the ark of the TestimonyThe Ark of the Testimony, also known as the Ark of the Covenant, was a sacred chest made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. It was central to Israel's worship and represented God's presence among His people. The term "Testimony" refers to the tablets of the Law (the Ten Commandments) that were placed inside the Ark, signifying God's covenant with Israel. The Ark was kept in the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle, highlighting its importance. It prefigures Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God's covenant and presence with humanity.
with its poles
The poles were used to carry the Ark and were made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold. They were inserted into rings on the sides of the Ark and were never to be removed, signifying the Ark's mobility and the need for reverence in handling it. This reflects the holiness of God and the care required in approaching Him. The poles ensured that the Ark was not touched directly, emphasizing the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, a separation bridged by Christ.
and the mercy seat
The mercy seat was the gold cover of the Ark, with two cherubim facing each other. It was the place where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement, symbolizing atonement for the sins of Israel. The mercy seat represents God's throne and His willingness to forgive sins through a blood sacrifice. This foreshadows Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross provides the ultimate atonement for sin, allowing believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Ark of the CovenantA sacred chest built by the Israelites under God's instructions, symbolizing God's presence and covenant with His people. It contained the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a jar of manna.
2.
Mercy SeatThe cover of the Ark of the Covenant, made of pure gold, where God's presence would appear. It was the place of atonement and reconciliation between God and His people.
3.
PolesUsed to carry the Ark, signifying the holiness and untouchable nature of the Ark, as it was not to be directly handled by human hands.
4.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were given the task of constructing the Ark and the Tabernacle according to divine specifications.
5.
Bezalel and OholiabSkilled artisans appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the Ark of the Covenant.
Teaching Points
God's Presence and HolinessThe Ark symbolizes God's presence among His people. We must approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness.
Atonement and ReconciliationThe mercy seat represents God's provision for atonement. In Christ, we find our ultimate reconciliation with God, as He is our mercy seat.
Obedience to Divine InstructionsThe detailed instructions for the Ark's construction remind us of the importance of obedience to God's Word in our lives.
The Role of Skilled ServiceBezalel and Oholiab's roles highlight the value of using our God-given talents for His glory and the building up of His kingdom.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 39:35?
2.How does Exodus 39:35 emphasize the importance of following God's detailed instructions?
3.What does the "Ark of the Testimony" symbolize in our spiritual journey today?
4.How can we apply the meticulous craftsmanship in Exodus 39:35 to our faith practices?
5.How does Exodus 39:35 connect with the New Testament teachings on obedience?
6.What lessons from Exodus 39:35 can guide our worship and service to God?
7.What is the significance of the Ark of the Testimony in Exodus 39:35?
8.How does Exodus 39:35 reflect God's instructions for worship?
9.Why is the Ark central to Israelite identity in Exodus 39:35?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 39?
11.What is the Holy of Holies in the Bible?
12.What did the Ark of the Covenant contain?
13.Numbers 7:89: Is there any historical or archaeological evidence that Moses literally heard God's voice from the mercy seat of the ark?
14.What is the Ark of the Testimony?What Does Exodus 39:35 Mean
the ark of the Testimony•Exodus 39:35 lists “the ark of the Testimony” first, reminding us that the centerpiece of the tabernacle has been completed exactly as the LORD commanded (Exodus 25:10–22).
• It is a literal gold-overlaid acacia chest that housed the two stone tablets of the covenant (Deuteronomy 10:1–5;Hebrews 9:4).
• The name “Testimony” links the ark to the written covenant; every time Israel saw or spoke of the ark they were pointed back to God’s unbreakable word (Psalm 19:7).
• Positioned in the Most Holy Place, the ark signified God’s enthroned presence among His people (1 Samuel 4:4).
• The precise craftsmanship and costly materials underline His holiness and His worthiness of the very best (Malachi 1:14).
• As the covenant chest, the ark prefigures Christ, in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily and through whom the new covenant is secured (Colossians 2:9;Luke 22:20).
with its poles•Exodus 39:35 continues, “with its poles,” emphasizing that even the carrying gear is integral, not optional (Exodus 25:13–15).
• The poles allowed the Levites to transport the ark without touching it, preserving reverence and protecting them from judgment (Numbers 4:15;2 Samuel 6:6–7).
• Mobility testifies that the living God leads His people wherever He wills—cloud by day, fire by night, ark borne on shoulders (Numbers 10:33–36).
• The poles were never to be removed (1 Kings 8:8), teaching constant readiness to follow God’s guidance.
• Obedience in small details matters; careless shortcuts can lead to disaster, as Uzzah discovered (1 Chronicles 15:13).
• For believers today, the lesson is clear: handle holy things—Scripture, worship, fellowship—with awe and exact obedience (Hebrews 12:28).
and the mercy seat• The list ends with “the mercy seat,” the solid-gold cover that sealed the ark (Exodus 25:17–22).
• Two cherubim faced each other above it, and the LORD declared, “There I will meet with you” (v. 22).
• Once a year blood was sprinkled here on the Day of Atonement, securing forgiveness for the nation (Leviticus 16:14–15;Hebrews 9:5–7).
•Romans 3:25 calls Christ “a sacrifice of atonement” (BSB: “a propitiation”), directly linking the mercy seat to the cross.
• What the golden lid symbolized—sins covered by sacrificial blood—Jesus fulfilled once for all (Hebrews 10:10).
• Because He is our Mercy Seat, we now “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16), assured of permanent acceptance.
summaryExodus 39:35 records the completion of three sacred pieces—“the ark of the Testimony with its poles and the mercy seat”—each constructed exactly as the LORD prescribed. The ark proclaims God’s covenant faithfulness, the poles highlight reverent obedience and His guiding presence, and the mercy seat foreshadows the perfect atonement accomplished in Christ. Together they invite us to trust God’s word, follow His lead, and rest in His mercy.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
the Arkאֲרֹ֥ן(’ă·rōn)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 727:A chest, arkof the Testimonyהָעֵדֻ֖ת(hā·‘ê·ḏuṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5715:Testimonywith its polesבַּדָּ֑יו(bad·dāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 905:Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief ofand the mercy seat;הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃(hak·kap·pō·reṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3727:Propitiatory
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 39:35 The ark of the testimony with its (Exo. Ex) 
