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.

EXODUS 37:8KJV
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Exodus 37:8 (KJV)

What does Exodus 37:8 mean?

Exodus 37:8 describes how two cherubim (angelic figures) were made as part of the mercy seat, one on each end. The verse explains that these cherubim were crafted out of the same piece as the mercy seat itself, positioned at both ends.

This verse is part of the instructions being carried out for building the Ark of the Covenant, with Bezalel as the craftsman. The cherubim were not separate pieces attached later, but were formed as one continuous work with the mercy seat, highlighting the care and unity in the design. This detail emphasizes the importance and sacredness of the Ark’s construction in the context of Israel’s worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 37:8

  • כְּרוּב (keruv, "cherub"): This word refers to a type of angelic being. In this verse, the cherubim are not just decorations but are symbolic guardians of the mercy seat.
  • כַּפֹּרֶת (kapporet, "mercy seat"): This is the cover of the Ark, often understood as the place where God's presence would appear. The fact that the cherubim are made from the same piece as the kapporet underlines their close connection to this sacred space.
  • קָצֶה (qatseh, "end"): The use of this word shows the precise placement of each cherub—one on each end of the mercy seat, not randomly placed.
  • עָשָׂה (asah, "made"): This verb highlights that the cherubim were crafted as part of the mercy seat, not added separately, which points to the craftsmanship and unity of the entire piece.

Why Exodus 37:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the cherubim were an integral part of the mercy seat, not separate figures, which emphasizes the unity and intentionality of the Ark’s design.
  • Understanding the placement and construction of the cherubim helps explain the reverence and care taken in building the Ark, which was central to Israel’s worship and sense of God’s presence.
  • The verse connects to the broader passage by showing that the instructions God gave earlier in Exodus were followed exactly, highlighting obedience and faithfulness in sacred matters.

Where else these words appear

“ends” Hebrew H7099 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 38:5 And he cast four rings for the four ends of the grate of brass, to be places for the staves.
  • Psalms 48:10 According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
  • Psalms 65:8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

“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 30:6 And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee.
  • 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:

“end” Hebrew H7098 · used in 30 verses

  • Exodus 25:18 And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
  • Exodus 36:11 And he made loops of blue on the edge of one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling: likewise he made in the uttermost side of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.
  • 1 Kings 13:33 After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places.

“cherub” 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;