Exodus 39:35

the ark of the Testimony with its poles and the mercy seat;

Study Bible

the ark of the covenant
The Hebrew word for "ark" is "אֲרוֹן" (aron), which signifies a chest or box. The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in the tabernacle, symbolizing God's presence among His people. It was constructed according to divine specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Historically, the Ark was central to Israel's worship and was carried into battle as a symbol of God's power and presence. Theologically, it represents God's covenant with Israel, His promises, and His law, as the tablets of the Ten Commandments were housed within it. The Ark is a profound symbol of God's holiness and His desire to dwell among His people.

with its poles
The poles, or "בַּדִּים" (baddim) in Hebrew, were used to carry the Ark. They were made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, signifying purity and incorruptibility. The poles were to remain in the rings of the Ark, as instructed in Exodus 25:15, ensuring that the Ark was never touched directly by human hands. This detail underscores the holiness of the Ark and the reverence required in approaching God. The poles also symbolize the mobility of God's presence, indicating that He goes with His people wherever they journey.

and the mercy seat
The "mercy seat," or "כַּפֹּרֶת" (kapporet) in Hebrew, was the cover of the Ark, made of pure gold. It was here that the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement, symbolizing atonement for the sins of Israel. The mercy seat represents God's throne on earth, where He would meet with Moses and communicate His will (Exodus 25:22). It is a powerful symbol of God's grace and forgiveness, pointing forward to the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ. The mercy seat is a reminder of God's desire to reconcile with humanity and His provision for sin through sacrificial atonement.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest built by the Israelites under God's instructions, symbolizing God's presence and covenant with His people. It contained the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a jar of manna.

2. Mercy Seat
The cover of the Ark of the Covenant, made of pure gold, where God's presence would appear. It was the place of atonement and reconciliation between God and His people.

3. Poles
Used to carry the Ark, signifying the holiness and untouchable nature of the Ark, as it was not to be directly handled by human hands.

4. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were given the task of constructing the Ark and the Tabernacle according to divine specifications.

5. Bezalel and Oholiab
Skilled artisans appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the Ark of the Covenant.

Teaching Points

God's Presence and Holiness
The Ark symbolizes God's presence among His people. We must approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness.

Atonement and Reconciliation
The mercy seat represents God's provision for atonement. In Christ, we find our ultimate reconciliation with God, as He is our mercy seat.

Obedience to Divine Instructions
The detailed instructions for the Ark's construction remind us of the importance of obedience to God's Word in our lives.

The Role of Skilled Service
Bezalel and Oholiab's roles highlight the value of using our God-given talents for His glory and the building up of His kingdom.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Ark of the Covenant reflect the nature of God's relationship with His people, and how can we apply this understanding to our relationship with God today?

2. In what ways does the mercy seat foreshadow the work of Christ in the New Testament, and how does this deepen our appreciation for His sacrifice?

3. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' handling of the Ark about the importance of reverence and obedience in our worship practices?

4. How can we identify and utilize our unique skills and talents, like Bezalel and Oholiab, to serve God and His church effectively?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's presence in a profound way. How did it impact your faith journey, and how can you seek to cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence in your daily life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9:4-5
This passage describes the contents of the Ark and the significance of the mercy seat, connecting the Old Testament practices to the New Testament understanding of Christ's atonement.

1 Samuel 4:3-11
The Ark's capture by the Philistines illustrates the consequences of treating God's presence with irreverence and the importance of obedience to God's commands.

Romans 3:25
Paul speaks of Jesus as the propitiation for our sins, drawing a parallel to the mercy seat as the place of atonement.