Topical Encyclopedia The Mercy-Seat, known in Hebrew as the "kapporet," is a significant element in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It is the gold cover placed on the Ark of the Covenant, which housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. The Mercy-Seat is central to the understanding of God's presence and His relationship with the Israelites.Biblical Description and Construction The instructions for the construction of the Mercy-Seat are found in Exodus 25:17-22. The Lord commanded Moses, "And you are to make an atonement cover of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide" (Exodus 25:17). The Mercy-Seat was adorned with two cherubim of gold, hammered out at the ends of the cover. These cherubim faced each other, with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the Mercy-Seat. The Presence of God The Mercy-Seat is of profound theological significance as it represents the throne of God on earth. It is here that God promised to meet with Moses and the high priest, signifying His dwelling among 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 divine promise underscores the Mercy-Seat as the focal point of God's presence and communication with His chosen people. The Day of Atonement The Mercy-Seat played a crucial role in the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), as described in Leviticus 16. On this solemn day, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctuary where the Ark and the Mercy-Seat resided. He would sprinkle the blood of a sacrificial bull and goat upon the Mercy-Seat to atone for the sins of Israel. This act symbolized the covering of sin and the restoration of the covenant relationship between God and His people. Symbolism and Fulfillment The Mercy-Seat is a profound symbol of God's mercy and grace. It is where divine justice and mercy meet, foreshadowing the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul refers to Christ as a "propitiation" (Romans 3:25), a term that can be understood as a reference to the Mercy-Seat. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus fulfills the typology of the Mercy-Seat, providing a means for humanity to be reconciled with God. Theological Implications The concept of God dwelling over the Mercy-Seat emphasizes His holiness, justice, and mercy. It illustrates the balance between God's righteous demands and His gracious provision for sin. The Mercy-Seat serves as a reminder of the need for atonement and the accessibility of God's presence through His ordained means. It points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who provides believers with direct access to God, as stated in Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" . In summary, the Mercy-Seat is a central element in the biblical narrative, representing God's dwelling place, His mercy, and the means of atonement for His people. It is a profound symbol of the divine presence and the foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 80:1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you that lead Joseph like a flock; you that dwell between the cherubim, shine forth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Charge of the Watchers in the Temple Eighth Day. Holiness and Indwelling. A Soul Gazing on God Concerning Images . The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy The True Tabernacle, and Its Glory of Grace and Peace Scriptural Types. The Veil Rent The Day of Atonement Importance of Small Things in Religion 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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