And the cherubims spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; even to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims.

EXODUS 37:9KJV
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Exodus 37:9 (KJV)

What does Exodus 37:9 mean?

Exodus 37:9 describes how the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant were crafted with their wings stretched upward, covering the mercy seat, and their faces turned toward each other and toward the mercy seat itself. This verse gives specific details about the position and orientation of the cherubim as part of the Ark’s design.

In this passage, the description comes as part of the instructions being carried out for building the Ark, a central object in Israel’s worship. Bezalel, the skilled craftsman, is following the commands given earlier to Moses. The focus on the cherubim’s wings and faces highlights the careful attention to how sacred objects were to be made, emphasizing reverence and the idea of guarding or honoring the mercy seat.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 37:9

  • "cherubims" (כְּרוּבִים, k'ruvim): This word refers to angelic beings often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces. Their presence here signals the holiness and significance of the Ark.
  • "wings" (כָּנָף, kanaph): The word for wings is used twice, emphasizing the protective gesture as the wings cover the mercy seat. This detail suggests both shelter and reverence.
  • "mercy seat" (כַּפֹּרֶת, kapporet): This is the lid of the Ark, understood as the place where God’s presence would appear. The cherubim facing and covering it underscores its importance.
  • "faces" (פָּנִים, panim): The faces of the cherubim are turned toward each other and toward the mercy seat, showing focus and attention on the central, most sacred part of the Ark.

Why Exodus 37:9 matters

  • This verse clears up that the cherubim were not just decorative but were positioned with purpose, symbolizing protection and reverence for the mercy seat.
  • The details connect to the earlier instructions God gave Moses, showing careful obedience and the importance of following God’s directions in worship.
  • Understanding the orientation of the cherubim helps make sense of later references to the Ark as the meeting place between God and His people, highlighting the mercy seat as a focal point of divine presence.

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 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:

“covered” Hebrew H5526 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 25:20 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.
  • 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;

“out” 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.