Exodus 25:22

And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

Exodus 25:22 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of God’s detailed instructions to Moses for building the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the Ark of the Covenant. God promises to meet and speak with Moses above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim on the Ark of the Testimony. This place becomes the appointed meeting point between God and His chosen mediator.

Meaning

God declares, “I will meet with thee,” showing that He initiates the encounter. The meeting is not accidental; it is a divine appointment. The word “commune” means close, personal conversation. God does not merely appear; He speaks, revealing His will and giving commandments for Israel. The mercy seat was the golden cover of the Ark, symbolizing God’s throne of mercy and the place of atonement. The cherubim, angelic beings, faced each other, guarding the holiness of God’s dwelling. The Ark of the Testimony held the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing the covenant between God and His people. This promise was not only for Moses; in later times, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to inquire of the Lord at this very place.

Biblical connections

This meeting place was later used by the high priest, who entered the Holy of Holies once a year to inquire of the Lord (Leviticus 16:2). The mercy seat points to atonement, where God’s justice and mercy meet. The pattern of God speaking from the place of sacrifice and covenant continues throughout Scripture, culminating in Christ, our mercy seat (Romans 3:25).

Application

God still desires to meet with His people and speak to them. Through Christ, believers have access to God’s presence, not in an earthly tabernacle, but in spirit and truth. We can approach God with reverence, knowing that His words are authoritative and meant to guide our lives. Like Moses, we should seek God’s presence regularly, listen to His voice, and obey His commandments. The meeting place is grounded in atonement, reminding us that our access to God comes through sacrifice, not our own merit.

Reflection

This verse reminds us that God is both holy and near. He is not distant or silent; He speaks and communes with those who seek Him. The mercy seat shows that His presence is grounded in atonement, not human merit. As we read God’s Word, we can expect Him to meet us, speak to us, and guide us in His ways. Let us approach Him with humble hearts, ready to hear and obey.