A key argument against the cherubic representations coming to be on the Ark as a form of idol worship is the fact that Jehovah God Himself ordered that they be placed in the temple for the purpose of making the priesthood fully aware of His presence. (Ex. 25:19-21) Also, they could not be objects of veneration by the people, because the people in general did not see the cherubs and therefore were not induced to treat them idolatrously. (Num. 4:4-6, 17-20) Instead of encouraging idolatry, these cherubic representations constantly reminded Israel’s priesthood of their relationship to the Most High, the ruling King in Israel, the One who exacted exclusive devotion. (Deut. 6:13-15)
Additionally, when once an apostate priesthood presumed to use the ark of the covenant with its carved cherubs as a charm, Jehovah God allowed the Philistines to capture it, to the great dismay of the Israelites and of aged high priest Eli in particular. (Sam. 4:3, 4, 11, 17, 18)
More excellent information about this can be found in the 11/1/80
Watchtower; 'Cherubs in Israel’s Worship—Why No Idolatry?'
And the 12/1/59
Watchtower, ‘You Must Not Bow Down to a Carved Image’; (next to the last paragraph in particular.)
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