Exodus 40:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 40:20
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:
Chapter Context
Exodus 40 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, prayer, hope. 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 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 40:20
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:
Analysis
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).
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Witness: Exodus 16:34