And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof.
EXODUS 25:19KJVWhat does Exodus 25:19 mean?
Exodus 25:19 gives instructions for making two cherubim, one on each end of the mercy seat, as part of the Ark of the Covenant. The verse tells the craftsman to make the cherubim as one piece with the mercy seat, placing them at the two ends.
God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving detailed directions for building the Ark, a sacred object for Israel’s worship. The cherubim are special angelic figures, and their placement on the mercy seat (the lid of the Ark) shows their importance in the design and symbolism of the Ark, which represented God’s presence among the Israelites.
The Hebrew behind Exodus 25:19
- כְּרוּב (keruv, “cherub”): This word refers to a type of heavenly being often associated with guarding or attending God’s presence. Their inclusion here emphasizes the holiness and significance of the Ark.
- כַּפֹּרֶת (kapporet, “mercy seat”): This is the cover of the Ark, not a seat in the usual sense, but the place where God’s presence would appear and where atonement was made.
- קָצֶה (qatseh, “end”): The instruction to place one cherub on each end underscores the symmetry and completeness of the design, highlighting the careful attention to detail in God’s instructions.
Why Exodus 25:19 matters
- Exodus 25:19 clarifies that the cherubim were not separate statues but formed as one piece with the mercy seat, showing the unity and intentional design of the Ark.
- The verse highlights the importance of following God’s instructions exactly, which is a recurring theme in the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings.
- Understanding the placement and role of the cherubim helps readers see how the Ark was meant to represent God’s throne and His presence with His people, connecting this verse to the larger story of God dwelling among the Israelites.