Above the ark were the cherubim of gloryThe cherubim are angelic beings often associated with the presence and glory of God. In the context of the tabernacle and later the temple, they were crafted from gold and placed on the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the divine presence and protection. The cherubim's wings overshadowed the mercy seat, representing God's throne on earth. This imagery connects to the vision of God's throne in
Ezekiel 1 and
Revelation 4, where cherubim are depicted as part of the heavenly host. The cherubim's presence signifies the holiness and majesty of God, emphasizing the sacredness of the Ark and the covenant it contained.
overshadowing the mercy seat
The mercy seat, or "atonement cover," was the lid of the Ark of the Covenant, where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to atone for the sins of Israel. This act foreshadowed the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the need for continual animal sacrifices. The term "overshadowing" suggests protection and divine presence, similar to the Holy Spirit overshadowing Mary inLuke 1:35, indicating the inception of Jesus as the ultimate atonement.
But we cannot discuss these things in detail now
This phrase indicates the author's intention to focus on the broader theological implications rather than the specifics of the tabernacle's design. The author of Hebrews is more concerned with the spiritual realities these symbols represent, particularly how they point to Christ's superior priesthood and sacrifice. This approach aligns with the overall theme of Hebrews, which emphasizes the fulfillment of the Old Covenant through the New Covenant in Christ. The restraint in detailing suggests a focus on the transformative power of Christ's work rather than the ritualistic aspects of the old system.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
CherubimAngelic beings often associated with the presence and glory of God. In the context of the tabernacle, they are depicted as guardians of the divine presence, symbolizing God's holiness and majesty.
2.
Mercy SeatThe cover of the Ark of the Covenant, where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement. It represents God's throne and His presence among His people, as well as His mercy and forgiveness.
3.
Ark of the CovenantA sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. It symbolizes God's covenant with Israel and His faithfulness.
4.
TabernacleThe portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert. It was the place where God dwelled among His people and where the sacrificial system was carried out.
5.
Day of AtonementAn annual Jewish observance where the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. It foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice for sin.
Teaching Points
God's Holiness and MajestyThe cherubim and the mercy seat remind us of God's holiness and the reverence due to Him. We should approach God with awe and respect, acknowledging His majesty.
The Need for AtonementThe mercy seat signifies the need for atonement and forgiveness. Just as the high priest made atonement for Israel, Jesus has made the ultimate atonement for our sins.
Christ as Our Mercy SeatJesus is the fulfillment of the mercy seat, offering His blood for our redemption. We can find assurance and peace in His completed work on the cross.
God's Presence Among UsThe Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God's desire to dwell with His people. Today, through the Holy Spirit, God dwells within us, guiding and empowering us.
The Importance of ObedienceThe detailed instructions for the tabernacle and its furnishings highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands. We are called to live in obedience to His Word.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Hebrews 9:5?
2.How does Hebrews 9:5 emphasize the holiness of the Ark's contents?
3.What is the significance of the "cherubim of glory" in Hebrews 9:5?
4.How does Hebrews 9:5 connect to Exodus 25:18-22 about the cherubim?
5.How can we honor God's holiness in our daily lives, as Hebrews 9:5 suggests?
6.What does Hebrews 9:5 teach about God's presence and our worship practices?
7.What is the significance of the "mercy seat" mentioned in Hebrews 9:5?
8.How does Hebrews 9:5 relate to the concept of atonement in Christianity?
9.Why are the cherubim important in the context of Hebrews 9:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 9?
11.What is the study of angels called?
12.What does propitiation mean?
13.In Hebrews 9:2-5, how can the detailed description of the Tabernacle's furnishings be reconciled with the limited archeological evidence for such an elaborate structure?
14.In Job 16:7-8, how can Job's physical suffering be reconciled with a compassionate God who supposedly protects the righteous?What Does Hebrews 9:5 Mean
Above the ark• The writer reminds us that the Ark of the Covenant sat in the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:33–34).
• Its position testified that God Himself dwelt with Israel—He was not distant, but present and enthroned “between the cherubim” (1 Samuel 4:4;Psalm 80:1).
•Hebrews 9:4 has just listed the ark’s contents; verse 5 moves our gaze upward, showing that every element of the tabernacle pointed higher than itself—to the living God who reigns above His covenant promises.
The cherubim of glory• “Cherubim” are majestic heavenly beings who serve at God’s throne (Ezekiel 10:1–4;Revelation 4:6–8).
• They are called “of glory” because their nearness reflects the blazing splendor of God’s own presence (2 Kings 19:15;Psalm 99:1).
• Their very form—wings outstretched—preaches that true glory is found not in human achievement but in the God who condescends to dwell with His people.
Overshadowing the mercy seat• The “mercy seat” (Exodus 25:17–22) was the solid-gold cover of the ark where atonement blood was sprinkled each Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:14–15).
• The cherubim’s wings stretch “overshadowing” that cover, forming a throne where the Holy One meets sinners through substitutionary sacrifice (Romans 3:25;1 John 2:2).
• Visually, judgment (cherubim) and mercy (blood) meet in one place—anticipating Christ, whose cross satisfies justice while extending mercy (Hebrews 10:19–22).
We cannot discuss these things in detail now• The author signals that the tabernacle’s symbols are profound, yet his present goal is to focus on Christ’s priestly work (Hebrews 8:1; 9:11–12).
• Like Jesus inJohn 16:12, he withholds deeper exposition because the readers need to act on what they already know before moving further (Hebrews 5:11–14).
• This phrase urges us to press on to maturity, but it also shows pastoral wisdom: truth is given in manageable portions so it can be obeyed, not merely analyzed.
summaryHebrews 9:5 draws our eyes from the ark to the cherubim above it, highlighting the glory of God who dwells with His people. The cherubim’s wings shield the mercy seat, picturing the place where justice and mercy converge through sacrificial blood—a foreshadowing of Christ’s perfect atonement. Though the writer refrains from a full exposition, the verse invites us to behold God’s throne of grace, recognize the depth of His holiness, and approach Him through the once-for-all work of Jesus, our great High Priest.
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Cherubims of glory.--See
Exodus 25:18-22;
Exodus 29:43;
Numbers 7:89;
Ezekiel 10:19-20. As these passages will show, the reference is to the glory which appeared above the mercy seat. (See Note on
Hebrews 1:3.) This is the only express mention of the cherubim in the New Testament; but see the Notes on
Revelation 4:6,
et seq. . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Aboveὑπεράνω(hyperanō)Preposition
Strong's 5231:Far above. From huper and ano; above upward, i.e. Greatly higher.[the ark]αὐτῆς(autēs)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.[were the] cherubimΧερουβὶν(Cheroubin)Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5502:Cherubim. Plural of Hebrew origin; 'cherubim'.of glory,δόξης(doxēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391:From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.overshadowingκατασκιάζοντα(kataskiazonta)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2683:To overshadow. From kata and a derivative of skia; to overshade, i.e. Cover.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.mercy seat.ἱλαστήριον(hilastērion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2435:Neuter of a derivative of hilaskomai; an expiatory, i.e. an atoning victim, or the lid of the Ark.[But] we cannot discussλέγειν(legein)Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.[these things]ὧν(hōn)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.inκατὰ(kata)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).detailμέρος(meros)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3313:A part, portion, share. From an obsolete but more primary form of meiromai; a division or share.now.νῦν(nyn)Adverb
Strong's 3568:A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.
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NT Letters: Hebrews 9:5 And above it cherubim of glory overshadowing (Heb. He. Hb) 
