The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible

by Michael S. Heiser

which is his footstool (Job 9:8; Psa 104:2). As Eden was the place where humanity experienced the presence of God, so too was the tabernacle. This was particularly true for the priests, but God’s presence occasionally met Israel’s leaders outside the holy of holies (Lev 9:23; Num 12:5–19; 20:6; Deut 31:15), the most obvious instance being the glory cloud (Exod 40:34–35). The menorah (“lampstand”) in the tabernacle is a striking analogy with the tree of life in Eden.13 The lampstand was fashioned in the appearance of a tree (Exod 25:31–36) and was stationed directly outside the holy of holies. The cherubim inside the holy of holies are also a clear connection to Eden.14 The Edenic cherubim stood guard at the dwelling place of God in Eden. Their position atop the lid to the ark of the covenant is not coincidental. The innermost sanctum of the tabernacle was the place from which God would govern Israel. The cherubim form a throne for the invisible Yahweh. Later, when the tent of the most holy place was moved into the temple, two giant cherubim were installed within for Yahweh’s throne, making the ark his footstool.