Exodus 25:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat.

NIV: And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover.

NASB: You shall make two cherubim of gold; make them of hammered work at the two ends of the atoning cover.

CSB: Make two cherubim of gold; make them of hammered work at the two ends of the mercy seat.

NLT: Then make two cherubim from hammered gold, and place them on the two ends of the atonement cover.

KJV: And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.

NKJV: And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work you shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat.

These cherubim are part of the "mercy seat" (Exodus 25:17) used as the cover of the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10–11). God instructs Israel to craft these by hammering. These are not wooden carvings covered in a thin layer of gold, nor are they made by pouring molten gold into a form. Instead, they are formed by a difficult process requiring great skill (Exodus 31:1–11). The designs which God provides require two of these, one on each side of the ark. They are a permanent part of the ark's lid, which is a single piece (Exodus 25:19).

"Cherubim" and "cherub" are transliterations of the Hebrew words kerubim and kerub. These have origins in ideas such as "mixture" and "mount," as in an animal used for transportation. biblical descriptions of cherubim consider them angelic, but distinct from other angels. Genesis 3:24, cherubim are placed at the east of the garden of Eden along with "a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life." In Ezekiel cherubim are described as having four wings and four faces (Ezekiel 1:5–6, 15; 10:2–3). Some scholars believe that the Hebrew word became associated with a similar Aramaic term referring to children, which is why medieval art so often represents angels as chubby infants with wings.

These two cherubim are posed facing each other with their wings stretched out over the mercy seat (Exodus 25:20; Hebrews 9:5). God's presence will appear between the wings and the top of the ark (Exodus 25:22).

Exodus 25:10–22 records the design of the ark of the covenant. This is a wooden box with square ends and rectangular sides overlaid with gold. Rings will be used to hold poles for carrying the ark. This box will store the written laws given by God to Israel (Exodus 24:12). The ark's lid features two golden angels facing each other with outstretched, covering wings. This "mercy seat" will be the focal point of God's interactions with Israel. Since the angels are not being worshipped, they are not the prohibited "graven images" of the second commandment (Exodus 20:4–6). Scripture never credits the ark as a source of supernatural power.

Israelites are to contribute precious metals, cloth, oils, and other resources to create a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. These will be used to form various sacred objects. Among these are the renowned ark of the covenant, a table for consecrated bread, and a lampstand with seven ornate lamps. These will be kept in the most sacred parts of the sanctuary. Upcoming chapters will focus on an elaborate tent which will serve as a portable temple (Exodus 26—28).

The Lord has given the foundations of His covenant to Israel (Exodus 20—23) and they have affirmed it (Exodus 24). Now God gives Moses detailed instructions for a system of worship. This begins with designs for a sacred container—the ark of the covenant—as well as a table and lampstand. These will be kept in the "tabernacle:" an ornate tent used as a portable temple for Israel (Exodus 26—28).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.