Exodus 37:9

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Exodus 37:9 KJV

And the cherubim spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; even to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubim.

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Exodus 37:9 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 37:9

Exodus 37:9 states: "And the cherubim spread out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces were toward one another; the faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat." This verse captures the intricate details of the Holy of Holies and the sacredness of the Ark of the Covenant, which was housed within it. The rich symbolism found within these words has profound theological significance for the faith community.

Significance of the Cherubim

The cherubim are often depicted as guardians of the divine presence. According to Matthew Henry's commentary, they symbolize the ultimate protection and reverence surrounding the presence of God. The placement of the cherubim with their wings spread above the mercy seat conveys a sense of holiness and majesty.

  • Guardian Function: As guardians, the cherubim reflect God's sovereignty and majesty, reminding worshippers of the sacredness of His presence.
  • Intercessory Role: Albert Barnes notes that their position, with faces toward one another, may symbolize an ongoing intercession, reflecting the relationship between God and His people.
  • Symbolic Representation: Adam Clarke highlights the imagery of the cherubim being both attendants of God and protectors of the covenant between God and Israel.

The Mercy Seat

The mercy seat, described as the covering of the Ark, is a central element in Israel's worship and theology. It signifies God's meeting place with His people.

  • Divine Encounter: The mercy seat is where God’s glory would descend, representing His desire to dwell among His people. According to Henry, this emphasizes God’s willingness to meet with humanity.
  • Symbol of Atonement: In the Levitical system, the mercy seat was a place of atonement, where the blood of sacrifices was sprinkled to signify the covering of sins. Barnes notes that this foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
  • Holiness of God: Clarke emphasizes that the holiness of the mercy seat, protected by the cherubim, illustrates the seriousness of approaching God without reverence and the need for mediation.

Implications for Worship

This verse not only outlines the physical attributes of the cherubim and the mercy seat but also sets the tone for worship. How one approaches God is critical and must be rooted in reverence.

  • Reverence in Worship: The imagery of their wings overshadowing the mercy seat communicates the need for a sincere, holy reverence when approaching God in worship.
  • Unity in Faith: The mutual gaze of the cherubim denotes the importance of unity within the faith community, reflecting the nature of God’s relationship with His people.
  • Spiritual Reflection: Believers are called to reflect on their position before a holy God, recognizing the necessity of Christ's mediative role, much like how the cherubim stand between God and humanity.

Theological Themes

Exodus 37:9 encapsulates key theological themes that resonate throughout Scripture.

  • The Holiness of God: The presence of the cherubim signifies the holiness of God—a topic echoed throughout the Scriptures, reminding God's people to approach Him with deep reverence.
  • Christ as the Mercy Seat: The New Testament reveals Jesus as the ultimate mercy seat (Romans 3:25), providing a deeper understanding of this Old Testament imagery in light of the New Covenant.
  • God’s Desire for Relationship: The construction of the Ark and the placement of the mercy seat suggest God's longing to dwell among His people, emphasizing His relational nature.

Conclusion

Exodus 37:9 is a rich and profound verse, representing the grandeur of God’s holiness and the grace of His mercy. Through the symbolism of the cherubim and the mercy seat, profound truths about atonement, worship, and divine presence are revealed. For pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars, this verse serves as a reminder of the sacredness of worship and the beauty of God’s plan for redemption and relationship with humanity.

Exodus 37 (KJV) Verse Selection

Exodus 37:1 Exodus 37:2 Exodus 37:3 Exodus 37:4 Exodus 37:5 Exodus 37:6 Exodus 37:7 Exodus 37:8 Exodus 37:9 Exodus 37:10 Exodus 37:11 Exodus 37:12 Exodus 37:13 Exodus 37:14 Exodus 37:15 Exodus 37:16 Exodus 37:17 Exodus 37:18 Exodus 37:19 Exodus 37:20 Exodus 37:21 Exodus 37:22 Exodus 37:23 Exodus 37:24 Exodus 37:25 Exodus 37:26 Exodus 37:27 Exodus 37:28 Exodus 37:29

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