What is the meaning of Exodus 25:21? Set the mercy seat The first command centers on the solid-gold cover just described in Exodus 25:17-20. • It is the throne from which God promises to speak (Exodus 25:22) and the focus of atonement blood on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:14-15; Hebrews 9:5). • By naming it “mercy,” the Lord makes grace the starting point, even while establishing His law (Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2). • Gold’s durability reflects the permanence of His covenant faithfulness (Psalm 89:14). atop the ark Position matters. • Placing the cover “atop” unites throne and covenant; God rules from above His law (Numbers 7:89; Psalm 99:1). • The covering blood now stands between the broken law inside and God’s holiness above (Hebrews 9:7). • The upward focus lifts worshipers’ eyes to heaven while assuring them of nearness (1 Kings 8:6-7; Revelation 5:9-10). and put the Testimony “Testimony” means the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 31:18; 34:28). • Stone signals an unchanging, eternal standard (Matthew 5:18). • Centering the tablets inside the most sacred object shows the law’s primacy within the covenant community (Deuteronomy 10:4-5). • Their very presence bears witness against sin and for righteousness (Joshua 24:27; Romans 3:19). that I will give you The tablets originate with God, not Moses. • Divine authorship guarantees truth and authority (Exodus 24:12; 2 Timothy 3:16). • The giver of the law is equally the giver of salvation, hinting at the balance of grace and truth fulfilled in Christ (John 1:17; Jeremiah 31:33). into the ark The law is housed, not displayed. • Protection: the acacia-wood, gold-plated chest safeguards the covenant (Deuteronomy 31:9). • Hiddenness: God intends His commands to be internalized, later mirrored in the believer’s heart (Psalm 119:11; Colossians 3:16). • Fulfillment: with the tablets reside the manna jar and Aaron’s rod (Hebrews 9:4), prefiguring Christ as bread of life and eternal High Priest (John 6:35; Hebrews 4:14). summary Exodus 25:21 unites mercy, law, and divine presence. God’s perfect standard rests inside the ark, covered by the mercy seat where atoning blood is applied. Judgment lies beneath; mercy reigns above. The arrangement foreshadows Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice satisfies the law and opens the way for sinners to draw near to the living God. |
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