Exodus 25:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Make one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end. Of one piece with the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends.

NIV: Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends.

NASB: Make one cherub at one end and one cherub at the other end; you shall make the cherubim of one piece with the atoning cover at its two ends.

CSB: Make one cherub at one end and one cherub at the other end. At its two ends, make the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat.

NLT: Mold the cherubim on each end of the atonement cover, making it all of one piece of gold.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Make one cherub at one end, and the other cherub at the other end; you shall make the cherubim at the two ends of it of one piece with the mercy seat.

A "cherub" is an angel-like being sometimes described with four faces and four wings (Ezekiel 1:5–6, 15; 10:2–3). God instructed Israel to include two of these on the ark (Exodus 25:10–11). These figures will be made of solid metal (Exodus 25:18) and a permanent part of the "mercy seat" lid (Exodus 25:17). Two cherubim will face each other, one on either side of the mercy seat, with their wings stretched out over it. This will form a kind of throne for God, where He will speak to Moses about the law (Exodus 25:22).

God's instruction to make the cherubim and lid of a single piece does not mean the entire object had to be formed from a single chunk of gold. As do goldsmiths today, ancient people could braze sections together. The resulting pieces must be cut apart: they are "of one piece" once joined.

According to some researchers, the Hebrew word for these angelic beings resembled an Aramaic word referring to children. This influenced the traditional imagery of a "cherub" as a baby with wings. These sculptures are not being worshipped or associated with spiritual power; they are not the sort of images forbidden by the second commandment (Exodus 20:4–6).

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.