Hebrews 9:5

5. Over it the cherubim The “cherubim” were symbolical winged figures, presented in different Scriptures with some variation of form. In Ezekiel 1:5-10 they have each four faces; in Revelation (Revelation 4:6-8) they are four figures each with a different face. The four faces represent the highest species of the four kingdoms of the animated creation man, lion, ox, and eagle. This fact, together with the prevalence of the number four, indicates a symbolism of the creation. There are but two at this ark. But, adopting the theory that the ark with its four sides symbolizes the world, we see how the fourness is still preserved. And, further, adopting the interpretation given by Abarnabel and others, that the words (Exodus 25:19) “of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubim,” mean that the mercy seat and cherubim were all of one piece, then we may see how the cherubim arise as personifications of the cosmos out from the cosmos itself, being, in fact, one with it. The bending of cherubim over the mercy seat is the attitude of reverent study (1 Peter 1:12) and worship, exhibiting nature in her aspect of obedience to her Ruler. The divine law (like the deposited decalogue) is a hidden secret in the system of nature; and it is surmounted with the throne of mercy shadowed with the cherubim’s wings, while over all is the glory, the Shekinah, the divine overruling Presence.

Cannot… speak For he had already (especially in Hebrews 9:4) lingered among interesting but less relevant details, and must hasten to the main typical point, the parallelism between the Jewish high priest entering the earthly most holy and our high priest entering the heavenly holy.