What other Scriptures emphasize God's mercy similar to Exodus 25:17? The Golden Mercy Seat: A Quick Reminder Exodus 25:17 lays down the blueprint for the “atonement cover” (often called the mercy seat) that would rest atop the ark. This pure-gold lid became the very spot where holy God would meet sinful people through sprinkled blood—an unmistakable picture of His eagerness to show mercy. Old Testament Passages Echoing God’s Mercy • Exodus 34:6 – 7 “Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: ‘The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin…’” “For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving, rich in loving devotion to all who call on You.” • Psalm 103:8 – 13 “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion… As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” • Psalm 136 (repeated chorus) “His loving devotion endures forever.” • Lamentations 3:22 – 23 “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!” • Micah 7:18 – 19 “Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity… He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion.” New Testament Revelations of God’s Mercy • Ephesians 2:4 – 5 “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in our trespasses.” • Titus 3:4 – 5 “He saved us, not by works of righteousness we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” “Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” “Above the ark were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat.” “In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” “His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.” Why These Connections Matter for Us Today • The mercy seat in Exodus was never merely furniture; it foreshadowed the once-for-all atonement of Jesus, the true meeting place between God and humanity. • From the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms to the Gospels and Epistles, a single thread runs unbroken: the Lord delights to show mercy. • Every dawn brings fresh evidence (Lamentations 3:23); every sinner who trusts Christ meets a throne, not of judgment, but of grace (Hebrews 4:16). • Knowing these passages anchors the heart in confidence—what God revealed in gold and blood in the tabernacle He fulfilled in the cross and empty tomb, and His mercy endures forever. |
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