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

2 CHRONICLES 5:8KJV
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2 Chronicles 5:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 5:8 mean?

2 Chronicles 5:8 describes how the cherubim, which are special angelic figures, spread their wings over the place where the Ark of the Covenant was set, covering both the Ark and its carrying poles from above. This verse highlights the way the cherubim were positioned to shelter and protect the Ark in the temple.

This scene takes place during the dedication of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. The priests have brought the Ark, the most sacred object in Israel’s worship, into the inner sanctuary. The verse focuses on the arrangement of the cherubim’s wings, showing the care and reverence given to the Ark as the visible symbol of God’s presence among the people.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 5:8

  • "cherubims" (כְּרוּבִים, k'ruvim): This word refers to the angelic figures placed above the Ark. Their presence and posture emphasize the holiness and protection surrounding the Ark.
  • "covered" (כָּסָה, kasah): This verb means to cover or conceal. The cherubim’s wings are not just decorative; they are shown as actively sheltering the Ark and its poles, underlining the sacredness and separation of the Ark from ordinary view.
  • "staves" (בַּד, bad): These are the wooden poles used to carry the Ark. Mentioning that the cherubim’s wings covered the staves as well as the Ark itself shows attention to every detail of how the Ark was handled and honored.

Why 2 Chronicles 5:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the cherubim were not just symbolic decorations but were carefully crafted to express reverence and to “guard” the Ark, reinforcing the sense of God’s holiness.
  • By describing the cherubim covering both the Ark and its staves, the verse emphasizes the completeness of the protection and separation of the holy object from the rest of the temple.
  • The detailed description connects back to earlier instructions given for the tabernacle and shows continuity in how Israel treated sacred things, helping readers see the seriousness with which God’s presence was approached.

Where else these words appear

“staves” Hebrew H905 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 26:1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
  • Exodus 37:4 And he made staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.
  • Numbers 4:14 And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.

“cherubims” Hebrew H3742 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • 1 Kings 6:28 And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.
  • Ezekiel 9:3 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side;

“forth” Hebrew H6566 · used in 66 verses

  • Exodus 9:29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S.
  • 2 Kings 8:15 And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.
  • Isaiah 33:23 Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.

“wings” Hebrew H3671 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 1:21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
  • Job 38:13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?
  • Ezekiel 1:8 And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings.