Put the mercy seatThe mercy seat, or "kapporet" in Hebrew, was the gold cover placed on the Ark of the Covenant. It served as the place where God would meet with Moses and communicate His will (
Exodus 25:22). The term "mercy seat" signifies a place of atonement, where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement (
Leviticus 16:14-15). This act symbolized the covering of the sins of the people, pointing forward to the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ, who is described as our propitiation (
Romans 3:25).
on the ark of the Testimony
The Ark of the Testimony, also known as the Ark of the Covenant, was a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna (Hebrews 9:4). It represented God's covenant with Israel and His presence among His people. The term "Testimony" refers to the law given to Moses, which was a witness to the covenant between God and Israel. The Ark was central to Israel's worship and was carried before them in their journeys, symbolizing God's guidance and protection.
in the Most Holy Place
The Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies, was the innermost and most sacred area of the Tabernacle, later the Temple. It was separated from the Holy Place by a veil and was only entered once a year by the high priest on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2). This separation emphasized the holiness of God and the need for atonement to approach Him. The veil symbolized the barrier between God and humanity due to sin, which was torn at the crucifixion of Jesus, signifying direct access to God through Christ (Matthew 27:51,Hebrews 10:19-20).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.
2.
The TabernacleA portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, consisting of the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place.
3.
The Ark of the TestimonyA sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel.
4.
The Atonement Cover (Mercy Seat)The lid of the Ark, symbolizing God's throne and the place where atonement was made for the sins of Israel.
5.
The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies)The innermost and most sacred area of the tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt.
Teaching Points
The Holiness of GodThe Most Holy Place signifies the holiness and separateness of God. We are called to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness in our worship and daily lives.
The Necessity of AtonementThe atonement cover represents the need for a mediator between sinful humanity and a holy God. Jesus is our ultimate mediator, and we must rely on His atoning sacrifice for our salvation.
God's Presence Among His PeopleThe tabernacle was a physical representation of God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we should live in a way that honors His presence within us.
The Fulfillment in ChristThe tabernacle and its elements point to Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and the prophets. Understanding the Old Testament symbols enriches our appreciation of Christ's work and our relationship with Him.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 26:34?
2.How does Exodus 26:34 emphasize the holiness of the Ark of the Testimony?
3.What role does the veil play in separating the Holy Place and Most Holy?
4.How does the Ark's placement foreshadow Christ's role as our mediator?
5.How can we apply the concept of sacred separation in our daily lives?
6.What other scriptures highlight the significance of God's presence among His people?
7.What is the significance of the Ark of the Testimony in Exodus 26:34?
8.How does Exodus 26:34 reflect God's instructions for worship?
9.Why is the mercy seat important in Exodus 26:34?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 26?
11.What is the Holy of Holies in the Bible?
12.Is the Mercy Seat a place of redemption or judgment?
13.What is the Ark of the Testimony?
14.Acts 17:29 - If God is beyond images and idols, how do Old Testament instructions for sacred objects not contradict Paul's teaching here?What Does Exodus 26:34 Mean
Put- This is a direct, historical command from God to Moses, not a suggestion (Exodus 25:9;Exodus 40:20).
- The verb highlights intentional placement: nothing in the tabernacle was random (Hebrews 8:5).
- God initiates the arrangement, underscoring His authority over worship (1 Chronicles 28:19).
The mercy seat- A solid gold “cover” with cherubim (Exodus 25:17-20).
- It served as the place where God said, “I will meet with you” (Exodus 25:22).
- Blood was sprinkled here on the Day of Atonement, turning judgment into mercy (Leviticus 16:14-15;Hebrews 9:5).
- Foreshadows Christ, whom God displayed “as a propitiation” (Romans 3:25).
On the ark of the Testimony- The ark housed the stone tablets of the law, Aaron’s rod, and a jar of manna (Exodus 25:16;Hebrews 9:4).
- By covering the law with the mercy seat, God visually placed mercy over judgment (James 2:13).
- The whole unit became the earthly throne of God, called “the footstool of our God” (1 Chronicles 28:2).
In the Most Holy Place- The inner sanctuary, veiled off from all but the high priest (Exodus 26:33;Leviticus 16:2).
- Access was limited to one man, one day each year—pointing to humanity’s separation from God (Hebrews 9:7).
- Christ’s death tore the veil, granting believers full access (Matthew 27:51;Hebrews 10:19-20).
- God’s presence defined the space, not its dimensions (1 Kings 8:10-11).
summaryExodus 26:34 commands Moses to set the mercy seat atop the ark inside the Most Holy Place. Each word underscores God’s design: He orders the placement, provides the means of mercy, covers the condemning law, and locates it in the holiest space. Together these details reveal God’s desire to dwell with His people through atoning grace ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
6. THE POSITION OF THE FURNITURE.
(34, 35) The sole furniture of the most holy place, or "Holy of Holies," was to be the ark, with its covering of the mercy-seat. In the "Holy Place" without the vail were to be the "table of shewbread" against the north wall, and the "golden candlestick" opposite to it, against the south wall. Intermediate between them, but advanced nearer the vail, was to be the "golden altar of incense"(Exodus 30:6;Exodus 40:26), which, however, is not here mentioned.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Put
וְנָתַתָּ֙(wə·nā·ṯa·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, set
the mercy seat
הַכַּפֹּ֔רֶת(hak·kap·pō·reṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3727:Propitiatory
on
עַ֖ל(‘al)
Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against
the Ark
אֲר֣וֹן(’ă·rō·wn)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 727:A chest, ark
of the Testimony
הָעֵדֻ֑ת(hā·‘ê·ḏuṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5715:Testimony
in the Most Holy Place.
בְּקֹ֖דֶשׁ(bə·qō·ḏeš)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctity
Links
Exodus 26:34 NIV
Exodus 26:34 NLT
Exodus 26:34 ESV
Exodus 26:34 NASB
Exodus 26:34 KJV
Exodus 26:34 BibleApps.com
Exodus 26:34 Biblia Paralela
Exodus 26:34 Chinese Bible
Exodus 26:34 French Bible
Exodus 26:34 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Exodus 26:34 You shall put the mercy seat (Exo. Ex)
