Exodus 37:6

He constructed a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide.

Study Bible

He made
The phrase "He made" refers to Bezalel, the skilled craftsman chosen by God to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings. This highlights the importance of divine calling and human obedience in fulfilling God's plans. The Hebrew root for "made" is עָשָׂה (asah), which implies not just creation but also careful and purposeful craftsmanship. This reminds us that our work, when done in obedience to God, is an act of worship.

a mercy seat
The "mercy seat" is the cover of the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence would dwell and where He would meet with Moses. The Hebrew term is כַּפֹּרֶת (kapporet), derived from the root כָּפַר (kaphar), meaning "to cover" or "to atone." This signifies the mercy seat as a place of atonement, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate sacrifice for our sins. It is a powerful symbol of God's grace and forgiveness.

of pure gold
"Pure gold" indicates the highest quality and value, symbolizing the holiness and majesty of God. Gold, in biblical times, was a symbol of purity and divinity. The use of pure gold for the mercy seat underscores the sacredness of the place where God would manifest His presence. It reminds us of the purity required to approach a holy God, fulfilled in Christ, who is our righteousness.

two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide
The specific dimensions, "two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide," reflect the precision and orderliness of God's instructions. A cubit, approximately 18 inches, was a common unit of measurement in ancient times. These dimensions emphasize that God is a God of order and detail, and His instructions are to be followed precisely. This precision also points to the intentionality of God's design, both in the Tabernacle and in our lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Bezalel
The skilled craftsman chosen by God to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the mercy seat. He was filled with the Spirit of God to carry out this sacred task.

2. Mercy Seat
A significant component of the Ark of the Covenant, made of pure gold, symbolizing God's throne and His presence among His people. It was the place where God would meet with Moses and the high priest on the Day of Atonement.

3. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. It represented God's covenant with Israel and His presence with them.

4. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey through the wilderness. It was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

5. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and journeyed through the wilderness to the Promised Land. They were the recipients of God's covenant and the Law.

Teaching Points

Symbol of God's Presence
The mercy seat represents God's throne and His presence among His people. As believers, we are reminded that God desires to dwell with us and be central in our lives.

Atonement and Forgiveness
The mercy seat was the place of atonement, where the high priest would offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. In Christ, we have a perfect and final atonement, offering us forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

Craftsmanship and Obedience
Bezalel's work on the mercy seat highlights the importance of using our God-given talents for His glory. We are called to serve God with excellence and obedience in whatever He has entrusted to us.

Holiness and Reverence
The pure gold of the mercy seat signifies the holiness and purity required to approach God. As believers, we are called to live lives of holiness and reverence, recognizing the sacredness of God's presence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the construction of the mercy seat reflect the character and holiness of God?

2. In what ways does the mercy seat foreshadow the work of Christ as our High Priest and atoning sacrifice?

3. How can we apply the principles of craftsmanship and obedience seen in Bezalel's work to our own lives and vocations?

4. What does the concept of atonement mean for us today, and how should it impact our relationship with God and others?

5. How can we cultivate a sense of holiness and reverence in our daily walk with God, recognizing His presence in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
This chapter discusses the significance of the mercy seat in the context of the New Covenant, highlighting Christ's role as the ultimate High Priest who offers His own blood for atonement.

Leviticus 16
Describes the Day of Atonement, when the high priest would sprinkle blood on the mercy seat to atone for the sins of Israel, prefiguring Christ's atoning sacrifice.

Romans 3
Paul speaks of Jesus as the propitiation for our sins, using the imagery of the mercy seat to describe how Christ's sacrifice satisfies God's justice and extends mercy to believers.