Numbers 7:89
And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.
Original Language Analysis
אֹ֣הֶל
into the tabernacle
H168
אֹ֣הֶל
into the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
4 of 23
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵד֮
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵד֮
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
5 of 23
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
וַיְדַבֵּ֖ר
and he spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֖ר
and he spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
6 of 23
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אִתּוֹ֒
H854
אִתּוֹ֒
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
7 of 23
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
וַיִּשְׁמַ֨ע
with him then he heard
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֨ע
with him then he heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
8 of 23
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיְדַבֵּ֖ר
and he spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֖ר
and he spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
11 of 23
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
מֵעַ֤ל
H5921
מֵעַ֤ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 23
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַכַּפֹּ֙רֶת֙
unto him from off the mercy seat
H3727
הַכַּפֹּ֙רֶת֙
unto him from off the mercy seat
Strong's:
H3727
Word #:
14 of 23
a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred ark)
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 23
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִבֵּ֖ין
H996
מִבֵּ֖ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
19 of 23
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
Cross References
Hebrews 4:16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.Psalms 99:1The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.Psalms 80:1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.1 Kings 6:23And within the oracle he made two cherubims of olive tree, each ten cubits high.Leviticus 1:1And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,Numbers 1:1And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,Numbers 12:8With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?1 Samuel 4:4So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.1 Peter 1:12Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
Historical Context
This verse concludes the dedication offerings chapter, showing that lavish worship enables communion with God. The specific location - between the cherubim on the mercy seat - recalls God's promise to meet Moses there (Ex 25:22). Unlike pagan shrines where priests spoke for supposedly silent gods, Israel's God actively spoke to His people through His appointed mediator. Moses alone entered the holy place to hear God; others accessed divine communication through Moses. This pattern foreshadows Christ, the unique Mediator through whom God speaks in these last days (Heb 1:1-2).
Questions for Reflection
- Are you listening for God's voice through His revealed Word and His Son, or seeking mystical experiences apart from scriptural revelation?
- How does understanding that God speaks through atonement affect your confidence in approaching Him in prayer?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When Moses entered the tabernacle, he heard 'the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims.' The mercy seat (kapporeth), where atoning blood was sprinkled, became the meeting place between holy God and sinful humanity. God spoke 'from between the cherubims' - guardians of divine holiness. This illustrates that God communicates through atonement. Christ is our mercy seat (Rom 3:25, 'propitiation' translates the same Greek word as 'mercy seat' in Heb 9:5). We hear God's voice through Christ's atoning work, not our own merit. The cherubim's wings overshadowed the mercy seat, picturing how God's holiness and mercy meet at the cross.