Exodus 25:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 25:20
20 And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
Chapter Context
Exodus 25 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, faith, creation. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 25:20
20 And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
Analysis
The cherubim's posture: wings 'stretched upward' in worship, 'covering' the mercy seat in protection, faces toward each other yet looking down at the mercy seat. This captures perfect worship—attentive to God's atonement, protective of its sanctity, united in focus. They model redeemed creation's response: beholding mercy with reverent wonder, shielding it from profanation, joining in unified adoration.
Historical Context
This description provided the pattern for Bezalel's craftsmanship. Solomon's temple later replicated this design with larger cherubim (1 Kings 6:23-28), maintaining the symbolism of heavenly guardians attending God's throne.
Reflection
- How do the cherubim's posture and gaze model your worship response to the cross?
- What does it mean to 'cover' and protect the mercy of God from profanation?
Cross-References
- Grace: Hebrews 9:5
- Parallel theme: 1 Kings 8:7, 1 Chronicles 28:18