Numbers 7:89

When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony. Thus the LORD spoke to him.

Study Bible

When Moses entered the tent of meeting
The "tent of meeting" refers to the Tabernacle, a portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "tent" is "ohel," and "meeting" is "moed," which together signify a designated place and time for divine-human encounter. This highlights the sacredness of the space where God chose to reveal Himself, emphasizing the importance of preparation and reverence when approaching God.

to speak with the LORD
The phrase "to speak with the LORD" underscores the personal and direct communication between Moses and God. The Hebrew word for "speak" is "dabar," which implies not just talking but conveying messages of significance. This interaction signifies the unique role of Moses as a mediator between God and the Israelites, reflecting the intimate relationship God desires with His chosen leaders.

he heard the voice speaking to him
"Hearing the voice" indicates a divine revelation. The Hebrew word for "voice" is "qol," which can mean sound or noise, but here it signifies the articulate communication of God. This emphasizes the reality of God's presence and His willingness to communicate His will, reinforcing the belief that God is not distant but actively involved in guiding His people.

from above the mercy seat
The "mercy seat" is the cover of the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence was believed to dwell. The Hebrew term is "kapporet," which is related to "kaphar," meaning to cover or atone. This symbolizes God's throne of grace and the place of atonement, pointing to the future work of Christ as the ultimate atonement for sin.

that was on the ark of the Testimony
The "ark of the Testimony" refers to the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the Law. The Hebrew word for "testimony" is "edut," signifying a witness or evidence. This highlights the Ark as a tangible reminder of God's covenant and His faithfulness to His promises, serving as a central symbol of God's presence and law among His people.

from between the two cherubim
The "cherubim" are angelic beings depicted as guardians of the divine presence. The Hebrew word "keruvim" suggests beings of great power and majesty. Their position "between" signifies the sacred space where God's glory dwells, emphasizing the holiness and inaccessibility of God apart from His provision for atonement and mediation.

and He spoke to him
The repetition of God speaking to Moses underscores the importance of divine communication. The Hebrew verb "dabar" is used again, reinforcing the idea of God conveying His will and guidance. This highlights the privilege and responsibility of receiving God's word, reminding believers of the importance of listening to and obeying God's voice in their lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and guide them through the wilderness. Moses is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his close relationship with God.

2. Tent of Meeting
A sacred place where Moses would go to communicate with God. It served as a temporary place of worship and divine encounter before the construction of the permanent Tabernacle.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people. In this context, God is speaking directly to Moses.

4. Mercy Seat
The cover of the Ark of the Testimony, made of pure gold, where God's presence would appear. It symbolizes God's throne and His mercy towards His people.

5. Cherubim
Angelic beings depicted on the mercy seat, representing the holiness and majesty of God. They are often associated with God's presence and protection.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Sacred Spaces
The Tent of Meeting was a designated place for encountering God. In our lives, we should create spaces and times dedicated to prayer and communion with God.

God's Desire for Communication
God spoke to Moses directly, showing His desire to communicate with His people. We should seek to hear God's voice through Scripture and prayer.

The Role of Mediators
Moses acted as a mediator between God and the Israelites. This foreshadows Christ, our ultimate mediator, who intercedes on our behalf.

The Significance of the Mercy Seat
The mercy seat represents God's throne of grace. We are reminded of the mercy we receive through Christ's sacrifice, encouraging us to approach God with confidence.

The Holiness of God's Presence
The presence of the cherubim signifies the holiness of God. We should approach God with reverence and awe, acknowledging His majesty and purity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of the Tent of Meeting challenge us to create intentional spaces for encountering God in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we discern God's voice in our lives today, similar to how Moses heard God speaking from the mercy seat?

3. How does the role of Moses as a mediator point us to the work of Jesus Christ as our ultimate mediator?

4. What does the mercy seat symbolize in the context of the Old Testament, and how is this fulfilled in the New Testament through Christ?

5. How can the presence of the cherubim and the holiness of God's presence inspire us to live lives that reflect His holiness and purity?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:22
This verse describes God's promise to meet with Moses above the mercy seat, establishing the Tent of Meeting as a place of divine communication.

Hebrews 9:5
The New Testament reference to the cherubim and the mercy seat, highlighting the significance of these elements in the context of the Old Covenant and their fulfillment in Christ.

1 Samuel 3:10
The calling of Samuel, where God speaks directly to him, illustrating the personal nature of God's communication with His chosen servants.