“And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place.”
Context: The book of Exodus describes the journey of the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and their subsequent encounter with God at Mount Sinai. In this specific passage, God instructs Moses on the construction of the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people.
The Mercy Seat: The “mercy seat” mentioned in Exodus 26:34 refers to a solid gold covering placed on top of the Ark of the Covenant. It served as the lid or covering for the ark, which contained the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 25:21-22). The mercy seat had two cherubim (angelic figures) made of gold, one on each end, facing each other, with their wings outstretched and overshadowing the mercy seat (Exodus 25:18-20).
Symbolism of the Mercy Seat:
- God’s Presence: The mercy seat was located in the “most holy place” or the Holy of Holies within the tabernacle. It represented the throne of God on earth, where His presence dwelt among His people. It symbolized the meeting place between God and humanity, where God would commune with the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2).
- Atonement and Forgiveness: The term “mercy seat” signifies God’s mercy and grace towards His people. It was here that the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrificial animal on the Day of Atonement, seeking forgiveness for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:14-15). The blood symbolized the atoning sacrifice required to cleanse the people’s sins and reconcile them with God.
- Access to God: The mercy seat was a significant reminder of God’s willingness to forgive and grant access to Himself. The presence of the cherubim, with their wings overshadowing the mercy seat, signifies the holiness and authority of God. It also reminds us of the angelic beings guarding the way to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24). Through the mercy seat, God provided a means for sinful humanity to approach Him and find forgiveness.
Christological Significance: The mercy seat foreshadowed the work of Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate sacrifice and mediator between God and humanity. In the New Testament, Hebrews 9:5-7 draws a parallel between the earthly tabernacle and the heavenly reality. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, making a way for all people to approach God and receive forgiveness of sins.
In summary, Exodus 26:34 highlights the placement of the mercy seat upon the Ark of the Covenant in the most holy place of the tabernacle. The mercy seat represented God’s presence, His mercy, and the means of atonement and forgiveness for the people. It prefigured the work of Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate sacrifice and mediator, providing access to God and eternal forgiveness for all who believe in Him.
