Exodus 35:12
the ark with its poles and mercy seat, and the veil to shield it;
the ark
The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, representing God's presence among His people. It was central to Israelite worship and housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments. The Ark symbolizes God's covenant with Israel and His holiness, requiring careful handling and reverence.

with its poles
The poles were used to carry the Ark, emphasizing the need for it to be transported without direct contact, as touching the Ark was forbidden. This reflects the holiness of God and the separation between the divine and the human. The poles were to remain in the rings of the Ark, signifying readiness for movement and the transient nature of the Israelites' journey.

and mercy seat
The mercy seat was the gold cover of the Ark, with two cherubim facing each other. It was the place where God's presence would appear and where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement. This act symbolized atonement for the sins of Israel, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is our propitiation.

and the veil to shield it
The veil separated the Holy of Holies, where the Ark was kept, from the rest of the Tabernacle. It represented the barrier between God and humanity due to sin. The tearing of the veil at Jesus' crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) signifies the removal of this barrier, granting believers direct access to God through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.

2. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel.

3. The Mercy Seat
The cover of the Ark, symbolizing God's throne and His presence among His people.

4. The Curtain of the Covering
A veil that separated the Holy of Holies, where the Ark was kept, from the rest of the Tabernacle, signifying the holiness of God.

5. The Israelites
The people of God who were tasked with constructing the Tabernacle according to the divine instructions given to Moses.
Teaching Points
The Holiness of God
The Ark and the Mercy Seat highlight God's holiness and the reverence required in approaching Him. We are reminded to approach God with respect and awe in our worship and daily lives.

God's Presence Among His People
The Ark symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people. As believers, we are called to cultivate an awareness of God's presence in our lives and communities.

The Role of Obedience
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands. We are encouraged to follow God's guidance in our lives with precision and faithfulness.

The Significance of Atonement
The Mercy Seat was central to the atonement rituals, pointing to the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ. We are reminded of the grace and forgiveness available to us through His sacrifice.

The New Covenant Fulfillment
The tearing of the temple veil signifies the new access to God through Christ. We are invited to live in the freedom and intimacy with God that Jesus has made possible.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the construction of the Ark and the Mercy Seat reflect the character of God, and what does this teach us about how we should approach Him today?

2. In what ways does the concept of the Mercy Seat in the Old Testament connect to the sacrifice of Jesus in the New Testament?

3. How can we, as modern believers, cultivate a sense of God's presence in our daily lives, similar to how the Israelites experienced His presence through the Ark?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate obedience to God's instructions in our personal and communal lives?

5. How does understanding the significance of the temple veil being torn at Jesus' crucifixion impact our relationship with God and our approach to worship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25:10-22
Provides the initial instructions for building the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing its importance as the dwelling place of God's presence.

Hebrews 9:3-5
Describes the layout of the Tabernacle and the significance of the Ark and the Mercy Seat in the context of the New Covenant.

Leviticus 16:2
Discusses the Day of Atonement, when the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies and sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat for the atonement of Israel's sins.

Matthew 27:51
At Jesus' crucifixion, the temple veil was torn, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity through Christ's sacrifice.
The New StartJ. Orr
People
Aaron, Ahisamach, Aholiab, Bezaleel, Dan, Hur, Israelites, Moses, Shoham, Uri
Places
Sinai
Topics
Ark, Ark-cover, Atonement, Cover, Covering, Curtain, Hanging, Mercy, Mercy-seat, Poles, Rods, Screen, Seat, Separation, Shields, Staffs, Staves, Thereof, Vail, Veil
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 35:10-12

     7306   ark of the covenant

Exodus 35:10-13

     4418   bread

Exodus 35:10-17

     7344   curtain

Library
An Old Subscription List
'And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work....' --EXODUS xxxv. 21. This is the beginning of the catalogue of contributions towards the erection of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. It emphasises the purely spontaneous and voluntary character of the gifts. There was plenty of compulsory work, of statutory contribution, in the Old Testament system of worship. Sacrifices and tithes and other things
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down in the Mishnah and the Jerusalem Talmud.
The terribly exaggerated views of the Rabbis, and their endless, burdensome rules about the Sabbath may best be learned from a brief analysis of the Mishnah, as further explained and enlarged in the Jerusalem Talmud. [6476] For this purpose a brief analysis of what is, confessedly, one of the most difficult tractates may here be given. The Mishnic tractate Sabbath stands at the head of twelve tractates which together from the second of the six sections into which the Mishnah is divided, and which
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Gifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Early Battles
Six months of joyous service amongst the Welsh miners was cut short by a telegram announcing to the sisters the serious illness of Mrs. Lee. Taking the news to their Divisional Commander, they were instructed to Headquarters. It was found that the illness was due to shock. The income from investments of the little estate left by Mr. Lee had dwindled; it now had disappeared altogether. Captain Lucy faced the matter with her usual practical decision. 'Mother, darling, there are two ways out. Either
Minnie L. Carpenter—The Angel Adjutant of "Twice Born Men"

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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