one another. The apostle calls them cherubim of glory shadowing the mercy-seat, Heb 9:5. It denotes their attendance upon the Redeemer, to whom they were ministering spirits, their readiness to do his will, their special presence in the assemblies of saints (Psa 68:17; Co1 11:10), and their desire to look into the mysteries of the gospel which they diligently contemplate, Pe1 1:12. God is said to dwell, or sit, between the cherubim, on the mercy-seat (Psa 80:1), and thence he here promises, for the future, to meet with Moses, and to commune with him, Exo 25:22. There he would give law, and there he would give audience, as a prince on his throne; and thus he manifests himself willing to be reconciled to us, and keep up communion with us, in and by the mediation of Christ. In allusion to this mercy-seat, we are said to come boldly to the throne of grace (Heb 4:16); for we are not under the law, which is covered, but under grace, which is displayed; its wings are stretched out, and we are invited to come under the shadow of them, Rut 2:12.
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Summary
Exodus 25:20 meticulously details the divine instructions for crafting the cherubim positioned atop the Ark of the Covenant's mercy seat. These celestial guardians are depicted with wings majestically stretched high, creating a protective canopy over the mercy seat, while their faces are intently turned towards each other and, crucially, towards the mercy seat itself. This precise design underscores the profound holiness, guarded nature, and atoning significance of the sacred space where God promised to commune with His people, emphasizing His sovereign presence and the solemnity of the covenant relationship.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 25:20 is an integral part of God's elaborate instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, a detailed blueprint spanning from Exodus 25 through Exodus 31. Specifically, this verse follows the divine directives for the Ark of the Covenant itself (Exodus 25:10-16) and the mercy seat (Exodus 25:17-19). The Ark served as the central repository for the tablets of the Testimony, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel. The mercy seat, fashioned as the solid gold lid of the Ark, was not merely a cover but the designated locus where God promised to commune directly with Moses (Exodus 25:22) and, more significantly, where atonement for the nation's sins would be made annually. The cherubim, intricately fashioned as one piece with the mercy seat, are therefore essential to its theological and functional design, serving as vigilant guardians and reverent attendants to the very spot of divine encounter and propitiation.
Historical & Cultural Context
The divine command for the Tabernacle's construction emerged during Israel's arduous wilderness wanderings, fulfilling God's expressed desire to "dwell among them" (Exodus 25:8). This mobile sanctuary served as the tangible manifestation of God's omnipresent guidance and protective presence for the nascent nation. While other ancient Near Eastern cultures often symbolized divine presence through elaborate temples and cultic objects, Israel's Tabernacle was distinct in its portability and the intimate, personal communion God offered from the mercy seat. Cherubim, though appearing in various forms in Mesopotamian and Egyptian iconography as guardians of sacred spaces or royal thrones, are consistently depicted in Israelite theology as celestial beings intrinsically linked to God's throne, holiness, and immediate presence. Biblical accounts place them guarding the Garden of Eden after the fall (Genesis 3:24) and supporting God's celestial throne in prophetic visions (Ezekiel 1:4-28). Their placement on the mercy seat thus powerfully reinforces the sanctity, divine authority, and guarded nature of the Ark as the earthly focal point of God's dwelling place among His people.
Key Themes
Exodus 25:20 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. The most prominent theme is Divine Presence, as the Tabernacle's construction, culminating in the Ark and mercy seat, provides the means for God to dwell among His people. The meticulous instructions, including the cherubim's design, emphasize God's Holiness and the sacredness required for approaching Him. This holiness is further underscored by the cherubim's role as guardians, reminiscent of their function in Genesis 3:24. The verse also highlights the theme of Atonement and Propitiation, as the mercy seat (Hebrew: kappōreṯ) is explicitly named for its function as the place where sins are covered. The cherubim's gaze towards this spot foreshadows the profound divine interest in the redemptive work that would occur there. Finally, the detailed, divinely ordained design speaks to the theme of Divine Order and Sovereignty, demonstrating that every aspect of Israel's worship and relationship with God is prescribed by His perfect will.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The plural form of keruv, these are celestial, angelic beings whose primary association in biblical literature is with guarding sacred spaces and the immediate, holy presence of God. While their exact appearance can vary in biblical descriptions (e.g., the complex living creatures in Ezekiel 1), here they are depicted with wings and faces, emphasizing their role as vigilant attendants to the divine throne. Their presence on the mercy seat signifies the profound holiness and guarded nature of God's dwelling place.
This term refers to an "edge or extremity," specifically a "wing" of a bird or army. In the context of the cherubim, their wings are not merely anatomical features but are active elements in their posture and function. Stretched high and covering the mercy seat, the wings symbolize protection, overshadowing, and the creation of a sacred, enclosed space, emphasizing the reverence and awe due to the divine presence.
Derived from the verb kaphar (meaning "to cover," "to atone," or "to make propitiation"), this term is central to the Tabernacle's theological function. It was the solid gold lid of the Ark of the Covenant, designated as the place where the High Priest would sprinkle blood on the annual Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:14) to reconcile Israel with God. The name itself highlights its primary purpose as the divinely appointed locus for the covering of sin and the reception of divine forgiveness.
Verse Breakdown
"And the cherubims shall stretch forth [their] wings on high"
This clause describes the majestic and reverent posture of the cherubim. Their wings, extended upwards, create an imposing and awe-inspiring canopy, signifying their role as protectors and vigilant attendants to the divine presence. The phrase "on high" suggests a posture of adoration, exaltation, and readiness to serve God.
"covering the mercy seat with their wings"
This phrase emphasizes the protective, overshadowing, and enclosing nature of the cherubim's posture. Their wings form a sacred enclosure over the mercy seat, symbolizing the guarded holiness of God's presence and the profound sacredness of the place of atonement. This detail is later echoed in the New Testament's description of the "cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat" (Hebrews 9:5).
"and their faces [shall look] one to another"
This specific detail suggests a harmonious, unified, and intense focus among the cherubim. Their mutual gaze implies a shared purpose and an unbroken vigilance, perhaps reflecting the perfect unity, order, and attentiveness characteristic of the heavenly realm in the presence of God.
"toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be"
This final clause powerfully reiterates and reinforces the ultimate direction and singular focus of the cherubim's gaze. Their attention is fixed entirely upon the mercy seat, underscoring its supreme significance as the focal point of God's presence, the designated place of propitiation, and the locus of divine-human encounter. Their gaze is one of profound reverence, unwavering attentiveness, and perhaps even a holy curiosity regarding God's redemptive work.
Literary Devices
Exodus 25:20 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning and evoke a sense of sacred awe. Symbolism is paramount, with the cherubim symbolizing divine guardianship, the awesome holiness of God, and the sacredness of His immediate presence. The mercy seat itself is a powerful symbol of atonement and the divinely appointed place of encounter between a holy God and sinful humanity. The detailed physical description of the cherubim's posture and orientation—wings outstretched high, covering the mercy seat, and faces gazing intently—creates a vivid mental image, functioning as potent Imagery that evokes reverence, solemnity, and awe. The Repetition of the phrase "faces...toward the mercy seat" at the end of the verse serves to emphasize and underscore the singular, unwavering focus of these celestial beings on the site of propitiation, highlighting its supreme importance in God's redemptive plan. While not strictly anthropomorphism, the description of "faces" and "looking" attributes relatable, human-like features to these spiritual beings to make their attentiveness and reverence comprehensible to the human reader.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 25:20 profoundly connects to foundational theological themes of divine presence, absolute holiness, and the necessity of atonement. The cherubim, consistently portrayed in Scripture as guardians of God's holiness (as seen in their role guarding the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:24), reinforce the sanctity and inaccessibility of the Tabernacle's Most Holy Place. Their posture, overshadowing and intently gazing upon the mercy seat, emphasizes that access to God's presence is not casual or presumptuous but requires a divinely appointed means of reconciliation. The mercy seat itself, as the place where the High Priest performed the annual atonement ritual (Leviticus 16:14), points to the indispensable necessity of a covering for sin to bridge the chasm between a perfectly holy God and fallen humanity. The cherubim's fixed gaze suggests their profound interest, reverence, and perhaps even a holy wonder concerning this redemptive work, which is central to God's interaction with His people.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 25:20 invites us into a deeper understanding of God's meticulous nature, His profound holiness, and the solemn reverence due to His presence. The detailed instructions for the cherubim—their majestic posture, their protective wings, and their unwavering gaze towards the mercy seat—serve as a powerful visual sermon for all generations. They stand as a perpetual reminder that God's presence is not to be approached lightly, but with profound awe, humility, and a deep appreciation for the sacred. The cherubim, though heavenly beings of immense power, demonstrate a posture of worship and absolute attentiveness to the very place where God's justice and mercy converge. For believers today, this prompts a vital reflection on our own approach to God. Do we treat His presence with the reverence it truly deserves? Do we grasp the immense, unfathomable significance of the atonement that alone grants us access to Him? This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of worship that mirrors the cherubim's fixed gaze, directing our entire attention and adoration towards the redemptive work that makes fellowship with the Holy God possible.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the cherubim's wings covering the mercy seat?
The cherubim's wings covering the mercy seat signifies their role as vigilant guardians of God's holy presence and underscores the profound sacredness of the place of atonement. This majestic posture creates a reverent and protective atmosphere surrounding the Ark of the Covenant, which housed the tablets of the Law, and the mercy seat, the designated place where God promised to meet with His people. It visually communicates the absolute holiness of God and the guarded nature of His immediate dwelling, indicating that access to Him is not casual but divinely ordained and mediated. The New Testament passage in Hebrews 9:5 refers to them as "cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat," reinforcing their intrinsic connection to God's glorious and awe-inspiring presence.
Why were the cherubim's faces looking toward the mercy seat?
The cherubim's faces looking intently toward the mercy seat underscores the supreme importance and singular focal point of this sacred object. The mercy seat (Hebrew: kappōreṯ) was the pivotal place where atonement for sin was made on the annual Day of Atonement, reconciling Israel with their holy God. Their fixed gaze suggests intense interest, profound reverence, and perhaps even a sense of holy wonder at God's redemptive plan unfolding there. It highlights that even celestial beings are attentive to the divine act of propitiation, emphasizing its central and indispensable role in God's interaction with humanity. This meticulous detail directs all attention to the precise location where God's justice and mercy converged, powerfully foreshadowing the ultimate act of atonement to come.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 25:20, with its vivid depiction of the cherubim intently gazing upon the mercy seat, finds its ultimate, glorious, and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly mercy seat, where the blood of animals was sprinkled to temporarily cover sin, served as a powerful type and shadow of the true and eternal propitiation. Christ Himself is presented in the New Testament as our "mercy seat" or "propitiation" (Romans 3:25), the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice whose own precious blood truly and eternally takes away sin, in stark contrast to the repeated, insufficient sacrifices of the Old Covenant. The cherubim's fixed gaze, reflecting awe and wonder, beautifully foreshadows the heavenly host's profound interest and longing to look into the mystery of redemption accomplished through Christ (1 Peter 1:12). Through His singular, efficacious sacrifice, Jesus, our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), has inaugurated a new and living way into the very presence of God, the true Most Holy Place, not through a physical veil but through the tearing of His own flesh on the cross (Hebrews 10:19-20). The reverence, holiness, and guarded access symbolized by the cherubim guarding the mercy seat are now perfectly met and transcended in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), granting all believers bold and confident access to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) by virtue of His completed work.