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Exodus 37:7 - Divine guardians atop Ark

Exodus 37:7 - שמות 37:7

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ שְׁנֵי כְרֻבִים זָהָב מִקְשָׁה עָשָׂה אֹתָם מִשְּׁנֵי קְצוֹת הַכַּפֹּרֶת׃

English Translation

And he made two keruvim of gold, beaten out of one piece he made them, on the two ends of the covering;

Transliteration

Va'ya'as shnei k'ruvim zahav miksha asa otam mishnei k'tzot hakaporet.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֛עַשׂ שְׁנֵ֥י כְרֻבִ֖ים זָהָ֑ב מִקְשָׁה֙ עָשָׂ֣ה אֹתָ֔ם מִשְּׁנֵ֖י קְצ֥וֹת הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃
וַיַּ֛עַשׂ שְׁנֵ֥י כְרֻבִ֖ים זָהָ֑ב מִקְשָׁה֙ עָשָׂ֣ה אֹתָ֔ם מִשְּׁנֵ֖י קְצ֥וֹת הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Keruvim in the Mishkan

The verse describes the construction of the two keruvim (cherubim) made of pure gold, positioned on the kaporet (covering) of the Aron HaKodesh (Holy Ark). According to Rashi (Shemot 25:18), these keruvim were fashioned "miksha"—beaten out of a single piece of gold rather than assembled from separate parts. This method of construction symbolizes their unity and indivisibility, reflecting the divine presence that would rest between them.

Symbolism of the Keruvim

The Talmud (Chagigah 13b) teaches that the keruvim had the form of children, representing purity and closeness to Hashem. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:45) explains that their presence served as a reminder of the angels who serve Hashem, reinforcing the sanctity of the Aron and the Torah it contained. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:3) further elaborates that their faces were turned toward one another when Bnei Yisrael fulfilled Hashem's will, but turned away during times of transgression.

Positioning on the Kaporet

The verse specifies that the keruvim were placed "mi'shnei ketzot ha'kaporet"—on the two ends of the covering. Ibn Ezra (Shemot 25:18) notes that their placement was precise, ensuring they faced inward toward the center, where the Shechinah would manifest. The positioning teaches that divine revelation occurs when there is harmony and unity, as the keruvim faced each other in mutual respect and devotion.

Lessons from the Keruvim

  • Unity in Service: The keruvim being made from a single piece of gold teaches that avodas Hashem (service of G-d) must be wholehearted and undivided (Malbim, Shemot 25:18).
  • Divine Presence: Their presence above the Aron signifies that Torah study and mitzvah observance invite the Shechinah to dwell among Klal Yisrael (Ramban, Shemot 25:18).
  • Mutual Responsibility: Their facing each other symbolizes the importance of unity and love between Jews, as the Shechinah rests only where there is peace (Tanchuma, Terumah 11).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 54a
The verse is discussed in relation to the construction of the keruvim in the Temple and their significance.
📖 Chagigah 13b
Mentions the keruvim in the context of mystical discussions about the Divine Chariot (Merkavah).
📖 Sukkah 5b
References the keruvim in a discussion about the dimensions and construction of the Temple vessels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the keruvim (cherubim) mentioned in Exodus 37:7?
A: The keruvim were two golden figures placed on top of the Ark's covering (kaporet) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, they had the form of children's faces. The Talmud (Chagigah 13b) describes them as having wings spread upward, symbolizing their role in representing Divine service and protection.
Q: Why were the keruvim made of gold?
A: Gold symbolizes purity and holiness in Jewish tradition. The keruvim were made of pure gold (Exodus 37:7) to reflect their sacred role in the Mishkan. The Rambam explains that gold was used for holy vessels to honor the Divine Presence that rested above them.
Q: How were the keruvim made according to the verse?
A: The verse states they were 'miksha'—beaten out of one solid piece of gold (Exodus 37:7). Rashi explains that they were not separate pieces attached later but hammered directly from the same gold as the kaporet (covering), showing their unity with the Ark.
Q: What was the purpose of the keruvim in the Mishkan?
A: The keruvim symbolized the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 25:8) teaches that when the people followed Torah, the keruvim faced each other lovingly, representing Divine favor. Their presence also marked the place where Hashem communicated with Moshe (Exodus 25:22).
Q: Do the keruvim have significance today?
A: While the physical keruvim no longer exist, their spiritual lessons remain. The Talmud (Bava Batra 99a) discusses their form to teach about proper reverence for holy objects. Additionally, the keruvim remind us of the importance of striving for a close relationship with Hashem, as they represented His presence among the Jewish people.