Exodus 37:7
And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat;
Original Language Analysis
עָשָׂ֣ה
And he made
H6213
עָשָׂ֣ה
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
זָהָ֑ב
of gold
H2091
זָהָ֑ב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
4 of 10
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
מִקְשָׁה֙
beaten out of one piece
H4749
מִקְשָׁה֙
beaten out of one piece
Strong's:
H4749
Word #:
5 of 10
rounded work, i.e., moulded by hammering (repousse)
עָשָׂ֣ה
And he made
H6213
עָשָׂ֣ה
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֹתָ֔ם
H853
אֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
These cherubim were the only representational art allowed in the tabernacle (cf. the prohibition on graven images, Exodus 20:4). Their presence above the mercy seat demonstrated that they guarded holiness while directing attention to atonement. Ancient Near Eastern temples often featured winged creatures flanking thrones.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the cherubim being beaten from the same piece as the mercy seat teach about the inseparability of worship and atonement?
- How do angels longing to look into redemption (represented by cherubim facing the mercy seat) demonstrate the wonder of salvation?
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Analysis & Commentary
Two cherubim (כְּרֻבִים, keruvim) of beaten gold (מִקְשָׁה, mikshah—'hammered work from one piece') formed from the mercy seat itself—not attached separately but beaten from the same gold. This teaches that worship (cherubim represent worshiping beings) is inseparable from atonement (mercy seat). The cherubim looking down at the blood-sprinkled mercy seat illustrate angels longing to look into redemption (1 Peter 1:12). Beaten from one piece emphasizes unity of worship and atonement in God's redemptive plan.