Charles Ellicott Commentary Hebrews 9:5

"and above it cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy-seat; of which things we cannot now speak severally." — Hebrews 9:5 (ASV)

Cherubims of glory.—See Exodus 25:18-22; Exodus 29:43; Numbers 7:89; Ezekiel 10:19–20. As these passages will show, the reference is to the glory which appeared above the mercy seat. (See Note on Hebrews 1:3.) This is the only express mention of the cherubim in the New Testament; but see the Notes on Revelation 4:6 and following.

The mercy seat (literally, the propitiatory) is the rendering adopted in the LXX. for the Hebrew Capporeth, signifying the golden covering of the ark (Exodus 25:17). Whether the Hebrew word properly denotes covering or bears the meaning which is expressed by the Greek translation, is a disputed question, into which we cannot here enter. The act of expiation with which the Greek name at all events stands connected is that of Leviticus 16:10-14. It is noteworthy that in 1 Chronicles 28:11 the Most Holy Place itself is called the house of the mercy seat. (See the Note on Romans 3:25.)

Of which—namely, all things that the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies contained.

Particularly—that is, severally, one by one.