Exodus 26:34

Put the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place.

Study Bible

Put the mercy seat
The "mercy seat" is translated from the Hebrew word "kapporet," which refers to the cover of the Ark of the Covenant. This term is deeply significant in the Hebrew tradition, as it represents the place where God would meet with Moses and the high priest. The mercy seat was made of pure gold, symbolizing the divine presence and the purity required to approach God. In a broader theological context, the mercy seat foreshadows the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of God's mercy and grace.

on the ark of the Testimony
The "ark of the Testimony" refers to the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, also known as the Testimony. The Hebrew word for "testimony" is "edut," signifying a witness or evidence of God's covenant with Israel. The Ark was the most sacred object in the tabernacle, symbolizing God's covenantal promises and His presence among His people. The placement of the mercy seat on the Ark underscores the connection between God's law and His mercy, highlighting the balance of justice and grace in His character.

in the Most Holy Place
The "Most Holy Place," or "Holy of Holies," is translated from the Hebrew "qodesh ha-qodashim." This was the innermost and most sacred area of the tabernacle, where the presence of God dwelt. Only the high priest could enter this space, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), to offer blood for the atonement of the people's sins. This restricted access emphasizes the holiness of God and the separation between God and humanity due to sin. However, it also points forward to the New Testament revelation that through Christ's sacrifice, the veil separating the Most Holy Place was torn, granting believers direct access to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.

2. The Tabernacle
A portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, consisting of the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place.

3. The Ark of the Testimony
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel.

4. The Atonement Cover (Mercy Seat)
The lid of the Ark, symbolizing God's throne and the place where atonement was made for the sins of Israel.

5. The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies)
The innermost and most sacred area of the tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt.

Teaching Points

The Holiness of God
The Most Holy Place signifies the holiness and separateness of God. We are called to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness in our worship and daily lives.

The Necessity of Atonement
The atonement cover represents the need for a mediator between sinful humanity and a holy God. Jesus is our ultimate mediator, and we must rely on His atoning sacrifice for our salvation.

God's Presence Among His People
The tabernacle was a physical representation of God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we should live in a way that honors His presence within us.

The Fulfillment in Christ
The tabernacle and its elements point to Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and the prophets. Understanding the Old Testament symbols enriches our appreciation of Christ's work and our relationship with Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the placement of the atonement cover in the Most Holy Place reflect the nature of God's relationship with Israel?

2. In what ways does the role of the high priest on the Day of Atonement foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ?

3. How can understanding the symbolism of the tabernacle enhance our worship and relationship with God today?

4. What does it mean for believers to be the temple of the Holy Spirit, and how should this truth impact our daily lives?

5. How can we apply the concept of atonement in our interactions with others, particularly in terms of forgiveness and reconciliation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 16
Describes the Day of Atonement, when the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of Israel, highlighting the significance of the atonement cover.

Hebrews 9
Explains how the earthly tabernacle and its rituals were a shadow of the heavenly realities, with Christ as the ultimate high priest who entered the true Most Holy Place.

Romans 3
Discusses Jesus as the propitiation for our sins, connecting the atonement cover to Christ's sacrificial work on the cross.