Hebrews 9:5

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

And {G1161} over {G5231} it {G846} the cherubims {G5502} of glory {G1391} shadowing {G2683} the mercyseat {G2435}; of {G4012} which {G3739} we cannot {G3756}{G2076} now {G3568} speak {G3004} particularly {G2596}{G3313}.

and above it were the k’ruvim representing the Sh’khinah, casting their shadow on the lid of the Ark — but now is not the time to discuss these things in detail.

Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.

and above it cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy-seat; of which things we cannot now speak severally.

Hebrews 9:5 continues the author's detailed description of the earthly tabernacle and its furnishings, specifically focusing on elements within the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). This verse highlights two significant features: the cherubims of glory and the mercyseat, which were central to Israel's worship under the Old Covenant.

Context

This verse is part of a larger passage (Hebrews 9:1-10) where the author meticulously describes the earthly sanctuary, its vessels, and the priestly service performed there. The purpose is to demonstrate the limitations and symbolic nature of the Old Covenant system in contrast to the superior and ultimate sacrifice of Christ. The "it" in "And over it" refers to the Ark of the Covenant, described in the preceding verse as containing the golden pot of manna, Aaron's rod, and the tables of the covenant.

Key Elements and Their Significance

  • The Cherubims of Glory: These were two golden angelic figures positioned on top of the mercyseat, with wings outstretched, facing each other and looking down upon the mercyseat. They are called "cherubims of glory" because they were associated with God's manifest presence, His Shekinah glory. Their presence symbolized God's holy majesty and served as guardians of His divine presence, reminiscent of the cherubim guarding the way to the tree of life after the Fall (Genesis 3:24).
  • The Mercyseat: This was the golden lid of the Ark of the Covenant. In Hebrew, it is called kapporet, a word related to kippur, meaning "atonement" or "covering." It was here, on the Day of Atonement, that the High Priest sprinkled the blood of the sin offering, making propitiation for the sins of the people. It was considered the place where God's presence met with man, and where His mercy was extended based on the shedding of blood.

Linguistic Insight: The Mercyseat

The Greek word translated "mercyseat" is hilasterion (ἱλαστήριον). This term carries the meaning of a "propitiatory" or "place of atonement." It is significant because the New Testament uses the same root word to describe Jesus Christ Himself as our ultimate propitiation or atoning sacrifice (Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2). This highlights a profound theological connection: what the mercyseat symbolized in the Old Covenant, Christ fulfilled perfectly in the New.

Author's Intent: "Of which we cannot now speak particularly"

The author of Hebrews deliberately cuts short his detailed description of these items. He is not dismissing their importance, but rather indicating that his primary focus is not on the elaborate typology of the Old Covenant furnishings themselves, but on explaining how they point to and are superseded by the superior reality of Jesus Christ's ministry and sacrifice. His main point is to demonstrate the superiority of the new covenant and the heavenly sanctuary where Christ serves as our High Priest.

Practical Application and Significance

While the earthly tabernacle and its components were temporary and symbolic, they powerfully foreshadowed the work of Christ. The cherubim and mercyseat remind us of God's holiness, His desire for communion with humanity, and the absolute necessity of blood atonement for sin. Through Christ, who is our true "mercyseat" and the perfect sacrifice, we now have direct access to God's presence, not just once a year by a priest, but continually and boldly (Hebrews 4:16). This verse, though brief, sets the stage for the profound theological arguments about Christ's superior ministry that follow in the book of Hebrews.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • Leviticus 16:2

    And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy [place] within the vail before the mercy seat, which [is] upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.
  • Numbers 7:89

    And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that [was] upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.
  • Exodus 25:17

    And thou shalt make a mercy seat [of] pure gold: two cubits and a half [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof.
  • Exodus 25:22

    And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.
  • 1 Kings 8:6

    And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy [place, even] under the wings of the cherubims.
  • 1 Kings 8:7

    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.
  • Leviticus 16:13

    And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that [is] upon the testimony, that he die not:

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