Exodus 25:20
Exodus 25:20 in Multiple Translations
And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat.
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.
And the cherubim shall spread out their wings on high, covering the mercy-seat with their wings, with their faces one to another; toward the mercy-seat shall the faces of the cherubim be.
And their wings are to be outstretched over the cover, and the winged ones are to be opposite one another, facing the cover.
The cherubim are to be designed with spread wings pointing upward, covering the atonement cover. The cherubim are to be placed facing each another, looking down towards the atonement cover.
And the Cherubims shall stretche their winges on hie, couering the Mercie seate with their winges, and their faces one to another: to the Mercie seate warde shall the faces of the Cherubims be.
'And the cherubs have been spreading out wings on high, covering the mercy-seat over with their wings, and their faces [are] one towards another — towards the mercy-seat are the faces of the cherubs.
The cherubim shall spread out their wings upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward one another. The faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat.
And the cherubim shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy-seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; towards the mercy-seat shall the faces of the cherubim be.
Let them cover both sides of the propitiatory, spreading their wings, and covering the oracle, and let them look one towards the other, their faces being turned towards the propitiatory wherewith the ark is to be covered.
Tell them to place the winged creatures so that their wings touch each other and spread out over the lid.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 25:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 25:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָי֣וּ
הַ/כְּרֻבִים֩
פֹּרְשֵׂ֨י
כְנָפַ֜יִם
לְ/מַ֗עְלָ/ה
סֹכְכִ֤ים
בְּ/כַנְפֵי/הֶם֙
עַל
הַ/כַּפֹּ֔רֶת
וּ/פְנֵי/הֶ֖ם
אִ֣ישׁ
אֶל
אָחִ֑י/ו
אֶל
הַ/כַּפֹּ֔רֶת
יִהְי֖וּ
פְּנֵ֥י
הַ/כְּרֻבִֽים
וְ/הָי֣וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
הַ/כְּרֻבִים֩
kᵉrûwb
H3742
cherub
Art | N-mp
פֹּרְשֵׂ֨י
pâras
H6566
to spread
V-Qal
כְנָפַ֜יִם
kânâph
H3671
wing
N-fd
לְ/מַ֗עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Prep | Adv | Suff
סֹכְכִ֤ים
çâkak
H5526
to fence
V-Qal
בְּ/כַנְפֵי/הֶם֙
kânâph
H3671
wing
Prep | N-fd | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/כַּפֹּ֔רֶת
kappôreth
H3727
mercy seat
Art | N-fs
וּ/פְנֵי/הֶ֖ם
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | N-cp | Suff
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אָחִ֑י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/כַּפֹּ֔רֶת
kappôreth
H3727
mercy seat
Art | N-fs
יִהְי֖וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
הַ/כְּרֻבִֽים
kᵉrûwb
H3742
cherub
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 25:20
וְ/הָי֣וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הַ/כְּרֻבִים֩
kᵉrûwb
H3742
"cherub"
Art | N-mp
A cherub is an angelic being in the Bible, often depicted as guarding important places like Eden or God's throne. They're also shown as images on the Ark of the Covenant. The KJV translates this word as cherub or cherubims.
Definition: 1) cherub, cherubim (pl) 1a) an angelic being 1a1) as guardians of Eden 1a2) as flanking God's throne 1a3) as an image form hovering over the Ark of the Covenant 1a4) as the chariot of Jehovah (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: cherub, (plural) cherubims. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Chronicles 3:10; Psalms 18:11.
פֹּרְשֵׂ֨י
pâras
H6566
"to spread"
V-Qal
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
כְנָפַ֜יִם
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
N-fd
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
לְ/מַ֗עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Prep | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
סֹכְכִ֤ים
çâkak
H5526
"to fence"
V-Qal
To weave means to entwine or fence in, implying protection, as seen in the Bible where it means to cover or defend something.
Definition: (Qal) to hedge, fence about, shut in
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: cover, defence, defend, hedge in, join together, set, shut up. See also: Exodus 25:20; Job 40:22; Psalms 5:12.
בְּ/כַנְפֵי/הֶם֙
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
Prep | N-fd | Suff
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/כַּפֹּ֔רֶת
kappôreth
H3727
"mercy seat"
Art | N-fs
The mercy seat was a golden lid on the Ark of the Covenant, where the High Priest would sprinkle blood to symbolize reconciliation with God. It was a crucial part of the Day of Atonement rituals, representing God's mercy and forgiveness.
Definition: 1) mercy-seat, place of atonement 1a) the golden plate of propitiation on which the High Priest sprinkled the seat 7 times on the Day of Atonement symbolically reconciling Jehovah and His chosen people 1a1) the slab of gold on top of the ark of the covenant which measured 2.5 by 1.5 cubits; on it and part of it were the two golden cherubim facing each other whose outstretched wings came together above and constituted the throne of God
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: mercy seat. See also: Exodus 25:17; Exodus 37:7; 1 Chronicles 28:11.
וּ/פְנֵי/הֶ֖ם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אָחִ֑י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/כַּפֹּ֔רֶת
kappôreth
H3727
"mercy seat"
Art | N-fs
The mercy seat was a golden lid on the Ark of the Covenant, where the High Priest would sprinkle blood to symbolize reconciliation with God. It was a crucial part of the Day of Atonement rituals, representing God's mercy and forgiveness.
Definition: 1) mercy-seat, place of atonement 1a) the golden plate of propitiation on which the High Priest sprinkled the seat 7 times on the Day of Atonement symbolically reconciling Jehovah and His chosen people 1a1) the slab of gold on top of the ark of the covenant which measured 2.5 by 1.5 cubits; on it and part of it were the two golden cherubim facing each other whose outstretched wings came together above and constituted the throne of God
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: mercy seat. See also: Exodus 25:17; Exodus 37:7; 1 Chronicles 28:11.
יִהְי֖וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/כְּרֻבִֽים
kᵉrûwb
H3742
"cherub"
Art | N-mp
A cherub is an angelic being in the Bible, often depicted as guarding important places like Eden or God's throne. They're also shown as images on the Ark of the Covenant. The KJV translates this word as cherub or cherubims.
Definition: 1) cherub, cherubim (pl) 1a) an angelic being 1a1) as guardians of Eden 1a2) as flanking God's throne 1a3) as an image form hovering over the Ark of the Covenant 1a4) as the chariot of Jehovah (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: cherub, (plural) cherubims. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Chronicles 3:10; Psalms 18:11.
Study Notes — Exodus 25:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 25:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 25:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 25:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 25:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 25:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 25:20
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 25:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 25:20
- Sermons on Exodus 25:20
Context — The Mercy Seat
18Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat,
19one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold.
20And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat.
21Set the mercy seat atop the ark and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark. 22And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 28:18 | the weight of the refined gold for the altar of incense; and the plans for the chariot of the gold cherubim that spread their wings and overshadowed the ark of the covenant of the LORD. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 8:7 | For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its poles. |
| 3 | Hebrews 9:5 | Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now. |
| 4 | 1 Peter 3:22 | who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him. |
| 5 | Matthew 24:31 | And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 4:9 | For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 1:20 | Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. |
| 8 | Revelation 5:11–12 | Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels and living creatures and elders encircling the throne, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” |
| 9 | Genesis 28:12 | And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. |
| 10 | John 1:51 | Then He declared, “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” |
Exodus 25:20 Summary
The cherubim in Exodus 25:20 are heavenly creatures with wings that spread upward, symbolizing protection and guardianship, and they face each other, looking toward the mercy seat, which represents God's presence and throne. This picture reminds us of the importance of reverence and respect in our approach to God, as seen in Exodus 28:2 and Psalm 96:9. The cherubim's design and placement also teach us about God's attention to detail and desire for beauty and order. As we consider the cherubim, we can learn to focus on God's presence and throne in our own lives, cultivating a posture of reverence and respect, just like the cherubim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the cherubim's wings spreading upward in Exodus 25:20?
The cherubim's wings spreading upward signify protection and guardianship, as seen in Ezekiel 1:5-14, and their overshadowing of the mercy seat represents God's presence and glory, as mentioned in Exodus 25:22 and Psalm 80:1.
Why are the cherubim facing each other in Exodus 25:20?
The cherubim facing each other, looking toward the mercy seat, symbolizes their role as heavenly guardians and their focus on the throne of God, emphasizing the importance of the mercy seat as a symbol of God's presence and covenant with His people, as seen in Exodus 25:21-22 and Hebrews 9:5.
How do the cherubim in Exodus 25:20 relate to the rest of the tabernacle?
The cherubim are an integral part of the tabernacle, situated on the mercy seat, which is atop the ark of the Testimony, as described in Exodus 25:21-22, and they play a crucial role in representing God's glory and presence among His people, as seen in Exodus 40:34-38 and 1 Kings 8:10-11.
What can we learn from the cherubim's design and placement in Exodus 25:20?
The cherubim's design and placement teach us about God's attention to detail, His desire for beauty and order, and the importance of reverence and respect in our approach to Him, as emphasized in Exodus 28:2 and Psalm 96:9.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of the cherubim's wings spreading upward evoke in my heart, and how can I apply this picture of protection and guardianship to my life?
- As I consider the cherubim facing each other, looking toward the mercy seat, what does this reveal to me about the importance of focusing on God's presence and throne in my own life?
- How can I, like the cherubim, maintain a posture of reverence and respect in my approach to God, and what practices can I adopt to cultivate this attitude?
- What does the relationship between the cherubim, the mercy seat, and the ark of the Testimony reveal to me about the interconnectedness of God's covenant and His presence among His people?
- As I reflect on the cherubim's role in the tabernacle, what does this teach me about the value of community and corporate worship in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 25:20
And the cherubim shall stretch forth their wings on high,.... From whence it appears they were in the form of winged creatures, as the seraphim in Isaiah's vision, and the living creatures in those
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 25:20
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 25:20
Towards God, who is supposed to sit there, whose face the angels in heaven always behold, and upon whom their eyes are fixed to observe and receive his commands; and towards Christ, the true propitiatory, which mystery they desire to look into, ; not envying mankind their near and happy relation to him, but taking pleasure in the contemplation of it.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 25:20
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.Ver. 20. Toward the mercy seat shall the faces, &c.] Angels in the Syriac are called àôðéí, of the face; because they look ever on the face of God, waiting his commands.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 25:20
(20) The cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high.—The two wings of both cherubs were to be elevated and advanced so as to overshadow the mercy seat, and, as it were, protect it. In the Egyptian figures of Ma, one wing only has this position, the other being depressed and falling behind the figure. Towards the mercy seat.—Bent downwards, i.e., as though gazing on the mercy seat. (Compare Exodus 37:9).
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 25:20
20. shall spread out] Heb. shall be spreading out, describing their permanent condition: the idiom, as Genesis 1:6, and frequently. with their faces, &c.] These cherubim, unlike those of Ezek. (see above), are pictured therefore as having only one face each. The cherubim in Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 6:23-28), it is to be noted, differed materially from those here described. Solomon’s cherubim were colossal figures, each ten cubits (15 ft.) high; they were not of gold, but of olive wood, overlaid with gold; they were not upon the ark, nor did they face each other; they stood, one on each side of the ark, facing the entrance to the Holy of holies, and their four outstretched wings, each 5 cubits (7½ ft.) long, extended across from one wall of the Holy of holies to the other.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 25:20
18-20. Two cherubim — The exact form of these is nowhere described, but their position in the two ends of the cover of the ark, and the stretching forth and covering the mercy seat with their wings,
Sermons on Exodus 25:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Fren-17 Apostolic Foundations - Priestliness by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker initially expresses skepticism towards the preacher's accent and style. However, as he continues to listen, he realizes that there is something beyond n |
|
|
Fren-17 Fondements Apostoliques - Melquisedec Sacerdotes by Art Katz | The video is titled "Within the Veil" and explores the concept of evolving into a higher spiritual state to enter the holiest place. The speaker initially hesitates to listen to th |
|
(Exodus) Exodus 25:23-28 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of settling the sin question before being able to worship God. He explains that in the tabernacle, there are two articles of f |
|
|
The Melchizedek Priesthood (2 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how the preaching of the word of God defies analysis and critique. He mentions how scholars believe that Paul missed an opportunity in Athens |
|
The Savior Praying for Us by John A. Broadus | The preacher delves into the concept of propitiation, explaining how Jesus Christ serves as the means of gaining favor with God by satisfying His justice through His sacrificial de |
|
The Mercy-Seat by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the mercy-seat in the Old Testament, which symbolizes the steadfast love and grace of God, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He |
|
The Ark of the Covenant by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in the Tabernacle, highlighting how it represents Christ as the Ark of redemption, the embodiment of the Law, a |