Topical Encyclopedia The Mercy-Seat, known in Hebrew as the "kapporet," is a significant element within the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It is the gold cover placed on the Ark of the Covenant, which housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. The Mercy-Seat is flanked by two cherubim, crafted from gold, with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover. This sacred object is central to the atonement rituals and the divine communication with Israel.Biblical Description and Function The Mercy-Seat is first described in Exodus 25:17-22, where God instructs Moses on its construction: "And you are to make an atonement cover of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover." The Mercy-Seat serves as the focal point of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) rituals, as described in Leviticus 16. The high priest would enter the Holy of Holies once a year to sprinkle the blood of the sacrificial bull and goat upon the Mercy-Seat, symbolizing the atonement for the sins of Israel. This act underscores the Mercy-Seat's role as a place of reconciliation between God and His people. God's Presence and Communication The Mercy-Seat is not only a symbol of atonement but also a locus of divine presence and communication. In Exodus 25:22, God declares, "And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites." This passage highlights the Mercy-Seat as the earthly throne of God, where He would manifest His presence and convey His will to Moses and, by extension, to the people of Israel. The concept of God speaking from above the Mercy-Seat emphasizes His transcendence and holiness, while also illustrating His willingness to dwell among His people and guide them. The Mercy-Seat thus becomes a powerful symbol of God's covenantal relationship with Israel, where divine justice and mercy converge. Theological Significance In Christian theology, the Mercy-Seat is often seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's atoning work. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 3:25, refers to Christ as the "hilasterion," a term that can be translated as "propitiation" or "mercy seat," indicating that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the atonement that the Mercy-Seat symbolized. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ provides the means for reconciliation between God and humanity, echoing the role of the Mercy-Seat in the Old Testament. The Mercy-Seat, therefore, holds profound significance in both Jewish and Christian traditions as a symbol of God's justice, mercy, and the means by which He communicates and reconciles with His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 25:22And there I will meet with you, and I will commune with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 7:89 Library Mount Zion. The Ark of his Covenant Christ and his Cross the Centre of the Universe A Little Sanctuary The Copies of Things in the Heavens Job --Groping The First vision "In Heaven": Chapters 4-5 "Not by Might, nor by Power" Letter Lx. --To Adelphius , Bishop and Confessor: against the ... Removing the Veil Resources What are all the different judgments in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of there being rewards in heaven? | GotQuestions.org What was the brazen altar? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Mercy-Seat in Solomon's Temple Mercy-Seat: Bezaleel Given Wisdom to Make Mercy-Seat: Covered With a Cloud of Incense on the Day of Atonement Mercy-Seat: God: Appeared Over in the Cloud Mercy-Seat: God: Spoke from Above Mercy-Seat: Materials of, to be a Freewill offering Mercy-Seat: Moses Commanded to Make Mercy-Seat: Placed on the Ark of the Testimony Mercy-Seat: Placed Upon the Ark of Testimony Mercy-Seat: Sprinkled With Blood Mercy-Seat: The Blood of Sacrifices on the Day of Atonement Sprinkled Mercy-Seat: The Cherubim Formed out of, and at Each End of It Mercy-Seat: The Throne of Grace Related Terms |