Exodus 35:15
And the incense altar, and his staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the door at the entering in of the tabernacle,
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּדָּ֔יו
and his staves
H905
בַּדָּ֔יו
and his staves
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֶׁ֣מֶן
oil
H8081
שֶׁ֣מֶן
oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
7 of 16
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה
and the anointing
H4888
הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה
and the anointing
Strong's:
H4888
Word #:
8 of 16
unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְפֶ֥תַח
for the door at the entering in
H6607
לְפֶ֥תַח
for the door at the entering in
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
14 of 16
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
Historical Context
The ark measured approximately 3.75' × 2.25' × 2.25', overlaid with pure gold inside and out. It contained the stone tablets (Deuteronomy 10:2), Aaron's rod (Numbers 17:10), and a pot of manna (Exodus 16:33-34). God's presence manifested between the cherubim on its lid.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the mercy seat covering the law illustrate the relationship between God's justice and His mercy?
- In what ways does the ark's contents (law, manna, Aaron's rod) testify to God's covenant faithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The ark of testimony (אֲרוֹן הָעֵדֻת, aron ha-edut) was the covenant chest containing the law tablets, representing God's throne on earth and the foundation of His dwelling among Israel. The mercy seat (כַּפֹּרֶת, kapporet, from כָּפַר, kaphar, 'to atone') covered the law with blood once yearly, demonstrating that mercy triumphs over judgment through substitutionary sacrifice. This is the purest Old Testament picture of propitiation, fulfilled when Christ became our mercy seat (Romans 3:25, ἱλαστήριον, hilasterion).