Topical Encyclopedia The Mercy-Seat, known in Hebrew as the "kapporet," is a significant element within the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. It is the gold cover placed atop the Ark of the Covenant, flanked by two cherubim with outstretched wings. The Mercy-Seat serves as the earthly throne of God, where His presence dwells among His people, Israel.Biblical Description and Function The Mercy-Seat is described in Exodus 25:17-22, where God instructs Moses on its construction: "And you are to make an atonement cover of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the cover." (Exodus 25:17-18). The cherubim are positioned facing each other, with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the Mercy-Seat. This sacred space is where God promises to meet with Moses and communicate His commands for the Israelites. The Day of Atonement Ritual The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar, as described in Leviticus 16. On this day, the high priest enters the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. The ritual involves several key elements, including the covering of the Mercy-Seat with a cloud of incense. Leviticus 16:12-13 details this aspect of the ceremony: "Then he must take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD, and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and bring them inside the veil. He is to put the incense on the fire before the LORD, and the cloud of incense will cover the mercy seat above the Testimony, so that he will not die." . The cloud of incense serves as a protective veil, shielding the high priest from the direct presence of God, which is too holy for any human to behold. Theological Significance The covering of the Mercy-Seat with incense symbolizes the intercession and mediation necessary for sinful humanity to approach a holy God. The incense represents the prayers and supplications of the people, rising before the Lord as a fragrant offering. This act underscores the gravity of sin and the need for atonement, pointing forward to the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest, who entered the heavenly Holy of Holies once for all by His own blood (Hebrews 9:11-12). Symbolism and Christological Fulfillment In Christian theology, the Mercy-Seat is seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work. Just as the high priest sprinkled the blood of the sacrificial animal on the Mercy-Seat to atone for the sins of Israel, so Christ's blood was shed to atone for the sins of the world. Romans 3:25 states, "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand." . Here, the term "atoning sacrifice" is often translated as "propitiation," directly linking Christ to the Mercy-Seat. The Mercy-Seat, therefore, is not only a historical artifact of Israel's worship but also a profound symbol of God's mercy and grace, ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 16:13And he shall put the incense on the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is on the testimony, that he die not: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Day of Atonement What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? Christ's Priestly Office The Book of Jubilees Importance of Small Things in Religion Constant, Instant, Expectant Solomon's Temple Spiritualized The Saints' Privilege and Profit; Light for them that Sit in Darkness; Resources What does it mean that God is the King of glory? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the ark of the testimony? | GotQuestions.org What is the throne of God? Does God literally have a throne? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Mercy-Seat in Solomon's Temple Mercy-Seat: Bezaleel Given Wisdom to Make Mercy-Seat: Covered With a Cloud of Incense on the Day of Atonement Mercy-Seat: God: Appeared Over in the Cloud Mercy-Seat: God: Spoke from Above Mercy-Seat: Materials of, to be a Freewill offering Mercy-Seat: Moses Commanded to Make Mercy-Seat: Placed on the Ark of the Testimony Mercy-Seat: Placed Upon the Ark of Testimony Mercy-Seat: Sprinkled With Blood Mercy-Seat: The Blood of Sacrifices on the Day of Atonement Sprinkled Mercy-Seat: The Cherubim Formed out of, and at Each End of It Mercy-Seat: The Throne of Grace Related Terms |
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