Cherubim-Woven Curtains
Ten inner curtains, each 28 by 4 cubits, combine fine linen with blue, purple, and scarlet work and woven cherubim. Fifty gold clasps join two sets of five. Above them lie eleven goat-hair curtains, each 30 by 4 cubits, joined with bronze clasps, red-dyed rams’ skins, and an outer skin covering whose animal identification is uncertain (Exodus 26:1–14).
Key points
- Cherubim appear both above the ark and throughout the inner tent textiles.
- Look for: Winged figures on the lifted inner linen strip; the visible pattern is a reconstruction.
- Illustrated location: Holy Place
- A reconstruction from Exodus 25–30 and 40, with the bread arrangement from Leviticus 24. The Tabernacle has one lampstand with seven lamps and one bread table. The tent follows conventional chamber proportions inferred from boards and curtains; textual court dimensions are listed separately, while the drawn court outline and object spacing are schematic. The court and tent use different drawing scales, and some furnishings are enlarged for visibility; this is not a single-scale plan. The text does not specify the basin’s size, the lampstand’s height, a complete visual blueprint, or the exact appearance of the cherubim. Their drawn forms and decorative patterns are interpretations. Roof and walls are opened to reveal spaces whose access was restricted. The raised illustrative ground base is a display device, not a prescribed Tabernacle floor; Exodus does not specify a floor material. The rear boards, individual silver sockets, carrying fittings, and small service utensils are simplified or omitted.
- Earthly worship and the heavenly assembly (Scripture): Exodus places cherubim above the Ark; Isaiah sees seraphim praising God, and Revelation shows worship around the heavenly throne. Liturgical fans and the dome’s Christ Pantocrator image direct attention to this heavenly worship.
- Cherubim and seraphim are distinct biblical descriptions. Modern liturgical fans are an expression of angelic imagery, not the original cherubim of the Ark.
Scripture
- Exodus 26 — Ten inner curtains, each 28 by 4 cubits, combine fine linen with blue, purple, and scarlet work and woven cherubim. Fifty gold clasps join two sets of five. Above them lie eleven goat-hair curtains, each 30 by 4 cubits, joined with bronze clasps, red-dyed rams’ skins, and an outer skin covering whose animal identification is uncertain (Exodus 26:1–14).
- Exodus 25:10–40 — Earthly worship and the heavenly assembly: Exodus places cherubim above the Ark; Isaiah sees seraphim praising God, and Revelation shows worship around the heavenly throne. Liturgical fans and the dome’s Christ Pantocrator image direct attention to this heavenly worship.
- Isaiah 6:1–4 — Earthly worship and the heavenly assembly: Exodus places cherubim above the Ark; Isaiah sees seraphim praising God, and Revelation shows worship around the heavenly throne. Liturgical fans and the dome’s Christ Pantocrator image direct attention to this heavenly worship.
- Revelation 4:2–11 — Earthly worship and the heavenly assembly: Exodus places cherubim above the Ark; Isaiah sees seraphim praising God, and Revelation shows worship around the heavenly throne. Liturgical fans and the dome’s Christ Pantocrator image direct attention to this heavenly worship.
- Hebrews 12:22–24 — Earthly worship and the heavenly assembly: Exodus places cherubim above the Ark; Isaiah sees seraphim praising God, and Revelation shows worship around the heavenly throne. Liturgical fans and the dome’s Christ Pantocrator image direct attention to this heavenly worship.