“The ark, and the staves thereof, with the mercy seat, and the vail of the covering,”
Context:Exodus 35 is part of the narrative in the Book of Exodus that describes the preparation and construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that the Israelites were commanded to build as a place of worship and a dwelling place for the presence of God during their journey through the wilderness.
In the preceding verses, Moses had assembled the entire congregation of the children of Israel and conveyed God’s command to observe the Sabbath day as a day of rest and holiness. He urged the people to refrain from doing any work on the Sabbath and to dedicate it to the Lord. Moses then proceeds to explain the various materials and resources required to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
Exodus 35:12 specifically focuses on one essential element of the Tabernacle: “The ark, and the staves thereof, with the mercy seat, and the vail of the covering.”
The Ark:The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold. It served as the most holy object in the Tabernacle and symbolized the presence of God among His people. Inside the Ark were placed the two stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments, a golden pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded (Hebrews 9:4).
The Staves:Staves were long poles or bars that were used to carry the Ark. The Ark was never to be touched directly, as it represented the holiness of God. Instead, it was to be carried using the staves inserted into golden rings on its sides (Exodus 25:14-15).
The Mercy Seat:The Mercy Seat was a solid gold cover for the Ark, with two cherubim (angelic figures) facing each other and looking toward the center. God’s presence was said to dwell between the cherubim (Exodus 25:17-22). The Mercy Seat represented God’s throne of grace and mercy, where the High Priest would sprinkle blood on the Day of Atonement to atone for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:2).
The Veil of the Covering:This refers to the veil or curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the inner sanctum of the Tabernacle) where the Ark was kept. Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and he could only do so once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2).
Lessons and Applications:
- The Importance of God’s Presence:The Ark and the Mercy Seat within the Tabernacle remind us of the significance of God’s presence among His people. In the New Testament, we are told that as believers in Christ, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This underscores the importance of living a holy life and maintaining a close relationship with God.
- Atonement and Redemption:The Ark and the Mercy Seat were intimately connected with the atonement for sins. In Christ, we find the ultimate sacrifice and High Priest who reconciles us to God through His death and resurrection. The veil separating the Most Holy Place symbolizes the barrier between humanity and God, which Jesus tore down through His sacrifice (Matthew 27:51, Hebrews 10:19-22).
- The Role of Worship and Obedience:The Israelites were called to contribute willingly and generously to the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. This highlights the importance of offering our time, talents, and resources in worship and obedience to God.
In conclusion, Exodus 35:12 points us to the sacred elements within the Tabernacle, emphasizing God’s presence, atonement for sins, and the call for worship and obedience. It also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice and High Priest, providing access to God for all who believe in Him.
