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Exodus 37:9

Exodus 37:9 in Multiple Translations

And the cherubim had wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the mercy seat.

And the cherubims 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 cherubims.

And the cherubim spread out their wings on high, covering the mercy-seat with their wings, with their faces one to another; toward the mercy-seat were the faces of the cherubim.

And their wings were stretched out over the cover; the faces of the winged ones were opposite one another and facing the cover.

The cherubim were designed with spread wings pointing upward, covering the atonement cover. The cherubim were placed facing each other, looking down towards the atonement cover.

And the Cherubims spread out their wings on hie, and couered the Merciseat with their wings, and their faces were one towards another: towarde the Merciseat were the faces of the Cherubims.

and the cherubs are spreading out wings on high, covering over the mercy-seat with their wings, and their faces [are] one towards another; towards the mercy-seat have the faces of the cherubs been.

The cherubim spread out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward one another. The faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat.

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 towards the mercy-seat were the faces of the cherubim.

Spreading their wings, and covering the propitiatory, and looking one towards the other, and towards it.

He placed the winged creatures facing each other so that their wings touched each other and spread out over the lid.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 37:9

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 37:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּהְי֣וּ הַ/כְּרֻבִים֩ פֹּרְשֵׂ֨י כְנָפַ֜יִם לְ/מַ֗עְלָ/ה סֹֽכְכִ֤ים בְּ/כַנְפֵי/הֶם֙ עַל הַ/כַּפֹּ֔רֶת וּ/פְנֵי/הֶ֖ם אִ֣ישׁ אֶל אָחִ֑י/ו אֶל הַ/כַּפֹּ֔רֶת הָי֖וּ פְּנֵ֥י הַ/כְּרֻבִֽים
וַ/יִּהְי֣וּ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/כְּרֻבִים֩ kᵉrûwb H3742 cherub Art | N-mp
פֹּרְשֵׂ֨י pâras H6566 to spread V-Qal
כְנָפַ֜יִם kânâph H3671 wing N-fd
לְ/מַ֗עְלָ/ה maʻal H4605 above Prep | Adv | Suff
סֹֽכְכִ֤ים çâkak H5526 to fence V-Qal
בְּ/כַנְפֵי/הֶם֙ kânâph H3671 wing Prep | N-fd | Suff
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
הַ/כַּפֹּ֔רֶת kappôreth H3727 mercy seat Art | N-fs
וּ/פְנֵי/הֶ֖ם pânîym H6440 face Conj | N-cp | Suff
אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
אָחִ֑י/ו ʼâch H251 brother N-ms | Suff
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
הַ/כַּפֹּ֔רֶת kappôreth H3727 mercy seat Art | N-fs
הָי֖וּ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3cp
פְּנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face N-cp
הַ/כְּרֻבִֽים kᵉrûwb H3742 cherub Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 37:9

וַ/יִּהְי֣וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הַ/כְּרֻבִים֩ kᵉrûwb H3742 "cherub" Art | N-mp
A cherub is an angelic being in the Bible, often depicted as guarding important places like Eden or God's throne. They're also shown as images on the Ark of the Covenant. The KJV translates this word as cherub or cherubims.
Definition: 1) cherub, cherubim (pl) 1a) an angelic being 1a1) as guardians of Eden 1a2) as flanking God's throne 1a3) as an image form hovering over the Ark of the Covenant 1a4) as the chariot of Jehovah (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: cherub, (plural) cherubims. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Chronicles 3:10; Psalms 18:11.
פֹּרְשֵׂ֨י pâras H6566 "to spread" V-Qal
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
כְנָפַ֜יִם kânâph H3671 "wing" N-fd
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
לְ/מַ֗עְלָ/ה maʻal H4605 "above" Prep | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
סֹֽכְכִ֤ים çâkak H5526 "to fence" V-Qal
To weave means to entwine or fence in, implying protection, as seen in the Bible where it means to cover or defend something.
Definition: (Qal) to hedge, fence about, shut in
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: cover, defence, defend, hedge in, join together, set, shut up. See also: Exodus 25:20; Job 40:22; Psalms 5:12.
בְּ/כַנְפֵי/הֶם֙ kânâph H3671 "wing" Prep | N-fd | Suff
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/כַּפֹּ֔רֶת kappôreth H3727 "mercy seat" Art | N-fs
The mercy seat was a golden lid on the Ark of the Covenant, where the High Priest would sprinkle blood to symbolize reconciliation with God. It was a crucial part of the Day of Atonement rituals, representing God's mercy and forgiveness.
Definition: 1) mercy-seat, place of atonement 1a) the golden plate of propitiation on which the High Priest sprinkled the seat 7 times on the Day of Atonement symbolically reconciling Jehovah and His chosen people 1a1) the slab of gold on top of the ark of the covenant which measured 2.5 by 1.5 cubits; on it and part of it were the two golden cherubim facing each other whose outstretched wings came together above and constituted the throne of God
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: mercy seat. See also: Exodus 25:17; Exodus 37:7; 1 Chronicles 28:11.
וּ/פְנֵי/הֶ֖ם pânîym H6440 "face" Conj | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אָחִ֑י/ו ʼâch H251 "brother" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/כַּפֹּ֔רֶת kappôreth H3727 "mercy seat" Art | N-fs
The mercy seat was a golden lid on the Ark of the Covenant, where the High Priest would sprinkle blood to symbolize reconciliation with God. It was a crucial part of the Day of Atonement rituals, representing God's mercy and forgiveness.
Definition: 1) mercy-seat, place of atonement 1a) the golden plate of propitiation on which the High Priest sprinkled the seat 7 times on the Day of Atonement symbolically reconciling Jehovah and His chosen people 1a1) the slab of gold on top of the ark of the covenant which measured 2.5 by 1.5 cubits; on it and part of it were the two golden cherubim facing each other whose outstretched wings came together above and constituted the throne of God
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: mercy seat. See also: Exodus 25:17; Exodus 37:7; 1 Chronicles 28:11.
הָי֖וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
פְּנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/כְּרֻבִֽים kᵉrûwb H3742 "cherub" Art | N-mp
A cherub is an angelic being in the Bible, often depicted as guarding important places like Eden or God's throne. They're also shown as images on the Ark of the Covenant. The KJV translates this word as cherub or cherubims.
Definition: 1) cherub, cherubim (pl) 1a) an angelic being 1a1) as guardians of Eden 1a2) as flanking God's throne 1a3) as an image form hovering over the Ark of the Covenant 1a4) as the chariot of Jehovah (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: cherub, (plural) cherubims. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Chronicles 3:10; Psalms 18:11.

Study Notes — Exodus 37:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 John 1:51 Then He declared, “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
2 Hebrews 1:14 Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
3 Genesis 28:12 And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder.
4 Exodus 25:20 And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat.
5 1 Timothy 3:16 By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.
6 Isaiah 6:2 Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.
7 Ezekiel 10:1–22 And I looked and saw above the expanse, above the heads of the cherubim, the likeness of a throne of sapphire. And the LORD said to the man clothed in linen, “Go inside the wheelwork beneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from among the cherubim and scatter them over the city.” And as I watched, he went in. Now when the man went in, the cherubim were standing on the south side of the temple, and a cloud filled the inner court. Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and stood over the threshold of the temple. The temple was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD. The sound of the wings of the cherubim could be heard as far as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when He speaks. When the LORD commanded the man clothed in linen, saying, “Take fire from within the wheelwork, from among the cherubim,” the man went in and stood beside a wheel. Then one of the cherubim reached out his hand and took some of the fire that was among them. And he put it into the hands of the man clothed in linen, who received it and went out. (The cherubim appeared to have the form of human hands under their wings.) Then I looked and saw four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside each cherub. And the wheels gleamed like a beryl stone. As for their appearance, all four had the same form, like a wheel within a wheel. When they moved, they would go in any of the four directions, without turning as they moved. For wherever the head faced, the cherubim would go in that direction, without turning as they moved. Their entire bodies, including their backs, hands, and wings, were full of eyes all around, as were their four wheels. I heard the wheels being called “the whirling wheels.” Each of the cherubim had four faces: the first face was that of a cherub, the second that of a man, the third that of a lion, and the fourth that of an eagle. Then the cherubim rose upward. These were the living creatures I had seen by the River Kebar. When the cherubim moved, the wheels moved beside them, and even when they spread their wings to rise from the ground, the wheels did not veer away from their side. When the cherubim stood still, the wheels also stood still, and when they ascended, the wheels ascended with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. Then the glory of the LORD moved away from the threshold of the temple and stood above the cherubim. As I watched, the cherubim lifted their wings and rose up from the ground, with the wheels beside them as they went. And they stopped at the entrance of the east gate of the house of the LORD, with the glory of the God of Israel above them. These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the River Kebar, and I knew that they were cherubim. Each had four faces and four wings, with what looked like human hands under their wings. Their faces looked like the faces I had seen by the River Kebar. Each creature went straight ahead.
8 1 Peter 1:12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
9 2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
10 Philippians 3:8 More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Exodus 37:9 Summary

The cherubim in Exodus 37:9 were special creatures that sat on top of the ark of the covenant, with wings spread upward and facing each other, looking toward the mercy seat. This symbolizes God's heavenly host focusing on His throne and mercy, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-3. The cherubim's wings also represent God's protection and presence, like a mother bird shielding her young, as seen in Psalm 91:4. By looking at the cherubim and the mercy seat, we can learn about the importance of reverence, worship, and seeking refuge in God's presence, as described in Psalm 16:11 and Hebrews 4:16.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the cherubim facing each other and looking toward the mercy seat in Exodus 37:9?

The cherubim facing each other and looking toward the mercy seat symbolize the heavenly host's focus on God's throne and mercy, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-3, where seraphim attend to God's throne, emphasizing the importance of reverence and worship in our relationship with God.

Why did the cherubim have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat?

The wings of the cherubim spreading upward and overshadowing the mercy seat represent God's protection and presence, much like the wings of the cherubim in Ezekiel 10:1-22, where they are associated with God's glory and divine presence, highlighting the importance of seeking refuge in God's presence, as in Psalm 91:4.

How do the cherubim in Exodus 37:9 relate to the rest of the tabernacle's design?

The cherubim are an integral part of the tabernacle's design, as they are part of the mercy seat, which is the lid of the ark of the covenant, as described in Exodus 25:17-22, and their presence emphasizes the connection between God's throne, mercy, and the covenant with His people, as seen in Hebrews 9:1-5.

What can we learn from the fact that the cherubim were made from one piece of gold in Exodus 37:7-8?

The fact that the cherubim were made from one piece of gold highlights the unity and harmony of God's heavenly host, as well as the value and preciousness of God's presence in our lives, much like the unity of believers in Christ, as described in Galatians 3:28, where we are all one in Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God's presence in my life, like the cherubim facing the mercy seat?
  2. What are some ways I can seek refuge in God's presence, like the wings of the cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat?
  3. How can I apply the principle of unity and harmony, represented by the cherubim made from one piece of gold, to my relationships with other believers?
  4. What does the design of the cherubim and the mercy seat reveal about God's character and His desire to be in relationship with us?
  5. How can I balance the awareness of God's judgment and mercy, as represented by the cherubim and the mercy seat, in my own life and walk with God?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 37:9

[See comments on Exodus 37:1].

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 37:9

And he made the mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half was the length thereof, and one cubit and a half the breadth thereof. Made the mercyseat of pure gold.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 37:9

XXXVII.(1-24) This passage corresponds with Exodus 37:10-29 of Exodus 25, and contains an account of the construction of the holy furniture: (1) That of the Holy of Holies: viz., the ark (Exodus 37:1-5), the mercyseat (Exodus 37:6-9); (2) that of the Holy Place, viz., the table of shewbread (Exodus 37:10-16) and the golden candlestick (Exodus 37:17-24). Exodus 37:1-5 correspond to Exodus 25:10-14 of Exodus 25 Exodus 37:6-9 correspond to Exodus 25:17-20 of Exodus 25 Exodus 37:10-16 correspond to Exodus 25:23-29 of Exodus 25 Exodus 37:17-24 correspond to Exodus 25:31-39 of Exodus 25

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 37:9

1–9. (Exodus 25:10-20). The Ark. Exodus 25:15 f., 21 f. not repeated.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 37:9

THE ARK OF THE , Exodus 39:1-9. See notes on Exodus 25:10-22. THE TABLE OF , Exodus 39:10-16. See notes on Exodus 25:23-30. THE GOLDEN , Exodus 39:17-24. See notes on Exodus 25:31-40. THE ALTAR OF INCENSE, Exodus 39:25-28.

Sermons on Exodus 37:9

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 28:12-15 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob's dream of a ladder reaching up to heaven. God appears to Jacob in the dream and reaffirms the promises He made to Abraha
Todd Atkinson Heavenly Worship Theology by +Todd Atkinson by Todd Atkinson This sermon delves into the book of Revelation, emphasizing the vision of heaven shown to John and the purpose of understanding heavenly worship. It explores the concept of heaven
Art Katz Himmlische Gesinnung (With German Translation) by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting our affections on heavenly things rather than earthly distractions. He shares a personal anecdote about wishing he
S. Lewis Johnson (Genesis) 44 - Jacob's Ladder: Grace Unsought, Unstinted and Unforgettable by S. Lewis Johnson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the encounter between Jacob and God. Jacob, who was not a prodigal son returning to God, was taken by surprise when God appeared to him. Desp
Roy Hession Jacob - Gods Unchanging Grace - Genesis 25 - Sermon 2 of 5 by Roy Hession In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob's dream as described in the Bible. He emphasizes that even when we feel unworthy or guilty, God still reaches out to us wi
Harold Erickson Geography of the Spirit by Harold Erickson In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob had deceived his brother and had to leave home. One night, as he slept with his head on a stone, he
John Piper In the Beginning Was the Word by John Piper In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the Gospel of John and the identity of Jesus Christ. He highlights four key aspects that John wants to convey about Jesus: the time of his e

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