Set the mercy seat atop the arkThe mercy seat, or "kapporet" in Hebrew, was the cover of the Ark of the Covenant, made of pure gold. It served as the place where God would meet with Moses and communicate His will (
Exodus 25:22). The mercy seat symbolizes God's throne and His presence among His people. In the New Testament, it is seen as a type of Christ, who is our propitiation (
Romans 3:25), indicating that through His sacrifice, He covers our sins and allows us to approach God. The placement atop the ark signifies the centrality of God's mercy in His covenant with Israel.
and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark.
The Testimony refers to the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, which represent God's covenant and law given to Israel. Placing them inside the ark signifies the foundational role of God's law in the life of His people. The ark itself, made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, symbolizes the divine and human nature of Christ. The presence of the Testimony within the ark underscores the importance of God's word and His covenant promises. This act also prefigures the New Covenant, where God's law is written on the hearts of believers (Jeremiah 31:33,Hebrews 8:10).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to receive the Law and instructions for the Tabernacle.
2.
The Ark of the CovenantA sacred chest that held the Testimony (the tablets of the Law) and represented God's covenant with Israel.
3.
The Mercy SeatThe cover of the Ark, symbolizing God's throne and His presence among His people.
4.
The TestimonyThe tablets of the Law given to Moses, representing God's covenant and commandments.
5.
The TabernacleThe portable sanctuary where God dwelled among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness.
Teaching Points
The Centrality of God's WordThe placement of the Testimony inside the Ark underscores the importance of God's Word as the foundation of our faith and life.
God's Presence and MercyThe Mercy Seat represents God's throne of grace, reminding us that His presence is both holy and merciful.
Atonement and ReconciliationThe Mercy Seat foreshadows Christ's atoning work, inviting us to seek reconciliation with God through Jesus.
Covenant RelationshipThe Ark and its contents symbolize the covenant relationship between God and His people, calling us to live in obedience and faithfulness.
Worship and ReverenceThe detailed instructions for the Ark and Mercy Seat teach us the importance of approaching God with reverence and worship.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 25:21?
2.How does Exodus 25:21 emphasize the importance of God's covenant with His people?
3.What does placing the "mercy seat on top" symbolize about God's relationship with Israel?
4.How can we apply the concept of God's mercy in our daily lives?
5.In what ways does Exodus 25:21 connect to the New Testament understanding of grace?
6.How does the Ark of the Covenant reflect God's holiness and presence among us?
7.What is the significance of the Ark's cover in Exodus 25:21 for God's covenant with Israel?
8.How does Exodus 25:21 reflect God's instructions for worship and reverence?
9.Why is the placement of the Testimony inside the Ark important in Exodus 25:21?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 25?
11.What did the Ark of the Covenant contain?
12.What is the meaning of Hebrews 4:16?
13.What are the pearly gates?
14.If life is sacred, why did God kill people for minor offenses (e.g., Uzzah touching the Ark, 2 Samuel 6:7)?What Does Exodus 25:21 Mean
Set the mercy seatThe first command centers on the solid-gold cover just described inExodus 25:17-20.
• It is the throne from which God promises to speak (Exodus 25:22) and the focus of atonement blood on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:14-15;Hebrews 9:5).
• By naming it “mercy,” the Lord makes grace the starting point, even while establishing His law (Romans 3:25;1 John 2:2).
• Gold’s durability reflects the permanence of His covenant faithfulness (Psalm 89:14).
atop the arkPosition matters.
• Placing the cover “atop” unites throne and covenant; God rules from above His law (Numbers 7:89;Psalm 99:1).
• The covering blood now stands between the broken law inside and God’s holiness above (Hebrews 9:7).
• The upward focus lifts worshipers’ eyes to heaven while assuring them of nearness (1 Kings 8:6-7;Revelation 5:9-10).
and put the Testimony“Testimony” means the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 31:18; 34:28).
• Stone signals an unchanging, eternal standard (Matthew 5:18).
• Centering the tablets inside the most sacred object shows the law’s primacy within the covenant community (Deuteronomy 10:4-5).
• Their very presence bears witness against sin and for righteousness (Joshua 24:27;Romans 3:19).
that I will give youThe tablets originate with God, not Moses.
• Divine authorship guarantees truth and authority (Exodus 24:12;2 Timothy 3:16).
• The giver of the law is equally the giver of salvation, hinting at the balance of grace and truth fulfilled in Christ (John 1:17;Jeremiah 31:33).
into the arkThe law is housed, not displayed.
• Protection: the acacia-wood, gold-plated chest safeguards the covenant (Deuteronomy 31:9).
• Hiddenness: God intends His commands to be internalized, later mirrored in the believer’s heart (Psalm 119:11;Colossians 3:16).
• Fulfillment: with the tablets reside the manna jar and Aaron’s rod (Hebrews 9:4), prefiguring Christ as bread of life and eternal High Priest (John 6:35;Hebrews 4:14).
summaryExodus 25:21 unites mercy, law, and divine presence. God’s perfect standard rests inside the ark, covered by the mercy seat where atoning blood is applied. Judgment lies beneath; mercy reigns above. The arrangement foreshadows Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice satisfies the law and opens the way for sinners to draw near to the living God.
Verse 21. -
Thou shalt put the mercy seat above the ark. Rather, "upon the ark" - "thou shalt cover the ark with it." This had not been expressed previously, though the dimensions (ver. 17), compared with those of the ark (ver. 10), would naturally have suggested the idea
. In the ark thou shalt put the testimony. This is a mere repetition of verse 16, marking the special importance which attached to the provision.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Setוְנָתַתָּ֧(wə·nā·ṯa·tā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setthe mercy seatהַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת(hak·kap·pō·reṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3727:Propitiatoryatopעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe ark,הָאָרֹ֖ן(hā·’ā·rōn)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 727:A chest, arkand putתִּתֵּן֙(tit·tên)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setthe Testimonyהָ֣עֵדֻ֔ת(hā·‘ê·ḏuṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5715:Testimonythatאֲשֶׁ֥ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatI will giveאֶתֵּ֖ן(’et·tên)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setyouאֵלֶֽיךָ׃(’ê·le·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tointoוְאֶל־(wə·’el-)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe ark.הָ֣אָרֹ֔ן(hā·’ā·rōn)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 727:A chest, ark
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 25:21 You shall put the mercy seat (Exo. Ex) 
