“The cherubim shall spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, their faces one to another…” – Exodus 25:20a

Scripture reading: Exodus 25:17-22

Ruth’s request for Boaz to spread his wings over her was a theologically rich request. A number of the psalmists make the same request of God. Just one example, Psalm 17:8 “… hide me in the shadow of your wings.”  We wonder, why did they use that sort of language?

We read part of Exodus 25 to help answer that question. The chapter describes the ark of the covenant. Inside the ark are the two tables of the law. The lid of the ark is called the mercy seat. On top of the mercy seat, sit the two cherubim. The wings of the two cherubim are spread out to overshadow the mercy seat.

Above the mercy seat God was said to dwell. Underneath the mercy seat the two tables of the law reminded God’s people of their sin. The wings of the cherubim are a protective cover over God’s sinful covenant people. So, when the psalmists speak about taking refuge under God’s wings there is the beautiful picture of taking shelter, of being safe and protected under the wings of the cherubim, God’s wings.

You and I need this protection too, especially given our sin. Who is the One who overshadows us? It’s our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He lived His life perfectly, and His sacrificial death covers our sins in the sight of God. Afterall, He is our Redeemer. All of which leads to the blessed reality that we now live under the protective wings of our heavenly Father.

Suggestions for prayer

Thank God for sending His Son and thank your Heavenly Father for spreading His protective wings over you.

Since 2019, Rev. Rodney Vermeulen has served the Attercliffe Canadian Reformed Church near Dunnville, Ontario, Canada. He, his wife, children and grandchildren are deeply grateful for the blessing of daily living under the shelter of God’s wings. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.