“And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.”
Historical Context:Exodus 25 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites’ journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. In this chapter, God instructs Moses on the construction of the Ark of the Covenant and its related items, including the mercy seat.
The Mercy Seat:The mercy seat was a golden cover placed on top of the Ark of the Covenant, which was a sacred container housing the tablets of the Ten Commandments (the testimony) and other items. The mercy seat was made of pure gold and had two cherubim (angelic figures) facing each other, with their wings outstretched, overshadowing the mercy seat. This seat represented the presence of God, and it served as a place of atonement and mercy.
Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:The mercy seat symbolizes God’s throne and His presence among His people. It demonstrates His willingness to meet with them and provide mercy and forgiveness. The fact that the mercy seat was placed above the Ark of the Covenant suggests that God’s mercy and forgiveness are connected to His law and commandments. The law reveals our sinfulness, but the mercy seat provides a way for forgiveness and reconciliation. The cherubim on the mercy seat represent the heavenly hosts, signifying the holiness and glory of God. They serve as a reminder of God’s power, authority, and transcendence.
Jesus Christ and the Mercy Seat:In the New Testament, the concept of the mercy seat finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the perfect embodiment of God’s mercy and grace. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He provided atonement for the sins of humanity, reconciling us to God.
Hebrews 9:5-7, 11-12 and Romans 3:25-26 make direct connections between Jesus and the mercy seat, depicting Him as the ultimate high priest who entered the heavenly sanctuary to obtain eternal redemption for us. As believers, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence because of Jesus’ work on the mercy seat (Hebrews 4:16).
Application:
- The mercy seat serves as a reminder of God’s willingness to forgive and extend mercy to His people.
- It teaches us the importance of recognising our need for forgiveness and approaching God with repentance and humility.
- The mercy seat also reminds us of the centrality of Jesus Christ in our relationship with God. We can find forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation through Him alone.
In summary, Exodus 25:21 and the description of the mercy seat convey profound spiritual truths about God’s mercy, forgiveness, and His desire to dwell among His people. It also points to the ultimate fulfilment of God’s mercy in Jesus Christ.
