Topical Encyclopedia The Mercy-Seat, known in Hebrew as the "kapporet," is a significant element in the Old Testament, particularly within the context of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It is the gold cover placed on the Ark of the Covenant, where the presence of God would appear and communicate with His people. The Mercy-Seat is often referred to as the "Throne of Grace," symbolizing God's mercy and forgiveness extended to humanity.Biblical Description and Construction The instructions for the construction of the Mercy-Seat are found in the Book of Exodus. God commanded Moses, "And you are to make a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide" (Exodus 25:17). The Mercy-Seat was adorned with two cherubim of gold, hammered out at the ends of the cover. These cherubim faced each other, with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the Mercy-Seat (Exodus 25:18-20). Theological Significance The Mercy-Seat holds profound theological significance as it represents the place where God meets with His people. 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 highlights the Mercy-Seat as a divine meeting point, a place of communication and revelation. Atonement and Sacrifice Central to the function of the Mercy-Seat is its role in the Day of Atonement rituals. Once a year, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies and sprinkle the blood of a sacrificial animal on the Mercy-Seat to atone for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:14-15). This act symbolized the covering of sin and the restoration of the relationship between God and Israel. The Mercy-Seat thus becomes a powerful symbol of God's willingness to forgive and cleanse His people. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the concept of the Mercy-Seat is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, writes, "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand" (Romans 3:25). Here, the term "atoning sacrifice" is often understood as a reference to the Mercy-Seat, indicating that Christ Himself is the ultimate place of atonement and divine mercy. Symbol of Grace and Mercy The Mercy-Seat, as the Throne of Grace, is a profound symbol of God's grace and mercy. It underscores the biblical truth that God desires to dwell among His people and provide a means for reconciliation and forgiveness. The Mercy-Seat invites believers to approach God with confidence, as the author of Hebrews encourages, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). In summary, the Mercy-Seat is a central element in the biblical narrative, representing God's presence, atonement, and grace. It points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who embodies the true Throne of Grace, offering eternal mercy and reconciliation to all who believe. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 4:16Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Throne of Grace Prayer. A Soul Gazing on God Christ Our Advocate The Universality of Prayer The Divine Pleader. The Ark of his Covenant June 18 Morning Christ. The Justification of Man Before God Resources What does it mean that God is the King of glory? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the ark of the testimony? | GotQuestions.org What is the throne of God? Does God literally have a throne? | 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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