“And he made a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half was the length thereof, and one cubit and a half the breadth thereof.”
This verse is part of the description of the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, a significant and symbolic item in the Old Testament. The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest made to hold the stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments, as well as other important items representing God’s covenant with the Israelites.
Let’s do a Bible study on Exodus 37:21 to understand its context, significance, and potential spiritual lessons.
The Mercy Seat:The verse describes the “mercy seat” made of pure gold. The mercy seat was a crucial part of the Ark of the Covenant, serving as its lid or covering. It was where the High Priest would sprinkle blood during the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:14-16). The blood symbolically represented the forgiveness of sins and God’s mercy towards His people.
Purity and Value:The mention of “pure gold” emphasizes the Ark’s significance and holiness. Gold was a precious metal, and using it for the mercy seat highlights the value and sacredness of the Ark and its contents. It teaches us that what is dedicated to God’s service must be of the highest quality and untainted.
Measurements:The verse provides specific measurements for the mercy seat: “two cubits and a half was the length thereof, and one cubit and a half the breadth thereof.” These measurements were essential for building the Ark according to God’s instructions. In the Bible, measurements often symbolize precision and completeness. It reminds us of God’s attention to detail and the importance of following His instructions exactly.
Symbolism of the Numbers:Numbers in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings. The number two represents witness or testimony, as seen in the two tablets of the Ten Commandments stored inside the Ark. The number one denotes unity and uniqueness. In the mercy seat, we see the unification of God’s mercy and justice, signifying His perfect nature.
Application and Spiritual Lessons:The Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat serve as a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate High Priest who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:11-15). He became the mediator between God and humanity, reconciling us to God through His blood shed on the cross (1 Timothy 2:5-6).
The mercy seat reminds us of God’s willingness to forgive sins when approached with a repentant heart and a desire to be reconciled with Him. It also teaches us about the need for reverence and holiness when we come into God’s presence. Just as the Ark was made of pure gold, our hearts must be devoted to God and free from impurities.
Moreover, the Ark and the mercy seat illustrate God’s desire to dwell among His people. Today, as believers, we are God’s dwelling place through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We carry the message of God’s mercy and reconciliation to the world, just as the Ark carried the tablets of the Law.
In conclusion, Exodus 37:21 and the description of the mercy seat remind us of God’s mercy, holiness, and His plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. It teaches us about the significance of obedience to God’s instructions, the value of purity in His service, and the privilege of being carriers of His message to a broken world.
