What does Hebrews 9:5 mean?
And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Hebrews 9:5
Explanation
Hebrews 9:5 is referencing the Ark of the Covenant as it was placed in the Holy of Holies within the tabernacle, and later the temple, as commanded by God in the Old Testament. The “cherubims of glory” refers to the two cherubim, angelic figures, that were crafted of gold and positioned on top of the Ark, specifically on the mercy seat. The mercy seat was the lid of the Ark and was considered the place where God’s presence would appear and where atonement for the sins of the people of Israel was made once a year by the high priest on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).
The phrase “shadowing the mercyseat” denotes that the cherubim spread their wings over the mercy seat, providing a covering. This may symbolize the protection and sanctity of God’s law, which were contained in the Ark beneath, as well as God’s merciful presence.
The latter part of the verse, “of which we cannot now speak particularly,” perhaps signals that the writer is choosing to focus on the higher spiritual truths they see foreshadowed by these artifacts and not on the technicalities or descriptions of the objects themselves at that particular moment. The author of Hebrews consistently emphasizes the superiority of the new covenant in Christ over the old covenant practices and symbols.
Historical Context
Hebrews was likely written after the crucifixion of Jesus, but before the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (70 A.D.). The exact date is uncertain, but it is commonly placed around 60-70 A.D. The tabernacle, and later the temple, were central to Jewish worship, and the Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object within them. By the time of the writing of Hebrews, many Jews had converted to Christianity, and there was a need to understand the relationship between the old covenant practices and the new faith in Christ.
Theological Insights
From a Christian theological perspective, the cherubims and the mercy seat are seen as types or shadows of things fulfilled in Christ. The mercy seat represents God’s presence and mercy, which Christians believe is fully realized in Jesus, the high priest of the new covenant. The covering cherubs could be understood to signify the reverence and majesty surrounding the throne of God. Some scholars draw a parallel between the cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat and Jesus, who is believed to reside at the right hand of the Majesty on high, interceding for humanity.
Practical Applications
For believers, the passage can signify the reverence due to sacred things that represent God’s presence and mercy. It can also encourage readers to reflect on Jesus’ role as a mediator between God and humanity and the importance of seeking atonement and forgiveness. In a broader sense, the verse may encourage individuals to search for deeper spiritual meaning beyond physical artifacts and practices.
Cross-References
- Exodus 25:17-22 – Describes the construction of the mercy seat with the cherubim in detail.
- Leviticus 16:2 – Talks about the presence of God appearing in the cloud above the mercy seat.
- Romans 3:25 – Paul refers to Jesus as the one whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness.
- Ezekiel 10:1-22 – Discusses cherubim and the glory of the Lord.
Language Study
In the original Greek, the word for “cherubims” is “χερουβίμ” (cheroubim), a transliteration of the Hebrew term for these angelic beings. The term “glory” in Greek is “δόξα” (doxa), indicating opinion, judgement, or the manifestation of that which gives light or makes apparent. “Shadowing” comes from the Greek “κατασκιάζοντα” (kataskiazonta), which has the connotation of overshadowing or protecting. “Mercyseat” is translated from “ιλαστήριον” (hilastērion), which can also mean propitiation or atonement place.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
Various other ancient Near Eastern cultures also had concepts of sacred spaces where deities were thought to appear or could be appeased, such as the Mesopotamian ziggurat or the Egyptian holy of holies in their temples. Within these spaces, there were often objects or symbols representing the gods’ presence and protection, similar to the Jewish Ark and cherubim.
Scientific Perspectives
While there are no direct scientific perspectives on the existence of cherubim or the spiritual implications of the mercy seat, archaeology can provide context and substantiate the existence of ancient artifacts and the cultural practices associated with them. Scientific studies in psychology also explore the human need for ritual and symbolism in religious practices.
Commentaries
There is a range of expert opinions on Hebrews 9:5. Some commentators, like Matthew Henry, focus on the typological significance of the elements within the tabernacle, seeing them as foreshadowing Christ. Others, such as John Calvin, discuss the verse in light of the temporality of the Old Testament symbols compared to the New Testament realities. Many modern commentaries see the verse as underscoring the author of Hebrews’ intent to orient the readers’ focus away from the physical elements of the old covenant worship to the spiritual truths they represent under the new covenant.