Exodus 40:20
And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקַּ֞ח
And he took
H3947
וַיִּקַּ֞ח
And he took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 17
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
וַיִּתֵּ֧ן
and put
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֧ן
and put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיָּ֥שֶׂם
and set
H7760
וַיָּ֥שֶׂם
and set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
7 of 17
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַבַּדִּ֖ים
the staves
H905
הַבַּדִּ֖ים
the staves
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וַיִּתֵּ֧ן
and put
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֧ן
and put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
12 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת
the mercy seat
H3727
הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת
the mercy seat
Strong's:
H3727
Word #:
14 of 17
a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred ark)
Historical Context
The ark contained the second set of tablets (after Moses broke the first set, Exodus 32:19), teaching that God graciously renewed covenant despite Israel's golden calf apostasy. Later additions included Aaron's budded rod (Numbers 17:10) and a golden pot of manna (Exodus 16:33-34), preserved testimonies to God's faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the law tablets' central placement teach about Scripture's foundational role in covenant relationship?
- How does mercy (seat) positioned over law (tablets) illustrate grace fulfilling rather than abolishing righteous requirements?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses took the testimony (הָעֵדֻת, ha'edut, i.e., the Ten Commandments) and 'put it into the ark' (וַיִּתֵּן אֶל־הָאָרֹן, vayitten el-ha'aron). The law tablets, inscribed by God's finger (Exodus 31:18), stood central in the ark, teaching that God's word is the covenant foundation. The staves enabled portable access to God's presence—He traveled with His people, not confined to a location. The mercy seat's placement 'above upon the ark' positioned mercy over law, teaching that grace covers but doesn't abolish righteous requirements. Christ perfectly kept the law (Matthew 5:17) and became mercy for lawbreakers (Romans 3:25).