Exodus 25:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And you shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I shall give you.

NIV: Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law that I will give you.

NASB: Then you shall put the atoning cover on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony which I will give to you.

CSB: Set the mercy seat on top of the ark and put the tablets of the testimony that I will give you into the ark.

NLT: Place inside the Ark the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you. Then put the atonement cover on top of the Ark.

KJV: And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.

NKJV: You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the Testimony that I will give you.

The "ark of the covenant" is a wooden box gilded with gold (Exodus 25:10–11). This box includes rings so it can be transported with poles (Exodus 25:12–15). A main purpose of this golden chest is to store the stone tablets which record God's covenant with Israel (Exodus 19:5–6; 25:16; 31:18). It will also be used to keep a jar of manna (Exodus 16:33–34) and Aaron's staff (Numbers 17:10).

The ark's lid is a solid piece of metal which includes two winged cherubim (Exodus 25:17–19). These angel-like creatures extend their wings over the lid to form a "mercy seat." The mercy seat serves several purposes beyond being a lid. It will be the physical place from which God speaks (Exodus 25:22; Numbers 7:89). It will also receive blood meant for atonement (Leviticus 16:14–16) during a yearly remembrance.

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.

Accessed 6/18/2025 11:55:27 AM