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Book of Exodus - Chapter 25 - Verse 21

25:21
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.

Meaning

Within the context of the Bible, the verse "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" refers to the instructions given to Moses by God regarding the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. The mercy seat, made of pure gold, was to be placed above the ark, which housed the tablets containing the Ten Commandments, as well as other sacred items. Symbolically, the mercy seat represented God's presence and his willingness to forgive sins through sacrifice. The tablets inside the ark served as a testimony of God's covenant with the Israelites, outlining the laws and commandments they were expected to follow. This verse highlights the importance of the Ark of the Covenant as a physical representation of God's relationship with his chosen people, and emphasizes the significance of mercy and forgiveness in the practice of faith.

Theological Overview

One of the key aspects of this verse from Exodus 25:21 is the mention of the mercy seat above the ark. The mercy seat symbolizes the presence of God, who would appear above it in the form of a cloud. This indicates God's willingness to commune with His people and show them mercy. The mercy seat is also significant in the concept of atonement, as it is where the blood of the sacrificial animals would be sprinkled by the high priest on the Day of Atonement to cleanse the sins of the people. Additionally, the verse refers to the testimony that God would give to Moses to place inside the ark. This testimony could be understood as the covenant and laws that God established with the Israelites, which were meant to guide their lives and ensure their relationship with Him. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of God's presence, mercy, and guidance in the lives of His people.

American Standard Version

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.
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