Exodus 39:35
The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 7
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 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּדָּ֑יו
and the staves
H905
בַּדָּ֑יו
and the staves
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
Historical Context
The ark, most holy object in the tabernacle, resided in the Most Holy Place accessible only to the high priest once yearly (Yom Kippur). The staves, permanently inserted (Exodus 25:15), kept the ark ready for transport, teaching that God's presence accompanied Israel on their journey.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the mercy seat covering the law teach that grace doesn't abolish but fulfills God's righteous requirements?
- What does Christ being both lawkeeper and mercy seat reveal about His unique qualification as Mediator?
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Analysis & Commentary
The ark of the testimony (אֲרוֹן הָעֵדֻת, aron ha'edut) with its staves (בַּדָּיו, badav) and mercy seat (כַּפֹּרֶת, kaporet) represents God's throne. The 'testimony' (עֵדֻת, edut, i.e., the Ten Commandments) inside the ark taught that God's law stands at the center of His covenant. The mercy seat atop the law showed that mercy covers justice through atoning blood sprinkled there (Leviticus 16:14-15). This furniture prefigures Christ, who perfectly kept the law (Matthew 5:17) and became mercy for lawbreakers (Romans 3:25, hilasterion, propitiation/mercy seat).