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 the Temple, serving as the lid or cover of the Ark of the Covenant. It is crafted from pure gold and features two cherubim with outstretched wings facing each other, symbolizing the divine presence and the throne of God. The Mercy-Seat is central to the atonement rituals and the manifestation of God's presence among His people.Biblical Description and Function The Mercy-Seat is first 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 atonement cover." (Exodus 25:17-18). The cherubim are positioned to face each other, with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the Mercy-Seat. The Mercy-Seat serves as the focal point of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) rituals, where the high priest enters the Holy of Holies once a year to sprinkle the blood of the sacrificial offering upon it, making atonement for the sins of Israel (Leviticus 16:14-15). This act symbolizes the covering or forgiveness of sins, highlighting the Mercy-Seat as a place of divine grace and reconciliation. Divine Presence and Revelation The Mercy-Seat is not merely a ritual object but is also the locus of God's presence and communication with His people. In Exodus 25:22, God declares, "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 underscores the Mercy-Seat as the earthly throne of God, where He reveals His will and guidance. God's Appearance in the Cloud The manifestation of God's presence over the Mercy-Seat is often associated with a cloud, symbolizing His glory and holiness. In Leviticus 16:2, the LORD warns Moses, "Tell your brother Aaron that he shall not enter at any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, or he will die; for I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat." . This divine appearance in the cloud signifies God's immediate and transcendent presence, emphasizing the sacredness of the space and the seriousness of approaching Him. The cloud over the Mercy-Seat is reminiscent of the cloud that led the Israelites through the wilderness, representing God's guidance and protection. It serves as a visible sign of His covenantal relationship with Israel, assuring them of His continual presence and faithfulness. Theological Significance The Mercy-Seat holds profound theological significance as it encapsulates the themes of atonement, divine presence, and covenant. It prefigures the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the propitiation for sins (Romans 3:25). The Mercy-Seat thus becomes a symbol of God's mercy and the means by which humanity is reconciled to Him. In summary, the Mercy-Seat is a central element in the worship and theology of ancient Israel, representing both the presence of God and His provision for atonement. It is a powerful reminder of God's holiness, mercy, and the intimate relationship He desires with His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 16:2And 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Fact of the Redeemer's Return had a Spectacular Setting Forth ... The Believer's Challenge The Saviour's Last Hours. The Light of the World 1 Cor. Iv. 10 Christ's Priestly Office What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? Calvary Preparation for Revival Resources What is the mercy seat? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is merciful? | GotQuestions.org What is the Ark of the Covenant? | 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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