Exodus 25:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold. Two cubits and a half shall be its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth.

NIV: "Make an atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide.

NASB: And you shall make an atoning cover of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and one and a half cubits wide.

CSB: Make a mercy seat of pure gold, forty-five inches long and twenty-seven inches wide.

NLT: Then make the Ark’s cover — the place of atonement — from pure gold. It must be 45 inches long and 27 inches wide.

KJV: And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof.

NKJV: “You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold; two and a half cubits shall be its length and a cubit and a half its width.

One of the ark's most remarkable features is its lid. Most elements of the ark are common. The main body of the ark is a large rectangular chest (Exodus 25:10–11) made of wood covered in gold. Attached to this are four rings to support poles for transport (Exodus 25:12–15). This ornate box would carry stone tablets recording the Mosaic covenant (Exodus 19:5–6; 24:12; 2 Chronicles 5:10). Eventually, it would also store a jar of manna (Exodus 16:33–34) and Aaron's staff (Numbers 17:10).

The ark's lid is identified by the Hebrew word kappō'ret. This term is effectively only found in the Old Testament and later works discussing the object. Kappō'ret is only used eighteen times in Exodus, seven times in Leviticus (Leviticus 16:2–15) and twice elsewhere (Numbers 7:89; 1 Chronicles 28:11). This is translated variously as "propitiatory," "place of atonement," and "atonement cover." The best-known translation is "mercy seat." It is here where priests would apply blood for Israel's atonement (Leviticus 16:14–16). Symbolically, God would look "down" on the Law (Exodus 25:21) which man broke, but instead He would see the sacrificial blood.

To match the size of the ark, this cover is about 113 by 69 centimeters, or 45 by 27 inches. It holds two ornate sculptures (Exodus 25:18–20) and forms a sort of "throne" for the presence of God (Exodus 25:22). Unlike the sides and bottom of the ark, the mercy seat is not overlaid wood; the cover and cherubim sculptures are a single piece of metal.

Exodus 25:10–22 records the design of the ark of the covenant. This is a wooden box with square ends and rectangular sides overlaid with gold. Rings will be used to hold poles for carrying the ark. This box will store the written laws given by God to Israel (Exodus 24:12). The ark's lid features two golden angels facing each other with outstretched, covering wings. This "mercy seat" will be the focal point of God's interactions with Israel. Since the angels are not being worshipped, they are not the prohibited "graven images" of the second commandment (Exodus 20:4–6). Scripture never credits the ark as a source of supernatural power.

Israelites are to contribute precious metals, cloth, oils, and other resources to create a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. These will be used to form various sacred objects. Among these are the renowned ark of the covenant, a table for consecrated bread, and a lampstand with seven ornate lamps. These will be kept in the most sacred parts of the sanctuary. Upcoming chapters will focus on an elaborate tent which will serve as a portable temple (Exodus 26—28).

The Lord has given the foundations of His covenant to Israel (Exodus 20—23) and they have affirmed it (Exodus 24). Now God gives Moses detailed instructions for a system of worship. This begins with designs for a sacred container—the ark of the covenant—as well as a table and lampstand. These will be kept in the "tabernacle:" an ornate tent used as a portable temple for Israel (Exodus 26—28).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.