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Exodus 37:9 - Divine presence between keruvim.

Exodus 37:9 - שמות 37:9

Hebrew Text

וַיִּהְיוּ הַכְּרֻבִים פֹּרְשֵׂי כְנָפַיִם לְמַעְלָה סֹכְכִים בְּכַנְפֵיהֶם עַל־הַכַּפֹּרֶת וּפְנֵיהֶם אִישׁ אֶל־אָחִיו אֶל־הַכַּפֹּרֶת הָיוּ פְּנֵי הַכְּרֻבִים׃

English Translation

And the keruvim spread out their wings on high, and spread with their wings over the covering, with their faces one to another; toward the covering were the faces of the keruvim.

Transliteration

Vayihyu hakruvim porsei knafayim lema'la sochim bekanfeihem al-hakaporet ufneihem ish el-achiv el-hakaporet hayu pnei hakruvim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּהְי֣וּ הַכְּרֻבִים֩ פֹּרְשֵׂ֨י כְנָפַ֜יִם לְמַ֗עְלָה סֹֽכְכִ֤ים בְּכַנְפֵיהֶם֙ עַל־הַכַּפֹּ֔רֶת וּפְנֵיהֶ֖ם אִ֣ישׁ אֶל־אָחִ֑יו אֶ֨ל־הַכַּפֹּ֔רֶת הָי֖וּ פְּנֵ֥י הַכְּרֻבִֽים׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיִּהְי֣וּ הַכְּרֻבִים֩ פֹּרְשֵׂ֨י כְנָפַ֜יִם לְמַ֗עְלָה סֹֽכְכִ֤ים בְּכַנְפֵיהֶם֙ עַל־הַכַּפֹּ֔רֶת וּפְנֵיהֶ֖ם אִ֣ישׁ אֶל־אָחִ֑יו אֶ֨ל־הַכַּפֹּ֔רֶת הָי֖וּ פְּנֵ֥י הַכְּרֻבִֽים׃ {פ}

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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 (Shemot 25:20), the keruvim faced each other with outstretched wings, symbolizing the relationship between Hashem and Klal Yisrael. Their faces turned inward toward the kaporet—where the Divine Presence rested—demonstrating humility and reverence.

Symbolism of the Keruvim

The Talmud (Bava Batra 99a) teaches that the keruvim had the form of children, representing purity and innocence. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:45) explains that their wings spread upward, signifying spiritual aspiration, while their faces turned toward each other reflected mutual love and unity among Bnei Yisrael.

  • Facing Each Other: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 33:7) states that when Bnei Yisrael fulfilled Hashem’s will, the keruvim faced one another in harmony. Conversely, during times of strife, they turned away (Yoma 54b).
  • Wings Over the Covering: The outstretched wings formed a protective canopy, alluding to Hashem’s sheltering presence (Malbim on Shemot 25:20).

The Keruvim and Divine Revelation

The keruvim served as intermediaries for Divine communication, as Hashem spoke to Moshe from between them (Shemot 25:22). The Sforno notes that their positioning—facing inward yet wings upward—symbolized the balance between earthly service and heavenly devotion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 54a
The verse is discussed in relation to the positioning of the keruvim in the Holy of Holies and their symbolic significance.
📖 Bava Batra 99a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the construction and appearance of the keruvim in the Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the keruvim (cherubim) in Exodus 37:9?
A: The keruvim are angelic figures described in the Torah as having wings and faces. According to Rashi (Exodus 25:18), they were fashioned from gold and placed on top of the Ark of the Covenant in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Their appearance symbolizes divine service and the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people.
Q: Why were the keruvim facing each other in Exodus 37:9?
A: The Talmud (Bava Batra 99a) explains that the keruvim faced each other to symbolize the love and unity between Hashem and the Jewish people. When the Jewish people fulfilled Hashem's will, the keruvim would miraculously turn toward one another, representing closeness to G-d. When they strayed, the keruvim would turn away (Yoma 54b).
Q: What is the significance of the keruvim covering the Ark with their wings?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:3) teaches that the keruvim's outstretched wings represent divine protection over the Torah (which was inside the Ark) and over the Jewish people. Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:11) also notes that their position signifies reverence for the sacred Ark and its contents.
Q: How do the keruvim relate to us today?
A: Although the physical keruvim were in the Mishkan and Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple), their message remains relevant. The Sages teach (Avot 3:14) that when two people study Torah together, the Divine Presence rests between them—just as the keruvim faced each other above the Ark. This teaches the importance of unity and Torah study in connecting to Hashem.