share torah logo

Exodus 25:22 - Divine voice between keruvim speaks.

Exodus 25:22 - שמות 25:22

Hebrew Text

וְנוֹעַדְתִּי לְךָ שָׁם וְדִבַּרְתִּי אִתְּךָ מֵעַל הַכַּפֹּרֶת מִבֵּין שְׁנֵי הַכְּרֻבִים אֲשֶׁר עַל־אֲרֹן הָעֵדֻת אֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר אֲצַוֶּה אוֹתְךָ אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

And there I will meet with thee, and I will speak with thee from above the covering, from between the two keruvim which are upon the ark of the Testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment to the children of Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Venoadti lekha sham vedibarti itkha me'al hakaporet mibein shnei hakeruvim asher al-aron ha'edut et kol-asher atzaveh otkha el-bnei yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנוֹעַדְתִּ֣י לְךָ֮ שָׁם֒ וְדִבַּרְתִּ֨י אִתְּךָ֜ מֵעַ֣ל הַכַּפֹּ֗רֶת מִבֵּין֙ שְׁנֵ֣י הַכְּרֻבִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־אֲר֣וֹן הָעֵדֻ֑ת אֵ֣ת כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֧ר אֲצַוֶּ֛ה אוֹתְךָ֖ אֶל־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְנוֹעַדְתִּ֣י לְךָ֮ שָׁם֒ וְדִבַּרְתִּ֨י אִתְּךָ֜ מֵעַ֣ל הַכַּפֹּ֗רֶת מִבֵּין֙ שְׁנֵ֣י הַכְּרֻבִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־אֲר֣וֹן הָעֵדֻ֑ת אֵ֣ת כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֧ר אֲצַוֶּ֛ה אוֹתְךָ֖ אֶל־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Presence Between the Keruvim

The verse (Shemot 25:22) describes the unique manner in which Hashem communicates with Moshe Rabbeinu from the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies). Rashi explains that this was the primary location for divine communication, where the bat kol (heavenly voice) would emanate from between the two keruvim atop the Aron HaEdut (Ark of the Testimony). This emphasizes the sanctity of the Ark as the focal point of prophecy.

The Keruvim as Symbols of Relationship

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:3) teaches that the keruvim faced one another when Bnei Yisrael fulfilled Hashem's will, symbolizing the loving relationship between the Almighty and His people. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:45) adds that the keruvim represent spiritual forces through which divine wisdom is channeled to the world.

The Kaporet (Covering) as a Medium for Atonement

The Sforno notes that the term kaporet relates to kapparah (atonement), indicating that this communication occurred in a place associated with forgiveness. The Yom Kippur service, when the Kohen Gadol entered this sacred space, highlights its role in achieving national atonement.

Three Key Aspects of This Divine Communication

  • Exclusive Location: Only from between the keruvim would Moshe receive prophecy of the highest level (Rambam, Yesodei HaTorah 7:6)
  • Continuous Connection: Ibn Ezra observes this was an ongoing dialogue for instructing Bnei Yisrael
  • Divine Initiative: The phrase "I will meet with you" shows Hashem's willingness to descend to commune with His people (Malbim)

The Ark of Testimony as Foundation

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that this communication came specifically from above the Ark containing the Luchot (Tablets), teaching that authentic divine connection must be rooted in Torah. The Talmud (Yoma 21a) notes this was the only place in the Mishkan where the original divine voice from Har Sinai could be heard.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 54a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the presence of the Divine between the keruvim (cherubim) on the ark in the Holy of Holies.
📖 Sukkah 5a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the dimensions and positioning of the keruvim on the ark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the keruvim (cherubim) on the ark?
A: The keruvim are angelic figures with wings that were placed on top of the Ark of the Covenant. According to Rashi (Exodus 25:18), they had the faces of children and symbolized the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people—like a parent and child. The space between them was where the Divine Presence rested and communicated with Moshe.
Q: Why did Hashem speak to Moshe from between the keruvim?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:2) explains that the keruvim represented love and devotion. Hashem chose to speak from between them to show that His commandments are given with love and are meant to be received with love. The Ark, which held the Torah, was the holiest place, making it the fitting location for Divine communication.
Q: What is the significance of the 'covering' (kaporet) mentioned in the verse?
A: The kaporet was the golden lid covering the Ark. Ramban (Exodus 25:17) teaches that it symbolizes atonement (kaparah), as it was where the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) would sprinkle blood on Yom Kippur. It also represents the 'covering' of sins when the Jewish people repent.
Q: Does this verse have any relevance today without the Temple?
A: Yes. The Talmud (Berachot 8a) teaches that when we study Torah, it is as if we are standing before the Ark. Just as Hashem spoke to Moshe from between the keruvim, He communicates with us through Torah study. Additionally, the keruvim remind us to approach Torah with childlike humility and devotion.
Q: What can we learn from the fact that Hashem gave commandments specifically from this place?
A: The Sforno (Exodus 25:22) explains that the Ark held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, and the keruvim faced each other in unity. This teaches that Torah must be received with harmony among the Jewish people. The Divine word comes from a place of holiness, unity, and connection to Hashem’s will.