The Tabernacle
of Moses
Lesson 2 -- The Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat
Prepared By: Philip Harrelson
Lesson 2 -- The Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat
The Tabernacle of Moses
Exodus 25:10-22 KJV And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall
be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the
height thereof. [11] And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou
overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about. [12] And thou shalt cast four
rings of gold for it, and put them in the four corners thereof; and two rings shall be in the one
side of it, and two rings in the other side of it. [13] And thou shalt make staves of shittim wood,
and overlay them with gold. [14] And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the
ark, that the ark may be borne with them. [15] The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: they
shall not be taken from it. [16] And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give
thee. [17] And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the
length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof. [18] And thou shalt make two
cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
[19] And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the
mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. [20] And the cherubims shall
stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall
look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be. [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. [22] And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above
the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all
things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.
I.
THE PROGRESSIVE ORDER OF THE TABERNACLE
The Tabernacle has a progressive order to it which very much follows in the same plan
that God had for creation and even for His plan for the true apostolic Church. Our relationship
with God must always be progressive in its nature particularly that of spiritual maturity.
This is a New Testament pattern which indicates that the Church and the saints are not a
static body but rather one that is moving forward, dynamic, living, and powerful. It is the will of
God for every saint to have spiritual growth and maturity taking place in their lives. Both
apostles, Paul and Peter, clearly stipulated this in their epistles to the saints.
Ephesians 1:15-19 KJV Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and
love unto all the saints, [16] Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my
prayers; [17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the
spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: [18] The eyes of your understanding
being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the
glory of his inheritance in the saints, [19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to
us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Ephesians 3:1-5 KJV For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, [2]
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: [3]
How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, [4]
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) [5] Which
in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy
apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
1 Corinthians 2:10-14 KJV But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit
searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. [11] For what man knoweth the things of a
man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the
Spirit of God. [12] Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of
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Philip Harrelson
[email protected]
Barnabas Notes
www.barnabas14blog.blogspot.com
Lesson 2 -- The Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat
The Tabernacle of Moses
God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. [13] Which things also
we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth;
comparing spiritual things with spiritual. [14] But the natural man receiveth not the things of
the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are
spiritually discerned.
2 Peter 1:3-12 KJV According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain
unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
[4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might
be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through
lust. [5] And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
[6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; [7]
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. [8] For if these things
be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot
see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. [10] Wherefore the
rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things,
ye shall never fall: [11] For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the
everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. [12] Wherefore I will not be
negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be
established in the present truth.
Ephesians 4:13-15 KJV Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the
Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: [14]
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of
doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; [15]
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even
Christ:
Having noted through these passages the importance of our growth through a
progressive aspect of the Spirit, one can see the progress of the Tabernacle’s order. This is also
very meaningful as God, through His Word, indicates that the Ark of the Covenant has the
highest priority of all. Also playing a prominent role in the sense of atonement and worship
were the contents of the Ark; the pot of manna, the tables of Law, and Aaron’s rod that budded.
The Ark is the first piece of sacred furniture mentioned in Exodus 25, but it is actually
the last thing that the priest would encounter in the Tabernacle but God determined that it
would be the first thing that was built. Generally speaking, this is the pattern that comes to our
lives in spiritual growth. One may see the highest rung on the ladder, so to speak, but the fact
remains that there may be a number of tests and trials to go through to encounter it.
The layout of the Tabernacle is as follows:
•
•
•
•
The Brazen Altar—Sin was judged and put away by the blood.
The Brazen Laver—Purification was effected with the work of the water.
The Holy Place—Provision for prayer, food, and illumination.
The Holy of Holies—Housed the glory of God.
Even the order of the holy vessels proved to have an escalating value.
•
•
Outer Court—Wood and Brass.
Holy Place—Wood and Gold.
3
Philip Harrelson
[email protected]
Barnabas Notes
www.barnabas14blog.blogspot.com
Lesson 2 -- The Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat
•
The Tabernacle of Moses
Holy of Holies—Wood and Gold.
The same precedence was true with the hangings. They grew richer in design as one
progressed with the inner veil being the most costly and elaborate.
The lighting also has the same pattern of progressive order.
•
•
•
Outer Court—Natural Light.
Holy Place—Light came from the golden candlesticks.
Holy of Holies—The light radiated from the shekinah, which is the glory of God.
The summation could rest in this; from the outer court to the Holy of Holies we have the
path from sin to purification. It is the work of God in showing how that grace ultimately ushers
in great glory. The fact that the Ark was in the Holy of Holies all alone sets that precedent that
God has determined that when the priest came into His presence that all of the other vessels and
ministry of the Tabernacle were subordinate to where the presence of God existed.
The order that Moses lists beginning in Exodus 25 is from interior to exterior. It should
be noted that there is the absence of the Altar of Incense and the Brazen Laver.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Ark of the Covenant—25:10
The Mercy Seat as its covering—25:17
The Table of Shewbread—25:23
The Golden Candlesticks—25:31
The Curtain—26:1
The Boards—26:15
The Separating Veil—26:31
The Brazen Altar—27:1
The Hangings—27:9
To some measure these will be covered throughout this particular study.
II.
THE ARK OF THE COVENANT AND THE MERCY SEAT
The Ark of the Covenant speaks of the ultimate security of the saint in the judgment and
a refuge from the storms of life (Psalm 91:1-3; 57:1; 27:5; 61:4; 63:7).
There are three distinct Arks that are listed in Scripture and all of them carry some
theme of preservation. But it must be addressed that with this evident aspect of preservation,
there was a contributing factor of obedience involved. Each Ark was built specifically in a
unique way that was directed by God and it served to preserve Noah, Moses, and the children of
Israel.
•
•
•
The Ark of Noah—Genesis 6:13-9:18—Made of gopher wood, pitched on the inside and outside.
Preserved the animals and eight souls from the water of judgment and death (1 Peter 3:20). It was
weatherproof and storm-proof. No storm could harm those in the Ark of Noah because they were shut in by
God and shut in with God.
The Ark of Moses—Exodus 2:3-6—Made of reeds and was pitched on the inside and outside. It preserved
the baby Moses from the judgment of death from the Pharoah. The Hebrew word for “pitch” in these two
arks is “kaphar.” It is also the OT word used for atonement.
The Ark of the Covenant—Exodus 25:10-22—Made with acacia wood, “pitched” on the inside and outside
with gold.
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Philip Harrelson
[email protected]
Barnabas Notes
www.barnabas14blog.blogspot.com
Lesson 2 -- The Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat
The Tabernacle of Moses
It is also noteworthy that all three of these arks had passage through water. Noah’s Ark
went through the judgment of the flood. Moses’ Ark went through the waters of death on the
River Nile. The Ark of the Covenant went through the waters of the Red Sea and Jordan into the
land of promise. This was also the water of death to the Egyptians. It is important to notice the
relationship of the Ark with water (Mark 16:16; John 3:3-5).
There are also a number of different names by which the Ark of the Covenant was
referred to throughout the Old Testament.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Ark of the Testimony—Exodus 25:22.
The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord—Numbers 10:33.
The Ark of the Lord God—1 Kings 2:26.
The Ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth—Joshua 3:13.
The Ark of God—1 Samuel 3:3.
The Holy Ark—2 Chronicles 35:3.
The Ark of Thy Strength—Psalm 132:8
The Ark of the Covenant of God—Judges 20:27.
The Ark of the Lord—Joshua 3:6.
The Ark of God the God of Israel—1 Samuel 5:7.
The Ark of Acacia Wood—Exodus 25:10.
A. It’s Dimensions and Design
To get an idea of the exact size of the Ark one would note the following measurements. It
would be 3 ¾ feet long, 2 ¼ feet wide, and 2 ¼ feet tall. By describing it as a “box” may help to
gain the idea of the Ark. The Ark establishes the necessity of being “kept” as opposed to the idea
of things being placed on the Table. Nothing is hidden on a table but in the Ark (being a “box”)
it had the ability to keep the contents that were placed in it.
It was also made out of acacia wood which is very important in that it was considered
“incorruptible” wood. The “incorruptible” nature of this wood speaks of the fact that Jesus was
sinless and perfect and there was no guile found within him. It was very hard and durable. All
of the aspects of His deity were represented in the wood. This is reflective of the human
emotions that were displayed by the Lord during His earthly ministry.
Hebrews 5:7 KJV Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and
supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and
was heard in that he feared;
Isaiah 53:3 KJV He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with
grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Isaiah 53:11 KJV He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his
knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
The wood typified the humanity of the Lord. All of the weaknesses and strengths can be
displayed in the wood.
Isaiah 53:2 KJV For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry
ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we
should desire him.
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Philip Harrelson
[email protected]
Barnabas Notes
www.barnabas14blog.blogspot.com
Lesson 2 -- The Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat
The Tabernacle of Moses
The acacia tree was the only tree of any real size that could grow in the desert and
actually thrive in the dry soil. Characteristically it had very long, sharp thorns and there was a
gum-like resin that could be removed from the tree. It would be pierced at night and harvesters
would collect the resin and use it for medicinal purposes. This tree had healing properties in it
and much can be made of this. All of these things point to the work of Jesus Christ. He was One
who was in a dry and thirsty land and still had the ability to sustain Himself through constant
communion with God.
To take it further, He is now crowned with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5; Hebrews 2:9) but
when He appeared on the earth the only crown He received was one of thorns. Then He was
pierced in the blackest of days and when blood and water flowed from His side, it became a balm
to heal the troubled soul and sickened conscience of man.
There is an important type made in the understanding of the wood. Wood in the
Tabernacle is symbolic of humanity of Jesus Christ. The wood chest was made and then it was
overlaid with gold. There was one Ark but with two materials, wood and gold. This speaks of
the dual nature of Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 3:16 speaks of God being manifested in the flesh thus
indicating to us that were two natures in Jesus Christ. There was the fleshly aspect, referred to
as the Son of man, and then the divine aspect, referred to as the Son of God. Hebrews 1 and 2
both deal with this aspect of the dual nature of Christ. Hebrews 1 is concerned with the divine
nature while Hebrews 2 is concerned with the humanity of Christ.
Matthew 1:21-23 KJV And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins. [22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, [23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child,
and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is,
God with us.
Isaiah 7:14 KJV Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall
conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isaiah 9:6 KJV For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall
be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The
everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
John 1:14 KJV And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
The Ark was made of acacia wood and then it was overlaid with gold. Gold has always
been a symbol of deity. Not only was the gold present on the Ark (Mercy Seat, cherubim, blood
bowl, and staves), it was also found in various places in the Tabernacle. In the Sanctuary, it was
present on the boards, bars, rings, hooks, taches, pillars, dishes, covers, spoons, bowls, tongs,
and snuffers. It covered the Table of Shewbread along with its staves. It was in the Altar of
Incense along with its staves also. It formed the Golden Candlestick.
The only people who saw the gold were the members of the priesthood. Furthermore,
the only people who had gold on them were the priests. It was on the ephod, ouches,
breastplate, bells, and chains. It is not a mistake that Peter would write in his epistle about the
church being a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Only those who are in right relationship with God
can be expected to see the gold (the deity of God) or have the right to wear the garments of
distinction of having a relationship with God.
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Philip Harrelson
[email protected]
Barnabas Notes
www.barnabas14blog.blogspot.com
Lesson 2 -- The Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat
The Tabernacle of Moses
The gold was within and without the Ark. The gold being the most valuable aspect of
metals of the earth shows that God placed great value on His own majesty, righteousness and
truth because this is where His presence would dwell. In the book of Revelation, there are many
references to gold being in heaven (Revelation 4:4; 5:8; 8:3; 9:13; 14:14; 15:6-7; 21:15; 21:18;
21:21) being representative of all of God’s greatest attributes.
B. Doctrinal Elements of the Ark of the Covenant
Perhaps the most important doctrinal aspect of the Ark is that of the dual nature of Jesus
Christ; the wood equivalent with His humanity and gold equivalent with His deity.
As a Man, Jesus:
Was born a baby (Luke 2:7)
The Dual Nature of Jesus Christ
But as God, He:
Existed from eternity (Micah 5:2; John 1:1-2)
Grew mentally, physically, spiritually, socially
Spiritually, socially (Luke 2:52)
Never changes (Hebrews 13:8)
Was tempted by the devil (Luke 4:2)
Cast out devils (Matthew 12:28)
Hungered (Matthew 4:2)
Was the Bread of Life (John 6:35) and
miraculously fed multitudes (Mark 6:38-44; 52)
Thirsted (John 19:28)
Gave living water (John 4:14)
Grew weary (John 4:6)
Gave rest (Matthew 11:28)
Slept in a storm (Mark 4:38)
Calmed the storm (Mark 4:39-41)
Prayed (Luke 22:41)
Answered prayer (John 14:14)
Was scourged and beaten (John 19:1-3)
Healed the sick (Matthew 8:16-17; 1 Peter 2:24)
Died (Mark 15:37)
Was a sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:10-12)
Raised His own body from the dead (John 2:19-21;
20:9)
Forgave sin (Mark 2:5-7)
Did not know all things (Mark 13:32)
Knew all things (John 21:17)
Had no power (John 5:30)
Had all power (Matthew 28:18; Colossians 2:10)
Was inferior to God (John 14:28)
Was equal to God—was God (John 5:18)
Was a servant (Philippians 2:7-8)
Was King of kings (Revelation 19:16)
We can resolve most questions about the Godhead if we properly understand the dual nature of Jesus.
When we read a statement about Jesus we must determine if it describes Jesus as a man or as God.
Moreover, whenever Jesus speaks in Scripture we must determine whether He is speaking as man or
as God.
David Bernard, The Oneness of God, pp. 86-87.
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Philip Harrelson
[email protected]
Barnabas Notes
www.barnabas14blog.blogspot.com