This verse, Exodus 39:35, is part of a larger description of the completion and presentation of the Tabernacle and its furnishings to Moses. It specifically lists some of the most sacred objects:
"The ark of the testimony with its poles":
Ark of the Testimony: This was a sacred chest made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. Inside, it held the two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments (the "testimony"). It symbolized God's presence and law.
Its Poles: These were long poles inserted into rings on the sides of the Ark. They were used to carry the Ark, as it was considered too holy to be touched directly. The poles remained permanently in the rings.
"The mercy seat":
Mercy Seat (also called the "atonement cover" or "propitiation cover"): This was a solid gold slab that served as the lid of the Ark of the Testimony. It was considered the most holy object in the Tabernacle. Two cherubim, also made of gold, were attached to the Mercy Seat, one at each end, facing each other with wings spread upward.
On the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the high priest would sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat to atone for the sins of the people. This act symbolized God's mercy and forgiveness covering the sins of Israel.
In essence, the verse highlights the Ark of the Covenant as a central element of the Tabernacle, emphasizing:
God's Covenant: The presence of the Ten Commandments within the Ark signified the covenant (agreement) between God and the Israelites.
God's Presence: The Ark was a tangible representation of God's presence among His people.
Atonement and Mercy: The Mercy Seat served as the place where atonement was made for sin, demonstrating God's mercy and willingness to forgive.
Context in Exodus 39:
This verse is part of a detailed inventory of all the items made for the Tabernacle, following the instructions given by God earlier in the book of Exodus. It shows that the artisans had completed their work according to God's precise specifications. This act of meticulous obedience was essential for the proper functioning of the Tabernacle as a place of worship and communion with God.
This verse, Exodus 39:35, is part of a larger description of the completion and presentation of the Tabernacle and its furnishings to Moses. It specifically lists some of the most sacred objects:
"The ark of the testimony with its poles":
Ark of the Testimony: This was a sacred chest made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. Inside, it held the two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments (the "testimony"). It symbolized God's presence and law.
Its Poles: These were long poles inserted into rings on the sides of the Ark. They were used to carry the Ark, as it was considered too holy to be touched directly. The poles remained permanently in the rings.
"The mercy seat":
Mercy Seat (also called the "atonement cover" or "propitiation cover"): This was a solid gold slab that served as the lid of the Ark of the Testimony. It was considered the most holy object in the Tabernacle. Two cherubim, also made of gold, were attached to the Mercy Seat, one at each end, facing each other with wings spread upward.
On the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the high priest would sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat to atone for the sins of the people. This act symbolized God's mercy and forgiveness covering the sins of Israel.
In essence, the verse highlights the Ark of the Covenant as a central element of the Tabernacle, emphasizing:
God's Covenant: The presence of the Ten Commandments within the Ark signified the covenant (agreement) between God and the Israelites.
God's Presence: The Ark was a tangible representation of God's presence among His people.
Atonement and Mercy: The Mercy Seat served as the place where atonement was made for sin, demonstrating God's mercy and willingness to forgive.
Context in Exodus 39:
This verse is part of a detailed inventory of all the items made for the Tabernacle, following the instructions given by God earlier in the book of Exodus. It shows that the artisans had completed their work according to God's precise specifications. This act of meticulous obedience was essential for the proper functioning of the Tabernacle as a place of worship and communion with God.