Exodus 39:35
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 39:35
35 The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,
Chapter Context
Exodus 39 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, holiness, worship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-43: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 39:35
35 The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,
Analysis
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).
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.
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?