Exodus 25:19
And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof.
Original Language Analysis
תַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
And make
H6213
תַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
And make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶחָ֥ד
and the other
H259
אֶחָ֥ד
and the other
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
מִזֶּ֑ה
on the other
H2088
מִזֶּ֑ה
on the other
Strong's:
H2088
Word #:
5 of 17
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
אֶחָ֥ד
and the other
H259
אֶחָ֥ד
and the other
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
מִזֶּ֑ה
on the other
H2088
מִזֶּ֑ה
on the other
Strong's:
H2088
Word #:
9 of 17
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת
even of the mercy seat
H3727
הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת
even of the mercy seat
Strong's:
H3727
Word #:
11 of 17
a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred ark)
תַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
And make
H6213
תַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
And make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
15 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
The cherubim's positions on opposite ends created a space between them where God's glory would manifest (the Shekinah). This arrangement formed a throne with living guardians, emphasizing both God's majesty and approachability through atonement.
Questions for Reflection
- How do holiness and mercy unite rather than contradict in God's character?
- What does the symmetry of the cherubim teach about the completeness of Christ's atonement?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The cherubim are positioned at the two ends of the mercy seat, one on each side, creating symmetry and completeness. Their placement at the extremities shows that God's holiness fully surrounds and guards the place of mercy. Yet they are 'of one piece' with it (v.18), demonstrating that holiness and mercy are not contradictory but united in God's character and Christ's atoning work.