Exodus 35:12

the ark with its poles and mercy seat, and the veil to shield it;

Study Bible

the ark
The Hebrew word for "ark" is "אֲרוֹן" (aron), which signifies a chest or box. In the context of the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Historically, the Ark was constructed from acacia wood and overlaid with gold, representing both the humanity and divinity of Christ. It contained the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna, each symbolizing God's covenant, authority, and provision.

with its poles
The poles, or "בַּדָּיו" (baddav) in Hebrew, were used to carry the Ark. They were made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, signifying the holiness and separateness of God. The poles were never to be removed, emphasizing the perpetual readiness to move with God's guidance. This reflects the Christian life, where believers are called to be ever-ready to follow God's leading.

and the mercy seat
The "mercy seat," or "כַּפֹּרֶת" (kapporet) in Hebrew, was the gold cover of the Ark, where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement. This act symbolized the atonement of Israel's sins and pointed forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice. The mercy seat represents God's throne of grace, where mercy triumphs over judgment, a central theme in Christian theology.

and the veil of the covering
The "veil," or "פָּרֹכֶת" (parokhet) in Hebrew, separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle. It was a physical barrier that only the high priest could pass through once a year, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity due to sin. The tearing of the veil at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) signifies the new access believers have to God through Jesus, who is our High Priest and mediator.

Persons / Places / Events

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

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

3. The Mercy Seat
The cover of the Ark, symbolizing God's throne and His presence among His people.

4. The Curtain of the Covering
A veil that separated the Holy of Holies, where the Ark was kept, from the rest of the Tabernacle, signifying the holiness of God.

5. The Israelites
The people of God who were tasked with constructing the Tabernacle according to the divine instructions given to Moses.

Teaching Points

The Holiness of God
The Ark and the Mercy Seat highlight God's holiness and the reverence required in approaching Him. We are reminded to approach God with respect and awe in our worship and daily lives.

God's Presence Among His People
The Ark symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people. As believers, we are called to cultivate an awareness of God's presence in our lives and communities.

The Role of Obedience
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands. We are encouraged to follow God's guidance in our lives with precision and faithfulness.

The Significance of Atonement
The Mercy Seat was central to the atonement rituals, pointing to the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ. We are reminded of the grace and forgiveness available to us through His sacrifice.

The New Covenant Fulfillment
The tearing of the temple veil signifies the new access to God through Christ. We are invited to live in the freedom and intimacy with God that Jesus has made possible.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the construction of the Ark and the Mercy Seat reflect the character of God, and what does this teach us about how we should approach Him today?

2. In what ways does the concept of the Mercy Seat in the Old Testament connect to the sacrifice of Jesus in the New Testament?

3. How can we, as modern believers, cultivate a sense of God's presence in our daily lives, similar to how the Israelites experienced His presence through the Ark?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate obedience to God's instructions in our personal and communal lives?

5. How does understanding the significance of the temple veil being torn at Jesus' crucifixion impact our relationship with God and our approach to worship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:10-22
Provides the initial instructions for building the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing its importance as the dwelling place of God's presence.

Hebrews 9:3-5
Describes the layout of the Tabernacle and the significance of the Ark and the Mercy Seat in the context of the New Covenant.

Leviticus 16:2
Discusses the Day of Atonement, when the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies and sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat for the atonement of Israel's sins.

Matthew 27:51
At Jesus' crucifixion, the temple veil was torn, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity through Christ's sacrifice.