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Exodus 25:20 - Angelic guardians facing Divine presence

Exodus 25:20 - שמות 25:20

Hebrew Text

וְהָיוּ הַכְּרֻבִים פֹּרְשֵׂי כְנָפַיִם לְמַעְלָה סֹכְכִים בְּכַנְפֵיהֶם עַל־הַכַּפֹּרֶת וּפְנֵיהֶם אִישׁ אֶל־אָחִיו אֶל־הַכַּפֹּרֶת יִהְיוּ פְּנֵי הַכְּרֻבִים׃

English Translation

And the keruvim shall stretch out their wings on high, overspreading the covering with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the covering shall the faces of the keruvim be.

Transliteration

Ve-hayu ha-keruvim porsei knafayim lema'la sochim be-kanfeihem al-ha-kaporet u-fneihem ish el-achiv el-ha-kaporet yihyu pnei ha-keruvim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָי֣וּ הַכְּרֻבִים֩ פֹּרְשֵׂ֨י כְנָפַ֜יִם לְמַ֗עְלָה סֹכְכִ֤ים בְּכַנְפֵיהֶם֙ עַל־הַכַּפֹּ֔רֶת וּפְנֵיהֶ֖ם אִ֣ישׁ אֶל־אָחִ֑יו אֶ֨ל־הַכַּפֹּ֔רֶת יִהְי֖וּ פְּנֵ֥י הַכְּרֻבִֽים׃
וְהָי֣וּ הַכְּרֻבִים֩ פֹּרְשֵׂ֨י כְנָפַ֜יִם לְמַ֗עְלָה סֹכְכִ֤ים בְּכַנְפֵיהֶם֙ עַל־הַכַּפֹּ֔רֶת וּפְנֵיהֶ֖ם אִ֣ישׁ אֶל־אָחִ֑יו אֶ֨ל־הַכַּפֹּ֔רֶת יִהְי֖וּ פְּנֵ֥י הַכְּרֻבִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Keruvim on the Ark Covering

The verse describes the positioning of the keruvim (cherubim) atop the kaporet (ark covering) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi (Exodus 25:20), the keruvim faced each other with their wings spread upward, symbolizing their role as heavenly beings serving Hashem. Their faces turned inward toward the kaporet, representing their focus on the Divine Presence resting between them.

Symbolism of the Keruvim

The Talmud (Bava Batra 99a) explains that the keruvim had the form of children, symbolizing purity and closeness to Hashem. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:45) suggests that their human-like faces signify the intellectual connection between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem, while their wings represent spiritual elevation.

  • Facing Each Other: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 33:7) teaches that when Bnei Yisrael fulfilled Hashem's will, the keruvim faced one another in harmony. When they strayed, the keruvim turned away, reflecting discord.
  • Wings Spread Upward: The Kli Yakar (Exodus 25:20) explains that the upward-stretched wings signify the aspiration to rise above physicality and connect with the Divine.

The Kaporet as the Throne of Mercy

The Zohar (Terumah 129a) describes the kaporet as the seat of Divine Mercy, with the keruvim serving as attendants to the Shekhinah. Their position above the Ark, which contained the Luchot (Tablets), underscores the balance between justice (the Torah) and mercy (the kaporet).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 54a
The verse is discussed in the context of the keruvim in the Holy of Holies and their positioning, particularly during the Second Temple period.
📖 Bava Batra 99a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the construction and design of the keruvim in the Temple.
📖 Chagigah 13b
The verse is mentioned in a mystical discussion about the nature and appearance of the keruvim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the keruvim (cherubim) in Exodus 25:20?
A: The keruvim are angelic figures with wings that were placed on top of the Ark of the Covenant in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, they had the faces of children and symbolized the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people, like a parent and child.
Q: Why were the keruvim facing each other in Exodus 25:20?
A: The keruvim faced each other to represent love and unity between the Jewish people and Hashem. The Talmud (Bava Batra 99a) explains that when the Jewish people followed Hashem's will, the keruvim faced each other; when they did not, they turned away.
Q: What is the significance of the keruvim covering the Ark with their wings?
A: The keruvim's wings covering the Ark (kaporet) symbolize divine protection and the presence of the Shechinah (Divine Presence). The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:3) teaches that their outstretched wings showed reverence for the Torah inside the Ark.
Q: How do the keruvim apply to us today?
A: Although we no longer have the Ark with keruvim, their message remains: we must strive for closeness to Hashem through Torah and mitzvot. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:4) explains that the keruvim remind us of our spiritual goals.
Q: Were the keruvim actual angels or just symbolic figures?
A: The keruvim were physical figures made of gold, but they represented spiritual concepts. The Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that they were not worshipped but served as symbols of divine service and the bond between Hashem and the Jewish people.