Meaning of Exodus 37:7

This verse describes the creation of the two golden cherubim that adorned the atonement cover (also known as the mercy seat) of the Ark of the Covenant. These figures, crafted from hammered gold, were positioned at opposite ends of the cover, facing each other with their wings outstretched upwards, overshadowing the atonement cover. Their presence was integral to the symbolic design of the Ark, which served as the earthly dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites. The cherubim, therefore, were not mere decorative elements but potent symbols of divine presence, guardianship, and the sacred space where God would commune with humanity. Their placement and form were meticulously prescribed by God, highlighting their crucial theological function within the Tabernacle's most holy precinct.

Context and Background

Exodus 37 is part of the larger narrative in Exodus detailing the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary God commanded the Israelites to build in the wilderness. This chapter specifically focuses on the skilled craftsmanship of Bezalel and Oholiab, who, empowered by the Spirit of God, executed the intricate designs for the various furnishings. The Ark of the Covenant and its atonement cover, described in verses 1-9, represent the pinnacle of this sacred construction, as it housed the covenant tablets and was the focal point of God's direct interaction with Moses. The cherubim were integral to the divinely ordained design of this sacred vessel.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary themes conveyed by the golden cherubim are divine presence, protection, and access to God. Their placement on the atonement cover signifies that God's presence was enthroned above it. The outstretched wings suggest a protective posture, guarding the sacred space and the covenant within. Furthermore, their facing inwards, towards each other and the atonement cover, symbolizes reverence and readiness to receive divine communication. The fact that they are made of hammered gold, a precious and incorruptible material, emphasizes the divine and eternal nature of God's presence and the covenant.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, the cherubim serve as a potent reminder of God's holiness and the separation that sin creates between humanity and God. However, their position on the atonement cover also points towards the means of reconciliation. The blood sprinkled on the atonement cover on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) symbolically appeased God's wrath and restored fellowship. The cherubim, in this context, highlight the throne of God's mercy, where atonement is made, and access is granted through divine provision. For believers today, they foreshadow the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ, who is our High Priest and the propitiation for our sins, granting us direct access to God's throne of grace.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The cherubim are a recurring motif throughout Scripture, first appearing in Genesis 3:24, where they guard the way to the Tree of Life after Adam and Eve's expulsion from Eden. This early depiction establishes their role as guardians of sacred spaces and divine access. In Ezekiel's visions, cherubim are prominent figures associated with God's throne chariot and His majestic presence, emphasizing their constant proximity to the divine. The cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus thus bridge the gap between the initial loss of paradise and the future restoration of fellowship with God, pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

Analogies

One analogy for the cherubim is that of royal guards standing at attention before a king. Their posture and placement indicate their duty to protect the throne and to facilitate the king's audience with supplicants. Another analogy is that of divine escorts who usher in and out those granted access to God's holy presence. Their wings overshadowing the atonement cover can be likened to a protective canopy, signifying God's coverage and care over His covenant people, especially in the context of atonement.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is closely linked to other passages that describe the Ark and the atonement cover, such as Exodus 25:17-22, where God first commands their creation and specifies their design and placement. Leviticus 16:14-16 details the ritual of the Day of Atonement, where the High Priest sprinkles blood on the atonement cover before the cherubim, underscoring their role in the atoning sacrifice. The mention of cherubim in Ezekiel 10 further reinforces their association with God's glory and presence, albeit in a later prophetic context. The New Testament concept of Hebrews 4:16, which speaks of drawing near to the "throne of grace," echoes the significance of the atonement cover as the place where God's grace was made accessible through propitiation, symbolized by the cherubim.