The Mercy-Seat, a central element in the Old Testament tabernacle and later the Temple, is a profound symbol of God's presence and His covenant relationship with Israel. It is intimately associated with the Shekinah, the divine presence of God, which dwelt above it.

Description and Construction

The Mercy-Seat was the cover of the Ark of the Covenant, crafted from pure gold. According to Exodus 25:17-22, God instructed Moses to make the Mercy-Seat two and a half cubits long and one and a half cubits wide. Two cherubim of gold were to be fashioned at the ends of the Mercy-Seat, with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the Mercy-Seat, symbolizing the reverence and awe due to the divine presence.

The Shekinah Glory

The term "Shekinah" is derived from a Hebrew word meaning "to dwell" or "to settle," and it refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence. Although the word "Shekinah" itself does not appear in the Bible, the concept is evident throughout the Scriptures. The Shekinah glory was a visible sign of God's presence with His people, often associated with light, fire, or cloud.

In the context of the Mercy-Seat, the Shekinah was the divine presence that dwelt between the cherubim. Exodus 25:22 states, "And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites." This verse highlights the Mercy-Seat as the focal point of divine communication and revelation.

The Day of Atonement

The Mercy-Seat played a crucial role in the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. On this day, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies, where the Ark and the Mercy-Seat were located, to make atonement for the sins of the people. Leviticus 16:14-15 describes how the high priest was to sprinkle the blood of the sacrificial bull and goat on and before the Mercy-Seat, symbolizing the atonement and reconciliation between God and Israel.

Theological Significance

The Mercy-Seat represents God's throne of grace and mercy, where He meets with His people. It is a powerful symbol of God's willingness to forgive and dwell among His people despite their sinfulness. The presence of the Shekinah upon the Mercy-Seat underscores the holiness and majesty of God, as well as His desire to be in a covenant relationship with His chosen people.

In the New Testament, the concept of the Mercy-Seat finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:25 refers to Christ as the "propitiation" (Greek: hilastērion), a term that can also be translated as "mercy seat." Through His sacrificial death, Jesus becomes the ultimate means of atonement, reconciling humanity to God and providing access to His presence.

The Mercy-Seat, with the Shekinah upon it, thus serves as a profound reminder of God's holiness, mercy, and the promise of redemption through His divine presence.Exodus 25:22
And there I will meet with you, and I will commune with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel.
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Exodus 30:6,36
And you shall put it before the veil that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with you.
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Leviticus 16:2
And the LORD said to Moses, Speak to Aaron your brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is on the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat.
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Numbers 7:89
And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking to him from off the mercy seat that was on the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubim: and he spoke to him.
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Numbers 17:4
And you shall lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you.
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1 Samuel 4:4
So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwells between the cherubim: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
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2 Samuel 6:2
And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwells between the cherubim.
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2 Kings 19:15
And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwell between the cherubim, you are the God, even you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth.
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1 Chronicles 13:6
And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up there the ark of God the LORD, that dwells between the cherubim, whose name is called on it.
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Psalm 80:1
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you that lead Joseph like a flock; you that dwell between the cherubim, shine forth.
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Psalm 99:1
The LORD reigns; let the people tremble: he sits between the cherubim; let the earth be moved.
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Isaiah 37:16
O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwell between the cherubim, you are the God, even you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: you have made heaven and earth.
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Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
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"Not by Might, nor by Power"
... descended to consume the sacrifice upon its altar. The Shekinah no longer abode
between the cherubim in the most holy place; the ark, the mercy seat, and the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 48 not by might.htm

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return had a Spectacular Setting Forth ...
... in the Holy of Holies upon the mercy-seat (Lev.16 ... afraid" (vs.7)! The appearing of
the Shekinah "Cloud" on ... Is.4:5""And the Lord will create upon every dwelling ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/7 the fact of the.htm

A Soul Gazing on God
... the light which was afterwards called the 'Shekinah,' and dwelt ... rests is what we
call the mercy-seat within the ... blinded or slew those who gazed upon it, but ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a soul gazing on god.htm

The vineyard of the Lord
... tabernacle and the temple His glory dwelt in the holy Shekinah above the mercy seat. ...
special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/the vineyard of the lord.htm

Hid in Light
... near to the central blaze of the Shekinah, the glory that hovered above the
Mercy-seat, and glowed in ... so the light of God's face turned upon evil things ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/hid in light.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... cover to the sacred chest, was the mercy-seat, a magnificent ... God placed His Spirit
upon the builders of the ... the second veil was the holy shekinah, the visible ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... cover to the sacred chest, was the mercy seat, a magnificent ... God placed His Spirit
upon the builders of the ... the second veil was the holy Shekinah, the visible ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 23 what is the.htm

The Veil Rent
... forbearance, of revelation, turned at last upon the very ... there was no presence of
the Shekinah, the light ... There was the mercy-seat, with the outstretched wings ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the veil rent.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... descended to consume the sacrifice upon its altar. The shekinah no longer abode
between the cherubim in the most holy place; the ark, the mercy-seat, and the ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... descended to consume the sacrifice upon its altar. The Shekinah no longer abode
between the cherubim in the most holy place; the ark, the mercy seat, and the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

What is the mercy seat? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that God is merciful? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Ark of the Covenant? | GotQuestions.org

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