Topical Encyclopedia The Mercy-Seat holds a significant place in the religious and ceremonial life of ancient Israel, as described in the Old Testament. It is a central element of the Ark of the Covenant, which was housed in the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. The Mercy-Seat is not merely a physical object but a profound symbol of God's presence, mercy, and the atonement for sin.Biblical Description and Construction The command to make the Mercy-Seat is found in the Book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. In Exodus 25:17-22 , God commands: "You are to make an atonement cover of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. And 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 its two ends. The cherubim are to have wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. Place the cover on top of the ark and put the tablets of the Testimony that I will give you into the ark. There I will meet with you and speak with you from above the atonement cover, from between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony, about everything I will command you regarding the Israelites." The Mercy-Seat, also known as the "atonement cover," was crafted from pure gold, signifying its sacredness and the divine presence. The cherubim, angelic figures with wings outstretched, symbolized the guardianship of God's holiness and the reverence due to Him. Theological Significance The Mercy-Seat served as the focal point of God's presence among His people. It was here, between the cherubim, that God promised to meet with Moses and communicate His will for the Israelites. This divine communication underscores the Mercy-Seat's role as a bridge between God and humanity, a place where the divine and the earthly intersect. In the context of the Day of Atonement, the Mercy-Seat took on an even deeper significance. As described in Leviticus 16, the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place once a year to sprinkle the blood of the sacrificial offering on the Mercy-Seat. This act of atonement was essential for the forgiveness of the sins of the people, highlighting the Mercy-Seat as a symbol of God's mercy and the means by which reconciliation with God was achieved. Symbolism and Typology From a typological perspective, the Mercy-Seat foreshadows the ultimate atonement provided by Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul refers to Christ as a "propitiation" (Romans 3:25), a term that can be understood as a reference to the Mercy-Seat. Through His sacrificial death, Christ fulfills the role of the Mercy-Seat, providing the means by which humanity can be reconciled to God. The Mercy-Seat, therefore, is not only a historical artifact of Israel's religious practice but also a profound symbol of God's enduring mercy and the promise of redemption through faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 25:17And you shall make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken? Bezaleel and Aholiab. What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? The Personality of Power. The Copies of Things in the Heavens On Repentance and Remission of Sins, and Concerning the Adversary. Importance of Small Things in Religion The Census of Israel The Sweet Uses of Adversity Resources What is the mercy seat? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is merciful? | GotQuestions.org What is the Ark of the Covenant? | 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 |
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