Okay let’s go back and look at how the Ark was constructed. (If you haven’t done so already you need to read part one.) The construction was commanded by God. It’s dimensions were two-and-a-half cubits in length, by one-and-a-half cubits in heights, by one-and-a-half cubits in width (a cubit is about 18 inches). That is 3 ¾ feet long, 2 ¼ feet tall and 2 ¼ feet deep.
The Bible states that it was made out of shittim wood. I think that is acacia wood and I am not sure what kind of wood that is. It was plated with gold both inside and out. On the bottom of the box, four gold rings were attached, through which two poles also made of shittim wood and plated in gold. The poles were to remain in the rings at all times. The lid on the top was called the atonement cover, or "mercy seat." On top of it were two carved cherubim, with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover.
22And 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. This is from Exodus chapter 25.
I want to draw attention to the mercy seat. It is symbolic of what some people in my church call the mourner’s bench. My pastor refers to it as the mercy seat. We still have a mercy seat at the alter in my church. I believe many churches if not most used to have this in there alters. I was raised in this church and I believe that the alter with the mercy seat is a good place to go and pray. I was saved when I was kneeling at the mercy seat begging God to save me. I had to work my salvation out myself with fear and trembling. My family and members of the church prayed for me, but they couldn’t save me nor could I repeat a prayer from them that could save me. I have been in churches that the mercy seat has been removed. Why? Is it no longer needed? Do they take the person who is between life and death to a back room to counsel them into Heaven? I believe God still meets and communes with his people from above and beyond the mercy seat.
In my next post I plan to look at what was inside the ark, the penalty for touching the ark and if the possibility that the ark is still in existence.
God Bless You.
06/27/2008, 13:35
06/27/2008, 13:47
06/27/2008, 14:26
06/27/2008, 17:30
...I totally agree with you about the back room counseling. We understand each other here, then. I just thought you meant churches should all have one. If you do, that is AWESOME, as I think it is important to know history of the ark and the mercy seat; and by all means it should be used at the time one comes forward to pray!!! How beautiful! Thank you for explaining. In our church, we pray up front at the altar if one comes; we also offer to come to them, meet them where they sit, kneel or stand...
06/27/2008, 19:08
Brent, isn't the study of the ark and the mercy seat incredible?!! It thrills me! Something to think about ... As you've studied the Word (Exo 37:6-9) and looked at the drawings depicting the mercy seat of the tabernacle you've no doubt noticed the two angelic beings positioned on each end of the gold laden "mercy seat" atop the ark. Consider the words of John (20:12) describing Mary Magdalene's view as she looked into the tomb - "She saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain." Is this not a perfect rendition of the drawings you've seen of the mercy seat? An angel at each end, wings overspread, covering, watching, protecting? No longer are they watching, their faces "toward the mercy seat" - they are as Mary saw now simply sitting - the work of mercy has been accomplished! The One whom they watched over, guarded, the purveyor and Master of Mercy is no longer there - He is risen!! Awesome!!!!
06/27/2008, 20:11