Meaning of Exodus 37:9

Exodus 37:9 describes the arrangement of the cherubim adorning the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant. These two golden cherubim, fashioned from the same piece as the mercy seat itself, were positioned at each end, their wings extended upwards, meeting above the sacred lid. Their faces were turned inward, gazing down upon the mercy seat. This imagery is not merely decorative; it signifies divine presence, protection, and the solemnity of the place where God's covenant with Israel was made manifest. The upward-sweeping wings suggest a posture of worship and reverence towards the divine presence that was understood to reside above the mercy seat, while their inward gaze emphasizes their focus on the very instrument of atonement and God's propitiation for sin.

Context and Background

This verse is found within the detailed instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, specifically the Ark of the Covenant and its associated lid, the mercy seat (Hebrew: kapporet). The Ark was the most sacred object in the Israelite sanctuary, containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with His people. The mercy seat, made of pure gold, was placed atop the Ark. The cherubim were an integral part of this divine apparatus, crafted as described in Exodus 25:18-20. Their placement and depiction are crucial to understanding the theological significance of the Ark.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary themes conveyed are:

• Divine Presence: The cherubim, often depicted as celestial beings guarding sacred spaces or serving God, here frame the place where God's presence would uniquely dwell among His people.
• Atonement and Propitiation: The mercy seat, over which the cherubim's wings spread, was the focal point of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). The High Priest would sprinkle the blood of a sin offering on and before the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:14-15), a ritual that appeased God's wrath and atoned for the sins of the nation.
• Protection and Covering: The outstretched wings suggest a protective covering, symbolizing God's shield over His covenant people and the atonement that covered their sins.
• Worship and Reverence: The posture of the cherubim, facing the mercy seat, indicates a constant attitude of worship and awe towards the divine holiness and the efficacy of the atonement.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, the cherubim and mercy seat prefigure the work of Jesus Christ. Christ is the ultimate propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:2). His sacrifice, offered once for all, is the true mercy seat, through which believers have access to God. The cherubim's upward-facing wings can be seen as symbolizing the heavenly nature of Christ's intercession and the worship directed towards Him. The covering of the wings points to the redemptive work of Christ that covers our sins, making us acceptable to God.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This imagery is foundational to understanding the concept of God's dwelling with humanity and the means of reconciliation. It sets the stage for the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest and the perfect sacrifice. The New Testament writers frequently draw parallels between the Old Testament sacrificial system and the person and work of Christ. For instance, the author of Hebrews elaborates extensively on the superiority of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice over the Levitical system, which was typified by the Ark and mercy seat.

Analogies

One analogy for the cherubim and mercy seat is a royal throne room. The Ark represents the king's presence, the mercy seat is the place of audience where petitions are made and judgments are rendered, and the cherubim are like royal guards or courtiers, always present, attentive, and facing the throne, signifying the solemnity and holiness of the king's presence.

Another analogy, focusing on the atonement, is a bridge over a chasm. The chasm represents the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. The Ark is the foundation of God's covenant, the mercy seat is the specific point of crossing, and the blood sprinkled upon it is the means by which the crossing is made safe. The cherubim, with their wings spread, can be seen as guardians of this sacred crossing, ensuring its integrity and pointing to the divine authority behind it.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 25:22: "There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak to you all that I command you through Moses." This verse directly links the mercy seat and cherubim to God's communication and covenantal presence.
• Leviticus 16:14-15: These verses detail the ritual of sprinkling blood on the Day of Atonement, highlighting the mercy seat as the central point of atonement.
• Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." This New Testament verse directly connects the "throne of grace" (a clear reference to the mercy seat) with access to God's mercy through Christ.
• Hebrews 9:5: "Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of this we cannot now speak in detail." The author of Hebrews acknowledges the cherubim's presence and their role in signifying glory, though he states he cannot elaborate on their specific function in that context.
• 1 John 2:2: "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world." This verse explicitly identifies Christ as the hilasmos (propitiation or expiation), the New Testament equivalent of the function of the mercy seat.