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Exodus 25:18 - Divine presence between golden keruvim

Exodus 25:18 - שמות 25:18

Hebrew Text

וְעָשִׂיתָ שְׁנַיִם כְּרֻבִים זָהָב מִקְשָׁה תַּעֲשֶׂה אֹתָם מִשְּׁנֵי קְצוֹת הַכַּפֹּרֶת׃

English Translation

And thou shalt make two keruvim of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, at the two ends of the covering.

Transliteration

Ve'asita shnayim keruvim zahav miksha ta'aseh otam mishnei ktzot hakaporet.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשִׂ֛יתָ שְׁנַ֥יִם כְּרֻבִ֖ים זָהָ֑ב מִקְשָׁה֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה אֹתָ֔ם מִשְּׁנֵ֖י קְצ֥וֹת הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃
וְעָשִׂ֛יתָ שְׁנַ֥יִם כְּרֻבִ֖ים זָהָ֑ב מִקְשָׁה֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה אֹתָ֔ם מִשְּׁנֵ֖י קְצ֥וֹת הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Keruvim on the Kapores

The verse (Shemos 25:18) commands the creation of two golden Keruvim (cherubim) to be placed on the Kapores (ark cover) of the Aron HaKodesh. According to Rashi, these Keruvim were fashioned in the form of children's faces, symbolizing purity and innocence. The Ramban adds that they represented the relationship between Hashem and Klal Yisrael, like that of a parent and child.

Material and Construction

The Torah specifies that the Keruvim must be made of "miksha" (beaten work), meaning they were hammered from a single block of gold rather than assembled from separate pieces. The Chizkuni explains that this method emphasized unity and indivisibility, reflecting the inseparable bond between Hashem and His people.

Positioning and Symbolism

  • Facing Each Other: The Talmud (Bava Basra 99a) teaches that the Keruvim faced one another when Bnei Yisrael followed Hashem's will, but turned away during times of strife. This symbolized the dynamic relationship between the Jewish people and the Divine Presence.
  • Wings Spread Upward: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 34:3) describes their wings as reaching heavenward, representing the aspiration to connect with the spiritual realm.
  • Between the Keruvim: The Divine Voice emanated from between them (Rashi on Shemos 25:22), indicating that Torah wisdom flows when there is unity among the Jewish people.

Spiritual Significance

The Sforno notes that the Keruvim served as a constant reminder of the angels who serve Hashem, inspiring Bnei Yisrael to strive for spiritual elevation. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that their childlike faces symbolized the ideal state of learning Torah with humility and openness, like a child before a parent.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chagigah 13b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the construction of the keruvim (cherubim) and their placement on the Ark's covering.
📖 Sukkah 5b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the dimensions and positioning of the keruvim in the Temple.
📖 Yoma 54a
The verse is mentioned in the context of describing the keruvim and their significance in the Holy of Holies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the keruvim (cherubim) mentioned in Exodus 25:18?
A: The keruvim were golden angel-like figures placed on top of the Ark's covering (kaporet) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, their faces resembled those of children. The Talmud (Chagigah 13b) describes them as having wings and serving as symbols of Divine presence.
Q: Why were there two keruvim on the Ark?
A: The two keruvim represent the dual aspects of Hashem's relationship with the Jewish people—justice and mercy (Midrash Tanchuma, Terumah 8). Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:45) explains that they symbolize the spiritual forces that carry out Hashem's will in the world.
Q: How were the keruvim positioned on the Ark?
A: The keruvim faced each other with their wings spread upward (Exodus 25:20). The Talmud (Bava Batra 99a) teaches that when the Jewish people followed Hashem's will, the keruvim faced each other in harmony; when they did not, they turned away.
Q: What can we learn from the keruvim today?
A: The keruvim teach us about closeness to Hashem. Just as they were placed above the Ark containing the Torah, we learn that Torah study brings us closer to the Divine presence (Ramban on Exodus 25:18). Their childlike faces also remind us to approach Torah with purity and innocence (Rashi on Exodus 25:18).
Q: Were the keruvim idols since they were physical figures?
A: No, the keruvim were not idols. The Torah strictly forbids idol worship. The keruvim were commanded by Hashem as symbolic representations in the Mishkan, not as objects of worship. Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 3:10) explains that they served only as reminders of spiritual concepts, not as deities.