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Exodus 25:19 - Divine throne's winged guardians

Exodus 25:19 - שמות 25:19

Hebrew Text

וַעֲשֵׂה כְּרוּב אֶחָד מִקָּצָה מִזֶּה וּכְרוּב־אֶחָד מִקָּצָה מִזֶּה מִן־הַכַּפֹּרֶת תַּעֲשׂוּ אֶת־הַכְּרֻבִים עַל־שְׁנֵי קְצוֹתָיו׃

English Translation

And make one keruv on the one end, and the other keruv on the other end: of the covering shall you make the keruvim on the two ends of it.

Transliteration

Va'ase cheruv echad mik'tzeh mizeh ucheruv-echad mik'tzeh mizeh min-hakaporet ta'asu et-hakeruvim al-shnei k'tzotav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַ֠עֲשֵׂ֠ה כְּר֨וּב אֶחָ֤ד מִקָּצָה֙ מִזֶּ֔ה וּכְרוּב־אֶחָ֥ד מִקָּצָ֖ה מִזֶּ֑ה מִן־הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת תַּעֲשׂ֥וּ אֶת־הַכְּרֻבִ֖ים עַל־שְׁנֵ֥י קְצוֹתָֽיו׃
וַ֠עֲשֵׂ֠ה כְּר֨וּב אֶחָ֤ד מִקָּצָה֙ מִזֶּ֔ה וּכְרוּב־אֶחָ֥ד מִקָּצָ֖ה מִזֶּ֑ה מִן־הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת תַּעֲשׂ֥וּ אֶת־הַכְּרֻבִ֖ים עַל־שְׁנֵ֥י קְצוֹתָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Exodus 25:19) describes the construction of the keruvim (cherubim) atop the kaporet (ark cover) of the Aron HaKodesh (Holy Ark) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The keruvim were two golden figures with wings spread upward, facing one another, as detailed in the surrounding verses.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Exodus 25:19) explains that the keruvim were not separate pieces attached to the kaporet but were formed from the same block of gold as the cover itself—"min hakaporet ta'asu et hakeruvim" ("of the covering shall you make the keruvim"). This emphasizes their unity with the kaporet, symbolizing that the Divine Presence rests upon the Ark only when there is complete harmony between the Jewish people, as represented by the two keruvim facing each other (Sotah 37a).

Symbolism of the Keruvim

  • Representation of Divine Relationship: The Talmud (Bava Batra 99a) teaches that the keruvim symbolized the bond between Hashem and the Jewish people—when the nation was faithful, the keruvim faced each other lovingly; when they strayed, the figures turned away.
  • Youthful Appearance: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:3) describes the keruvim as having childlike faces, representing purity and innocence, akin to the ideal relationship between Hashem and His people.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:45) discusses the keruvim as part of the Mishkan’s structure meant to inspire awe and reverence, not as objects of worship. Their presence reinforced the idea that the Shekhinah (Divine Presence) dwelled among Israel, as stated in Exodus 25:22, where Hashem speaks from between the keruvim.

Halachic Details

The Mishnah (Menachot 11:7) and Talmud (Yoma 54a) elaborate on the precise dimensions and positioning of the keruvim, emphasizing that their wings stretched upward, overshadowing the kaporet, while their faces were inclined slightly inward—a posture of humility and mutual connection.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 54a
The verse is discussed in relation to the construction of the keruvim (cherubim) on the Ark of the Covenant and their positioning.
📖 Sukkah 5b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the dimensions and placement of the keruvim in the Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the keruvim (cherubim) in Exodus 25:19?
A: The keruvim (cherubim) were golden angelic figures placed on top of the Ark of the Covenant in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, their faces resembled those of children, symbolizing purity and closeness to Hashem. The Talmud (Chagigah 13b) describes them as having wings and serving as spiritual guardians.
Q: Why were there two keruvim on the Ark?
A: The two keruvim represented the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:3) explains that one keruv symbolized Hashem, and the other symbolized Israel. When the Jewish people followed Hashem's will, the keruvim faced each other in love; when they strayed, the keruvim turned away (Bava Batra 99a).
Q: What is the significance of the keruvim being made from the kaporet (covering)?
A: Rashi explains that the keruvim were not separate pieces attached to the Ark's cover but were hammered out from the same piece of gold as the kaporet. This teaches that holiness (symbolized by the keruvim) must be intrinsically connected to Torah (represented by the Ark) and cannot be artificially added later.
Q: How do the keruvim apply to us today?
A: Though we no longer have the Ark with keruvim, the Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12) teaches that the Mishkan's details contain eternal lessons. The keruvim remind us to strive for a close relationship with Hashem through Torah and mitzvot, just as they 'faced' each other when Israel was faithful.
Q: What was the position of the keruvim's wings?
A: The Torah later describes (Exodus 25:20) that the keruvim's wings were spread upward, sheltering the Ark. The Talmud (Yoma 54a) explains this symbolized Divine protection over Israel. Rashi notes their wings touched at the center, forming an arch over the Ark, representing Hashem's presence between them.