Exodus 37:7
And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat;
EXODUS 37:7
This verse continues the description of the mercy seat’s adornment: two cherubim made of gold fashioned from a single piece, placed at the two ends of the mercy seat. The cherubim (angels) are not mere decorative figures but symbolize divine presence and guardianship. Beaten out of one piece signifies unity and seamless craftsmanship, reflecting the divine perfection of what rests on the Ark. The cherubim’s wings are spread and facing inward toward the mercy seat, suggesting a posture of watchfulness and worship; their faces turned toward the mercy seatward emphasize their role as guardians who direct attention to God’s presence. The placement at each end also frames the mercy seat as the center where God’s presence meets the people. In the wider biblical imagination, cherubim guard sacred spaces (Genesis 3 after the Fall, the inner sanctuary in Solomon’s temple). This passage sets a sacred, intimate scene: a holy God presiding over a people who are learning to approach Him.
Cherubim at the mercy seat encapsulate God’s holiness and majesty. They are emissaries of divine presence and guardians of the sacred space where heaven and earth meet. The unity of the gold piece signals seamless divine artistry and the perfect integrity of the divine plan for atonement. The cherubim’s facing toward the mercy seatward communicates mediation: they fix the human gaze on God’s gracious provision. In biblical theology, cherubim become symbols of God’s throne and His ruling presence (Psalm 99:1; Ezekiel 1). The passage foreshadows Christ, who is both the revelation of God’s glory and the mediator through whom reconciliation occurs. Theologically, it affirms a God who dwells with His people, accessible through appointed means, yet awash with divine awe and reverence.
The cherubim remind believers that worship is not a casual encounter with God but a sacred, intentional meeting. Practical applications:
- Approach God through the posture of reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness.
- Focus worship on Jesus as the fulfillment of divine presence and mediation.
- Create spaces—small or large—where God’s glory is tangibly valued in prayer, song, and Scripture.
- Guard against reducing sacred spaces or rituals to mere superstition; they point to a living relationship with God.
- Consider how your daily life can reflect the “hopes of heaven” by stewarding your time, talents, and resources to honor God.
A practical exercise: designate a recurring time to contemplate God’s majesty, read a psalm or a gospel passage, and end with a moment of quiet worship, fixing your gaze on Christ who mediates God’s mercy.
Cross-References: Genesis 3:24; Exodus 25:18-22; Psalm 80:1-2; Ezekiel 1; Hebrews 9