King James Version
What Does Exodus 39:35 Mean?
“The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,”
Exodus 39:35 · KJV
Context
33
And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets,
34
And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,
35
The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,
36
The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread ,
37
The pure candlestick, with the lamps thereof, even with the lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for light,
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe ark of the testimony (אֲרוֹן הָעֵדֻת, aron ha'edut) with its staves (בַּדָּיו, badav) and mercy seat (כַּפֹּרֶת, kaporet) represents God's throne. The 'testimony' (עֵדֻת, edut, i.e., the Ten Commandments) inside the ark taught that God's law stands at the center of His covenant. The mercy seat atop the law showed that mercy covers justice through atoning blood sprinkled there (Leviticus 16:14-15). This furniture prefigures Christ, who perfectly kept the law (Matthew 5:17) and became mercy for lawbreakers (Romans 3:25, hilasterion, propitiation/mercy seat).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The ark, most holy object in the tabernacle, resided in the Most Holy Place accessible only to the high priest once yearly (Yom Kippur). The staves, permanently inserted (Exodus 25:15), kept the ark ready for transport, teaching that God's presence accompanied Israel on their journey.
Reflection Questions
- How does the mercy seat covering the law teach that grace doesn't abolish but fulfills God's righteous requirements?
- What does Christ being both lawkeeper and mercy seat reveal about His unique qualification as Mediator?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsאֶת1 of 7
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת4 of 7
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּדָּ֑יו5 of 7
“and the staves”
H905properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
וְאֵ֖ת6 of 7
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃7 of 7
“thereof and the mercy seat”
H3727a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred ark)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Exodus 39:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Exodus 39:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge