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.

EXODUS 25:20KJV
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Exodus 25:20 (KJV)

What does Exodus 25:20 mean?

Exodus 25:20 describes how the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant were to be shaped: their wings were to be stretched upward, covering the mercy seat, and their faces were to look toward each other and toward the mercy seat itself. This verse gives specific instructions for the appearance and arrangement of these angelic figures as part of the sacred furniture in the tabernacle.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses, giving him detailed directions for building the Ark of the Covenant, which would be placed in the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle. The cherubim are symbolic guardians, and their posture—wings outstretched and faces turned toward the mercy seat—emphasizes the holiness and significance of this central object, where God’s presence would be understood to dwell.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 25:20

  • "cherubims" (כְּרוּבִים, kərūvīm): This word refers to angelic beings often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces. Their presence on the Ark highlights its spiritual importance.
  • "mercy seat" (כַּפֹּרֶת, kappōret): This is the gold cover of the Ark, understood as the place where God’s presence appears and where atonement is made. The cherubim’s wings cover it, marking it as especially holy.
  • "covering" (סָכַךְ, sākhakh): This verb means to shield or protect. The cherubim’s wings are not just decorative; they are shown as actively guarding or sheltering the mercy seat.
  • "faces" (פָּנִים, pānīm): The faces of the cherubim are directed toward each other and toward the mercy seat, focusing attention on this central spot and suggesting reverence or watchfulness.

Why Exodus 25:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the cherubim were not random decorations but were carefully arranged to highlight the mercy seat as the focal point of God’s presence and mercy.
  • The detailed instructions show the seriousness and reverence with which the Israelites were to approach the construction of the tabernacle, underlining the importance of following God’s directions exactly.
  • By describing the cherubim as covering and facing the mercy seat, the verse connects to the broader biblical theme of God’s holiness being both accessible and protected, inviting awe and respect.

Where else these words appear

“seat” Hebrew H3727 · used in 22 verses

  • 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 31:7 The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle,
  • Exodus 40:20 And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:

“covering” Hebrew H5526 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 33:22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
  • 1 Chronicles 28:18 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.
  • Psalms 140:7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

“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 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • 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;

“stretch” 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 19:14 And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.
  • 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.