9:5 cherubims of glory. The carved figures of the cherubims overshadowed the mercy seat (Exodus 25:18-20), guarding access to God, just as the true cherubims guarded the entrance to Eden after the expulsion of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:24).

9:5 mercyseat. “Mercy seat” is a translation of the same Greek word translated “propitiation” in Romans 3:25. It was the place where the high priest offered the blood of the propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of the people.