Exodus 37:7

He made two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat,

Study Bible

And he made
This phrase indicates the craftsmanship and obedience of Bezalel, the artisan chosen by God to construct the Tabernacle's furnishings. The Hebrew root for "made" is עָשָׂה (asah), which implies not just creation but also careful and skillful execution. This reflects the importance of following God's instructions precisely, as Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God to perform this task (Exodus 31:3).

two cherubim
The "cherubim" are angelic beings, often associated with the presence and glory of God. In Hebrew, כְּרוּבִים (keruvim) suggests beings of great power and mystery. Historically, cherubim are depicted as guardians of sacred spaces, as seen in Genesis 3:24, where they guard the way to the Tree of Life. Their presence on the Ark signifies the holiness and divine protection over the mercy seat.

of hammered gold
The use of "hammered gold" (Hebrew: זָהָב מִקְשֶׁה, zahav miqsheh) emphasizes the value and purity required for items in the Holy of Holies. Gold, a symbol of divinity and kingship, reflects the heavenly nature of the cherubim and the sacredness of the mercy seat. The technique of hammering indicates meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring that the cherubim were not only valuable but also intricately detailed.

at the ends
Positioning the cherubim "at the ends" of the mercy seat signifies their role as protectors and witnesses to the covenant between God and Israel. The Hebrew word קָצֶה (qatseh) implies extremities or boundaries, suggesting that the cherubim encompass the mercy seat, symbolizing God's encompassing presence and His readiness to meet with His people.

of the mercy seat
The "mercy seat" (Hebrew: כַּפֹּרֶת, kapporet) is the cover of the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence would appear and where atonement was made for the sins of Israel. The term "mercy seat" derives from the root כָּפַר (kaphar), meaning to cover or atone. This highlights the central theme of God's mercy and forgiveness, as the blood of the sacrifice was sprinkled here on the Day of Atonement, pointing forward to the ultimate atonement through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Bezalel
The skilled craftsman chosen by God to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat with the cherubim.

2. Cherubim
Angelic beings depicted in the Bible as guardians of sacred spaces. In this context, they are crafted figures placed on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant.

3. Mercy Seat
The cover of the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's throne and His presence among the Israelites. It is where God would meet with Moses and communicate His will.

4. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel.

5. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey through the wilderness.

Teaching Points

God's Holiness and Presence
The cherubim on the mercy seat symbolize the holiness of God and His presence among His people. As believers, we are called to recognize and revere God's holiness in our lives.

Symbolism of Mercy
The mercy seat represents God's mercy and forgiveness. Through Christ, we have access to God's mercy, and we are encouraged to extend mercy to others.

Craftsmanship and Obedience
Bezalel's work demonstrates the importance of using our God-given talents for His glory. We should seek to serve God with excellence and obedience in our own lives.

Guardianship of Sacred Spaces
Just as the cherubim guarded the mercy seat, we are called to guard our hearts and maintain the sanctity of our relationship with God.

Foreshadowing of Christ
The mercy seat and the cherubim point to Jesus as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. We are reminded of the importance of Christ's sacrifice and our relationship with Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the cherubim in Exodus 37:7 compare to their role in Genesis 3:24, and what does this teach us about God's holiness?

2. In what ways does the mercy seat in the Old Testament foreshadow the work of Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the example of Bezalel's craftsmanship and obedience in our own lives and service to God?

4. What are some practical ways we can guard the sacred spaces in our lives, such as our hearts and our relationship with God?

5. How does understanding the symbolism of the mercy seat enhance our appreciation of God's mercy and forgiveness in our daily walk with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 3:24
The cherubim are first mentioned as guardians of the Garden of Eden, emphasizing their role in protecting holy spaces.

Hebrews 9:5
The New Testament reference to the cherubim and the mercy seat highlights their significance in the Old Covenant and points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence and mercy.

Psalm 80:1
This verse refers to God as the one who is enthroned between the cherubim, reinforcing the idea of God's presence and kingship.