Exodus 25:20
ESV
The cherubim shall spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be.
NIV
The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover.
NASB
And the cherubim shall have their wings spread upward, covering the atoning cover with their wings and facing one another; the faces of the cherubim are to be turned toward the atoning cover.
CSB
The cherubim are to have wings spread out above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and are to face one another. The faces of the cherubim should be toward the mercy seat.
NLT
The cherubim will face each other and look down on the atonement cover. With their wings spread above it, they will protect it.
KJV
And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
NKJV
And the cherubim shall stretch out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and they shall face one another; the faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat.
What does Exodus 25:20 mean?
God commanded Israel to make a large chest—called an "ark"—out of gilded wood (Exodus 25:10–11). This would store stone tablets containing the Mosaic covenant (Exodus 19:5–6; 25:16). The lid of the ark is made of solid metal and features two "cherubim" (Exodus 25:18). These are angel-like beings elsewhere depicted with four wings (Ezekiel 1:5–6, 15; 10:2–3). Each cherub sits on one side of the lid. Making them out of solid metal, formed by hammering rather than by pouring metal into a mold, would require great skill (Exodus 31:1–11).The cherubim face each other with their wings extended over the ark's lid. This creates a combination of a throne and altar, called the "mercy seat" (Exodus 25:17). God will speak from this location when giving instructions to Moses (Exodus 25:22). The mercy seat will also be used for atonement during a special ritual (Leviticus 16:14–16). When that blood is applied, it symbolically stands between God and the law which convicts men of sin (Exodus 25:16).
Exodus 25:10–22 records the design of the ark of the covenant. This is a wooden box with square ends and rectangular sides overlaid with gold. Rings will be used to hold poles for carrying the ark. This box will store the written laws given by God to Israel (Exodus 24:12). The ark's lid features two golden angels facing each other with outstretched, covering wings. This "mercy seat" will be the focal point of God's interactions with Israel. Since the angels are not being worshipped, they are not the prohibited "graven images" of the second commandment (Exodus 20:4–6). Scripture never credits the ark as a source of supernatural power.
Israelites are to contribute precious metals, cloth, oils, and other resources to create a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. These will be used to form various sacred objects. Among these are the renowned ark of the covenant, a table for consecrated bread, and a lampstand with seven ornate lamps. These will be kept in the most sacred parts of the sanctuary. Upcoming chapters will focus on an elaborate tent which will serve as a portable temple (Exodus 26—28).
