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Book of Exodus - Chapter 37 - Verse 6

37:6
And he made the mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half was the length thereof, and one cubit and a half the breadth thereof.

Meaning

In this verse from the Bible, the mercy seat is described as being made of pure gold and measuring two and a half cubits in length and one and a half cubits in breadth. The mercy seat is a significant item in the tabernacle, as it is the place where the presence of God dwells and where atonement for sin is made. It serves as a symbol of God's mercy and forgiveness towards his people. The use of pure gold emphasizes the purity and holiness of God, as gold is often associated with divinity and royalty in biblical symbolism. The specific measurements of the mercy seat are also significant, as they are believed to hold symbolic meaning. Some interpretations suggest that the dimensions represent the balance between God's justice and mercy, with the length symbolizing justice and the breadth symbolizing mercy. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of the mercy seat in the tabernacle and its role in God's relationship with his people.

Theological Overview

Within the context of the book of Exodus, this verse describes the construction of the mercy seat in the Tabernacle. The mercy seat was placed on top of the Ark of the Covenant and served as a symbol of God's presence and the place where He would meet with His people. The choice of materials, in this case, pure gold, signifies the preciousness and holiness of the mercy seat. The specific measurements mentioned, two and a half cubits in length and one and a half cubits in breadth, were carefully prescribed by God to ensure that the mercy seat was made according to His instructions. The mercy seat, therefore, serves as a physical representation of God's mercy and grace towards His people, as it was here that atonement for sin would be made by the high priest on the Day of Atonement. This verse underscores the significance of the mercy seat in the worship and relationship between God and His people in the Old Testament.

American Standard Version

And he made a mercy-seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half [was] the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof.
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