Episode 168 examines the apparent contradiction between Exodus 20's ban on graven images and Exodus 25's command to make golden cherubim for the Ark of the Covenant. Lance Smith explores context, intent, and biblical examples to show why the prohibition targets idolatry, not divinely authorized symbolism.
The episode surveys scriptural passages, Jewish tradition, archaeological evidence, and related cases (like the bronze serpent and the tabernacle artisans) to explain how the cherubim functioned as God‑ordered symbols pointing to His presence—not objects of worship.
Conclusion: the command demonstrates a distinction between forbidden idols and symbolic representations authorized by God, emphasizing intent and worship rather than a blanket ban on imagery.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com
- Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI
- Ehrlich, Carl S. “Make Yourself No Graven Image”: The Second Commandment and Judaism.
- BibleHub: Why Does Exodus 25:18 Allow Cherubim? https://biblehub.com/q/why_does_exodus_25_18_allow_cherubim.htm
- Veritas Domain: Bible Contradiction? Is it OK to make images? https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2022/05/28/bible-contradiction-is-it-ok-to-make-images/
- Catholic Stand: A Biblical Defense of Religious Images. https://catholicstand.com/a-biblical-defense-of-religious-images/
- Trivial Devotion: Hammering Out Cherubim (Exodus 25:18). https://trivialdevotion.blogspot.com/2012/04/hammering-out-cherubim.html
- Patheos: Golden Calf & Cherubim: Biblical Contradiction? https://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2020/11/golden-calf-cherubim-biblical-contradiction.html
- Cambridge Core: Cherubim: (Re)presenting Transcendence. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/signs-and-society/article/cherubim-representing-transcendence/8D12F23A504B82C14E31C980A301169F
- TheTorah.com: The Cherubim: Their Role on the Ark in the Holy of Holies. https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-cherubim-their-role-on-the-ark-in-the-holy-of-holies
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