TRV
Translation
King James Version
And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat;
Complete Jewish Bible
He made two k'ruvim of gold; he made them of hammered work for the two ends of the ark-cover -
American Standard Version
And he made two cherubim of gold; of beaten work made he them, at the two ends of the mercy-seat;
World English Bible Messianic
He made two cherubim of gold. He made them of beaten work, at the two ends of the mercy seat;
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he made two Cherubims of gold, vpon the two endes of the Merciseate: euen of worke beaten with the hammer made he them.
Young's Literal Translation
and he maketh two cherubs of gold, of beaten work he hath made them, at the two ends of the mercy-seat;
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Commentary on Exodus 37 verses 1–9
1 ¶ And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:
2 And he overlaid it with pure gold within and without, and made a crown of gold to it round about.
3 And he cast for it four rings of gold, to be set by the four corners of it; even two rings upon the one side of it, and two rings upon the other side of it.
4 And he made staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.
5 And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.
6 And he made the mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half was the length thereof, and one cubit and a half the breadth thereof.
7 And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat;
8 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.
9 And the cherubims spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; even to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims.
I. It may be thought strange that Moses, when he had recorded so fully the instructions given him upon the mount for the making of all these things, should here record as particularly the making of them, when it might have sufficed only to have said, in a few words, that each of these things was made exactly according to the directions before recited. We are sure that Moses, when he wrote by divine inspiration, used no vain repetitions; there are no idle words in scripture. Why then are so many chapters taken up with this narrative, which we are tempted to think needless and tedious? But we must consider, 1. That Moses wrote primarily for the people of Israel, to whom it would be of great use to read and hear often of these divine and sacred treasures with which they were entrusted. These several ornaments wherewith the tabernacle was furnished they were not admitted to see, but the priests only, and therefore it was requisite that they should be thus largely described particularly to them. That which they ought to read again (lest they should fail of doing it) is written again and again: thus many of the same passages of the history of Christ are in the New Testament related by two or three, and some by four of the evangelists, for the same reason. The great things of God's law and gospel we need to have inculcated upon us again and again. To write the same (says St. Paul) to me is not grievous, but for you it is safe, Phi 3:1. 2. Moses would thus show the great care which he and his workmen took to make every thing exactly according to the pattern shown him in the mount. Having before given us the original, he here givers us the copy, that we may compare them, and observe how exactly they agree. Thus he appeals to every reader concerning his fidelity to him that appointed him, in all his house, and in all the particulars of it, Heb 3:5. And thus he teaches us to have respect to all God's commandments, even to every iota and tittle of them. 3. It is intimated hereby that God takes delight in the sincere obedience of his people, and keeps an exact account of it, which shall be produced to their honour in the resurrection of the just. None can be so punctual in their duty, but God will be as punctual in his notices of it. He is not unrighteous to forget the work and labour of love, in any instance of it, Heb 6:10. 4. The spiritual riches and beauties of the gospel tabernacle are hereby recommended to our frequent and serious consideration. Go walk about this Zion, view it and review it: the more you contemplate the glories of the church, the more you will admire them and be in love with them. The charter of its privileges, and the account of its constitution, will very well bear a second reading.
II. In these verses we have an account of the making of the ark, with its glorious and most significant appurtenances, the mercy-seat and the cherubim. Consider these three together, and they represent the glory of a holy god, the sincerity of a holy heart, and the communion that is between them, in and by a Mediator. 1. It is the glory of a holy god that he dwells between the cherubim; that is, is continually attended and adored by the blessed angels, whose swiftness was signified by their faces being one towards another. 2. It is the character of an upright heart that, like the ark of the testimony, it has the law of God hid and kept in it. 3. By Jesus Christ, the great propitiation, there is reconciliation made, and a communion settled, between us and God: he interposes between us and God's displeasure; and not only so, but through him we become entitled to God's favour. If he write his law in our heart, he will be to us a God and we shall be to him a people. From the mercy-seat he will teach us, there he will accept us, and show himself merciful to our unrighteousness; and under the shadow of his wings we shall be safe and easy.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 37:7 meticulously details a pivotal step in the construction of the Tabernacle: the creation of the two cherubim that were to adorn the mercy seat, the golden lid of the Ark of the Covenant. This verse underscores the extraordinary craftsmanship demanded by God, specifically highlighting that these angelic figures were not merely attached but were "beaten out of one piece" of solid gold along with the mercy seat itself, thereby emphasizing the divine precision, unity, and intrinsic value required for the most sacred elements of God's earthly dwelling place.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Exodus 37:7 is situated within the latter portion of the book of Exodus, specifically chapters 35-40, which meticulously recounts the actual construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings by the skilled artisans Bezalel and Oholiab, under the direct supervision of Moses. This section serves as the narrative fulfillment of the detailed divine instructions Moses received on Mount Sinai, particularly those outlined in Exodus 25. Chapter 37 focuses on the fabrication of the most holy components, including the Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat, and the cherubim, directly mirroring the commands given in Exodus 25:10-22. The repetition of these instructions and their precise execution underscores the absolute necessity of adhering to God's blueprint for His dwelling place among His people.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Tabernacle was designed as God's portable sanctuary, symbolizing His immediate presence among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, temples were common, often featuring elaborate iconography and symbolic representations of deities. However, the Israelite Tabernacle was unique in its monotheistic focus and its construction based on explicit, detailed divine revelation, rather than human imagination. Cherubim, frequently depicted in ancient art as winged guardians of sacred spaces or attendants to divine thrones, are here given a specific theological role unique to Israelite worship. Their placement on the mercy seat, the very point of divine encounter and atonement (Exodus 25:22), highlights the sanctity and restricted access to God's holy presence without proper mediation. The demanding technique of being "beaten out of one piece" (Hebrew: miqshâh) was a costly and highly skilled method, signifying the unparalleled value, perfection, and unity demanded for objects consecrated to the divine.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. The theme of Divine Presence is central, as the cherubim mark the immediate vicinity of God's dwelling place on earth, emphasizing His holiness and majesty. The meticulous instructions and their precise execution reinforce the theme of Obedience to Divine Command, demonstrating that God's worship is not to be improvised but conducted according to His revealed will. The use of Precious Materials, particularly gold, underscores the theme of God's Glory and Worthiness, indicating that only the finest and most incorruptible materials are fitting for His sanctuary. Furthermore, the cherubim's position over the mercy seat directly connects to the theme of Atonement and Mediation, pointing to the unique means by which a holy God would interact with a sinful people, a concept further developed in Leviticus 16.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 37:7 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning and underscore the significance of the Tabernacle's construction. Symbolism is paramount, with "gold" representing divine purity, glory, and the incorruptible nature of God. The "cherubim" themselves are powerful symbols of God's holy presence, His majesty, and the angelic host that attends His throne, serving as guardians of sacred space and witnesses to divine acts. The phrase "beaten out of one piece" functions as a potent symbol of unity, integrity, and the seamless perfection of God's divine design, highlighting the intrinsic connection between the cherubim and the mercy seat. This detail also serves as a form of emphasis, drawing attention to the extraordinary skill required and the immense value placed on these sacred objects due to their direct association with God's presence. The meticulous description of their construction, consistent with earlier commands, also demonstrates repetition of divine instruction, reinforcing the importance of exact obedience in matters of worship and the building of God's sanctuary.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 37:7, in its precise description of the cherubim on the mercy seat, points to profound theological truths about God's nature, His presence, and the divinely ordained means of approaching Him. The meticulous detail and the use of precious materials signify God's absolute holiness and His demand for reverence and purity in worship. The cherubim, as celestial guardians, underscore the awesome sanctity of God's dwelling, while their position directly over the mercy seat intrinsically connects them to the theme of atonement and propitiation. It is here, above the mercy seat, between the cherubim, that God promised to meet with His people (Exodus 25:22), signifying that His justice and mercy converge at the point of sacrifice. The "beaten out of one piece" aspect further emphasizes the seamless unity of God's plan for redemption and the perfect integration of all elements of His divine economy, where every detail contributes to a holistic design for reconciliation.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intricate details of the Tabernacle's construction, particularly the cherubim formed "beaten out of one piece" with the mercy seat, offer profound lessons for our spiritual lives today. God's meticulous instructions reveal His desire for worship that is not haphazard but intentional, pure, and reverent. The fact that the cherubim were inseparable from the mercy seat reminds us that true worship is deeply connected to God's provision for atonement and mercy. We are called to approach God with a profound sense of His holiness, yet also with confidence in the access He has provided through Christ. This passage challenges us to consider the quality of our own spiritual craftsmanship: are our lives, our worship, and our service to God "beaten out of one piece" – seamless, unified, and pure, reflecting a wholehearted devotion rather than fragmented efforts? It encourages us to pursue integrity and excellence in all areas, recognizing that every detail matters to a God who is Himself perfect and glorious, and who desires our undivided hearts.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the cherubim being "beaten out of one piece" with the mercy seat?
Answer: The phrase "beaten out of one piece" (Hebrew: miqshâh) signifies a highly skilled and difficult metallurgical technique where the figures were hammered and shaped from the same single mass of gold as the mercy seat itself, rather than being attached separately. Theologically, this emphasizes the unity, integrity, and seamless perfection of God's divine design. It conveys that the cherubim were not mere decorative additions but were intrinsically and inseparably connected to the mercy seat, the very place of atonement and divine encounter. This detail speaks to the purity and holistic nature of God's presence and His perfectly integrated plan for redemption, where every element serves a unified purpose.
What was the role of the cherubim in the Tabernacle?
Answer: The cherubim in the Tabernacle served multiple symbolic roles, primarily representing the angelic guardians of God's holy presence, as first seen in Genesis 3:24 where they guard the Garden of Eden. On the mercy seat, their wings overshadowed the place where God's presence would manifest and where atonement would be made. They symbolized the heavenly reality surrounding God's throne, emphasizing His majesty, holiness, and the awe required in His presence. Their position indicated that access to God's unmediated presence was restricted, highlighting the need for the sacrificial system and the High Priest's mediation on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:14-15). They served as a constant reminder of the holiness of God and the reverence due to Him.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat in the Tabernacle, intricately formed "beaten out of one piece" with the very place of atonement, powerfully foreshadow the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, with its veiled access and sacrificial system, pointed to a greater, ultimate reality. The cherubim, guarding the way to God's presence, symbolized the profound separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, a barrier that the Old Covenant system could only temporarily bridge. However, in Christ, this separation is definitively overcome. He is the ultimate "mercy seat" or "propitiation" (Romans 3:25) through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross. Just as the cherubim were inextricably linked to the mercy seat, Christ is inseparable from the divine act of reconciliation. He is both the perfect High Priest who entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of animals, but with His own precious blood, securing an eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:11-12), and the spotless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Through Him, the way to God's throne of grace, once guarded by cherubim and accessible only to the High Priest, is now open for all believers to approach with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). He is the fulfillment of all the Tabernacle's types and shadows, providing seamless, unified, and eternal access to God's holy presence.