I'm wondering why the cherubim atop the Ark of the Covenant, as referenced in Exodus 25:20, 1 Kings 8:6, 2 Chronicles 5:7, etc., are explicitly described with outstretched wings? I believe that prophets such as Moses had the true authority of G-d and Moses followed the instructions given regarding the Ark and the Tabernacle. However, the detailed description reminds me of the Egyptian goddesses Nephthys & her much more well known sister, Isis. With their outstretched wings, they served as protective deities. They are featured here Why Does Isis Have Wings? | Isiopolis and here: King Tut's Isis & Nephthys Pectoral, | Egypt! They are prominently attested in the Egyptian archaeological record (the last being one of King Tut's pectorals)!!! Now compare those motifs of Isis & Nephthys with artists' renditions of the cheribum on the Ark (as far as I'm aware, it hasn't been discovered yet... Hehe. Just going off of biblical texts) here: The Ark of the Covenant - YAHWEH's Sword and here: Finding the Ark of the Covenant! Do you guys see how similar they appear? Or is it just me? Do you think there is a connection here? Like an Egyptian influence? After all, the Israelites had been living in and among the Egyptians for awhile... But, But, But... The cherubim are designed in accordance to G-d's will so why would He want to reflect the Ark in a similar fashion to the foreign/despised deities of the nation, who He delivered the Israelites from? (Do you guys see how similar they are or am I imposing it on them)? Or is it simply just a common motif that is likely to crop in many ancient cultures?
Any similarities to Egyptian art forms/expressions? If so, why would G-d allow, rather order, that when he despised the Egyptians' wickedness? And to top it all off, why are they even represented if it's contrary to the commandments? I'm curious what scholars have come up with? At the end of the day, who are we to speculate G-d's reasoning -- He can do whatever He wants. I'm just curious how have scholars addressed these issues and how they have reconciled the seemingly Egyptian parallels?