Exodus 40:20

Moses took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attaching the poles to the ark; and he set the mercy seat atop the ark.

Study Bible

Moses took the Testimony
The "Testimony" refers to the two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, which Moses received from God on Mount Sinai. These tablets represent God's covenant with Israel and are central to the nation's identity and religious life. The act of Moses taking the Testimony signifies the importance of God's law as the foundation of Israel's relationship with Him.

and placed it in the ark
The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, designed according to God's specific instructions. Placing the Testimony inside the ark symbolizes the centrality of God's law in the life of the Israelites. The ark itself is a type of Christ, as it represents God's presence among His people, just as Christ is God incarnate dwelling among humanity.

attaching the poles to the ark
The poles were used to carry the ark, ensuring that it was never touched directly by human hands, which would defile its holiness. This reflects the reverence and respect required in approaching God. The use of poles also signifies the mobility of God's presence with His people, guiding them through their journey, much like the guidance provided by the Holy Spirit in the life of believers.

and he set the mercy seat atop the ark
The mercy seat, made of pure gold, served as the lid for the ark and was the place where God's presence would appear. It was flanked by two cherubim and represented God's throne on earth. The mercy seat is a foreshadowing of Christ's atoning work, as it was here that the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement, symbolizing the covering of sin. This act prefigures Christ's ultimate sacrifice, which provides atonement for humanity's sins.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the Law from God and was responsible for setting up the Tabernacle according to God's instructions.

2. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the Testimony (the tablets of the Law) and represented God's presence among His people.

3. The Testimony
The tablets of the Law given to Moses on Mount Sinai, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel.

4. The Poles
Used to carry the Ark, signifying the mobility of God's presence with His people as they journeyed.

5. The Mercy Seat
The cover of the Ark, representing God's throne and the place of atonement where God would meet with Moses.

Teaching Points

The Centrality of God's Word
The placement of the Testimony in the Ark underscores the importance of God's Word as the foundation of faith and life.

God's Presence and Guidance
The Ark, with its poles, symbolizes God's continual presence and guidance, reminding believers of His faithfulness in their journey.

Atonement and Mercy
The mercy seat signifies God's provision for atonement, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

Reverence and Obedience
The careful handling of the Ark reflects the reverence due to God and His commands, encouraging believers to approach God with respect and obedience.

Covenant Relationship
The Ark and the Testimony highlight the covenant relationship between God and His people, calling believers to live in faithfulness to God's promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the placement of the Testimony in the Ark reflect the importance of God's Word in your daily life?

2. In what ways can you ensure that you are carrying God's presence with you, as symbolized by the poles attached to the Ark?

3. How does the concept of the mercy seat enhance your understanding of Christ's atoning work on the cross?

4. What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reverence and obedience to God's commands in your life?

5. How does understanding the covenant relationship between God and Israel through the Ark encourage you in your personal relationship with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
Discusses the significance of the Ark and its contents, drawing parallels to Christ's ultimate sacrifice and the new covenant.

Deuteronomy 10
Describes the second set of tablets and the Ark, emphasizing the importance of the Law and God's covenant.

1 Kings 8
Solomon's dedication of the Temple, where the Ark is placed in the Holy of Holies, highlighting the continuity of God's presence from the Tabernacle to the Temple.

Romans 3
Explores the concept of atonement and righteousness through faith, connecting to the mercy seat as a place of atonement.