Exodus 25:20

And the cherubims shall stretch forth [their] wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces [shall look] one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.

And the cherubims {H3742} shall stretch {H6566} forth their wings {H3671} on high {H4605}, covering {H5526} the mercy seat {H3727} with their wings {H3671}, and their faces {H6440} shall look one {H376} to another {H251}; toward the mercy seat {H3727} shall the faces {H6440} of the cherubims {H3742} be.

The k'ruvim will have their wings spread out above, so that their wings cover the ark, and their faces are toward each other and toward the ark-cover.

And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat.

And the cherubim shall spread out their wings on high, covering the mercy-seat with their wings, with their faces one to another; toward the mercy-seat shall the faces of the cherubim be.

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 25:20 (KJV)

This verse describes the appearance and posture of the cherubim that were to be placed on top of the Ark of the Covenant, specifically on the mercy seat. It is part of God's detailed instructions to Moses for building the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

Context

Exodus chapters 25 through 31 contain God's precise blueprint for the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where He would dwell among the Israelites. The Ark of the Covenant, described starting in Exodus 25:10, was the central piece of furniture, housing the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. The mercy seat (Exodus 25:17) was the solid gold lid of the Ark, upon which God promised to meet with Moses (Exodus 25:22). The two cherubim, crafted as one piece with the mercy seat, were integral to its design.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence and Holiness: The cherubim are heavenly beings often associated with guarding sacred spaces and the presence of God (see Genesis 3:24). Their position over the mercy seat emphasizes the holiness and inaccessibility of God's presence to ordinary man.
  • Atonement: The mercy seat (כַּפֹּרֶת, kapporet in Hebrew) is directly related to the concept of atonement (כָּפַר, kaphar, meaning 'to cover' or 'to atone'). This was the place where the high priest would sprinkle blood on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:14) to make reconciliation for the sins of Israel. The cherubim's gaze towards the mercy seat highlights its significance as the place of reconciliation.
  • Worship and Reverence: The posture of the cherubim—wings stretched high, covering the mercy seat, and faces looking toward it—suggests a posture of reverence, attentiveness, and perhaps even awe in the presence of God's dwelling place and the site of atonement.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "cherubims" is כְּרֻבִים (*kerubim*), the plural form of *kerub*. While their exact nature is somewhat mysterious, they are consistently depicted in Scripture as celestial beings closely associated with God's throne, presence, and holiness. The "mercy seat" is כַּפֹּרֶת (*kapporet*), derived from the verb *kaphar*, meaning "to cover," "to forgive," or "to atone." This linguistic connection underscores its function as the place where sin was covered and forgiveness was obtained.

Significance and Application

Exodus 25:20 paints a picture of the earthly focal point of God's dwelling among Israel, guarded by celestial beings. The cherubim's gaze fixed upon the mercy seat points forward to its ultimate significance. In the New Testament, Christ is presented as the ultimate propitiation or mercy seat for our sins, fulfilling what the earthly mercy seat symbolized. His sacrifice allows us access to God's presence, a reality foreshadowed by the design of the Tabernacle furnishings. The cherubim's position, overshadowing the place of atonement (Hebrews 9:5), reminds us of the profound holiness surrounding God's plan of redemption. For believers today, this verse is a reminder of the sacredness of the atonement provided by Christ and the reverence due to God's holy presence.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 8:7 (5 votes)

    For the cherubims spread forth [their] two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:18 (5 votes)

    And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out [their wings], and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

  • Hebrews 9:5 (4 votes)

    And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

  • Ezekiel 28:14 (2 votes)

    Thou [art] the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee [so]: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:10 (2 votes)

    For this cause ought the woman to have power on [her] head because of the angels.

  • Exodus 25:18 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt make two cherubims [of] gold, [of] beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.

  • Revelation 5:11 (2 votes)

    And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;