Exodus 25:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt make {H6213} a mercy seat {H3727} of pure {H2889} gold {H2091}: two cubits {H520} and a half {H2677} shall be the length {H753} thereof, and a cubit {H520} and a half {H2677} the breadth {H7341} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are to make a cover for the ark out of pure gold; it is to be three-and-three-quarters feet long and two-and-a-quarter feet high.

Berean Standard Bible

And you are to construct a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 25:17 introduces God's precise instructions to Moses for the construction of the mercy seat, a pivotal component of the Ark of the Covenant within the Tabernacle. This sacred object was to be meticulously crafted from pure gold, with exact dimensions of two and a half cubits in length and one and a half cubits in breadth. Far more than a mere lid, the mercy seat was divinely designated as the very place where God would manifest His holy presence and where the annual atonement for Israel's sins would be accomplished, serving as the focal point of divine encounter and propitiation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 25 marks a significant transition in the book, shifting from the narrative of Israel's liberation from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai to the detailed divine blueprint for the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings. Following the establishment of the covenant at Sinai, culminating in the giving of the Ten Commandments and the covenant ratification in [Exodus 19-24](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19-24 - The Giving of the Law and Covenant"), God immediately commands the building of a sanctuary (cf. [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to Build a Sanctuary")) where He might dwell intimately among His redeemed people. Verses [Exodus 25:10-22](/exodus/25-10-22 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Instructions for the Ark and Mercy Seat") specifically detail the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, of which the mercy seat is the crowning and most sacred element. The Ark itself, described in [Exodus 25:10-16](/exodus/25-10-16 "Exodus 25:10-16 - The Ark of the Covenant"), was designed to house the tablets of the Law, symbolizing God's righteous standard and covenant demands. The mercy seat, as its lid, was not merely functional but profoundly symbolic, serving as the locus of God's presence and the place where atonement would be made, thereby linking God's holy Law (within the Ark) with His gracious provision for mercy (on the mercy seat).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions for the Tabernacle were given to the Israelites while they were encamped in the wilderness, a nomadic people recently delivered from centuries of slavery in Egypt. While other ancient Near Eastern cultures had temples and cultic objects, the Tabernacle was unique in its portability, reflecting Israel's journeying status and God's dynamic, immanent presence with them. The concept of a deity dwelling among their people was not entirely foreign, but the specific, meticulously detailed divine instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, particularly for the Ark and mercy seat, set Israel's worship apart as divinely ordained rather than humanly conceived. The use of "pure gold" for such a central item underscored its immense sacredness and value, reflecting the absolute holiness and glory of the God of Israel. The precise dimensions, while seemingly mundane, were critical for ensuring that the Tabernacle and its furnishings were built exactly according to God's divine blueprint, emphasizing that worship was to be conducted on God's terms, not human invention. This attention to detail would have resonated with a people accustomed to precise craftsmanship in their former Egyptian context.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **God's Presence and Dwelling Among His People**, demonstrating His desire for intimate communion after establishing the covenant. The meticulous details underscore the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Holiness**, emphasizing that access to God is on His terms, reflecting His absolute purity and authority. Furthermore, the very nature of the mercy seat, as the "place of atonement," introduces and develops the crucial theme of **Atonement and Propitiation**, foreshadowing God's provision for dealing with human sin in a way that upholds both His justice and His mercy. This theme is central to the entire sacrificial system detailed in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Sacrifices") and culminates in the Day of Atonement rituals described in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **make (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From the primitive root H6213, this verb signifies "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In this context, it emphasizes that the mercy seat is not a human invention or a spontaneous creation, but a direct divine command to "fashion" or "construct" according to God's precise specifications. This highlights God's active role in ordaining the means of worship and atonement, ensuring that every detail is an act of obedience to His will.
* **mercy seat (Hebrew, _kappôreth'_):** Derived from H3727, this term translates the Hebrew word כַּפֹּרֶת (_kappôreth_), which comes from the verb כָּפַר (_kāpar_), meaning "to cover," "to atone," or "to make propitiation." Therefore, _kappôreth_ literally signifies "a covering" or, more profoundly, "the place of atonement/propitiation." This linguistic root highlights its primary function not merely as a "seat" where mercy is dispensed, but as the specific location where sin was covered and reconciliation achieved through a prescribed sacrificial offering, particularly on the Day of Atonement. It underscores God's provision for dealing with human sin in His holy presence.
* **pure (Hebrew, _ṭâhôwr'_):** From H2889, this adjective means "pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)." The specification "pure gold" (זָהָב טָהוֹר, _zahav tahor_) emphasizes the unparalleled sacredness and value of the mercy seat. Its purity here signifies the absolute holiness of God and the unblemished nature required for anything associated with His immediate presence. It also speaks to the enduring and incorruptible nature of God's covenant and His provision for atonement, setting it apart as uniquely consecrated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt make a mercy seat [of] pure gold:":** This opening clause issues a direct divine command to Moses, specifying both the object to be constructed and its material composition. The "mercy seat" is not a human invention but a divinely ordained instrument, central to the Tabernacle's purpose. Its composition of "pure gold" immediately elevates its status, signifying its sacredness, immense value, and the absolute holiness of the God it represents and where He will meet with His people. This material choice sets it apart from other elements of the Tabernacle, emphasizing its unique and consecrated significance.
* **"two cubits and a half [shall be] the length thereof,":** This provides the first precise dimension for the mercy seat. A cubit was an ancient unit of measure, approximately 18 inches (or 45 cm), making the length roughly 45 inches (or 112.5 cm). This exact measurement, along with the specified breadth, ensured the mercy seat would perfectly fit atop the Ark of the Covenant, forming a seamless and integral unit. The specificity underscores God's meticulous attention to detail in the design of His dwelling place and the instruments of worship, leaving no room for human estimation or deviation.
* **"and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof.":** This gives the second precise dimension, specifying the width of the mercy seat. At one and a half cubits, the breadth would be approximately 27 inches (or 67.5 cm). These dimensions precisely match the dimensions of the Ark itself ([Exodus 25:10](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10 - Dimensions of the Ark")), confirming that the mercy seat was designed to be its exact lid. The divine precision highlights God's sovereignty over every detail of worship and His desire for order, exactness, and conformity to His divine blueprint in all approaches to Him.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the mercy seat itself is a powerful symbol. Crafted from **pure gold**, it symbolizes the unblemished holiness, divine glory, and incorruptible nature of God. Its placement atop the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the Law, symbolizes the profound connection between God's righteous demands and His gracious provision for atonement, bridging the gap between divine justice and mercy. The very name "mercy seat" (Hebrew: _kapporeth_) is a powerful example of **metonymy**, where the "place of atonement" stands in for the act of atonement itself, emphasizing its functional and theological significance. Furthermore, the meticulous specification of dimensions ("two cubits and a half... and a cubit and a half") demonstrates God's **precision** and **intentionality** in His divine instructions, underscoring that every detail of His worship and presence is divinely ordained and purposeful, leaving no room for human improvisation or approximation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The mercy seat stands as a profound theological symbol, revealing crucial aspects of God's character and His redemptive plan for humanity. It signifies that while God is utterly holy and righteous, demanding justice for sin (represented by the Law within the Ark), He is also infinitely merciful and Himself provides the means for atonement. The annual sprinkling of blood on the mercy seat on the Day of Atonement demonstrated that sin required a covering, a propitiation, and that God Himself initiated and provided this means for forgiveness. This Old Testament ritual powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice that would fully satisfy God's justice and extend His mercy to all who believe, establishing the pattern for divine-human reconciliation.

* [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "God's Promise to Meet from the Mercy Seat")
* [Leviticus 16:14-15](/leviticus/16-14-15 "Day of Atonement Ritual on the Mercy Seat")
* [Hebrews 9:5](/hebrews/9-5 "The Cherubim and the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine blueprint for the mercy seat in Exodus 25:17 offers a compelling invitation to reflect deeply on the nature of God and our access to Him. It reminds us that our holy God cannot be approached casually or on our own terms; He Himself provides the only acceptable way. The meticulous detail of its construction, from pure gold to precise dimensions, speaks to the perfection, completeness, and divine origin of God's provision for our sin. We are called to recognize that the need for atonement is not a human invention but a divine reality, and that God, in His boundless love and wisdom, has always purposed to bridge the chasm created by sin. This understanding should cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for His grace, a profound reverence for His holiness, and a humble submission to His prescribed ways of worship and reconciliation. It encourages us to trust in God's perfect plan for redemption, knowing that He has meticulously prepared the path for us to draw near.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of the "mercy seat" challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and mercy, particularly in light of His holiness?**
* **In what ways does the meticulous design of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, like the mercy seat, speak to God's character and His expectations for our worship and approach to Him?**
* **Considering the mercy seat as the Old Testament place of atonement, how does this truth deepen your appreciation for the New Testament reality of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "pure gold" used for the mercy seat?**

Answer: The use of "pure gold" (Hebrew: _zahav tahor_) for the mercy seat is profoundly significant. Gold, in biblical symbolism, consistently represents divinity, royalty, purity, and enduring value. By specifying "pure gold," God emphasized the absolute holiness and unblemished nature of His presence and the sacredness of the place where He would meet with His people. It underscored the preciousness and incorruptibility of His covenant and His provision for atonement, setting this object apart as uniquely consecrated to Him. This choice of material also speaks to the enduring and perfect nature of the salvation that would ultimately be provided through Christ, who is without blemish or spot.

**How does the mercy seat relate to the Ark of the Covenant?**

Answer: The mercy seat served as the lid, or covering, for the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark itself, described in [Exodus 25:10-16](/exodus/25-10-16 "The Ark of the Covenant"), was a sacred chest containing the tablets of the Law (the Ten Commandments), a pot of manna, and Aaron's budding rod. While the Ark represented God's covenant, His righteous demands, and His divine presence, the mercy seat above it was the specific place where God's glory would manifest (cf. [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "God's Promise to Meet from the Mercy Seat")) and where atonement for the nation's sins would occur annually on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "The Day of Atonement")). Thus, the mercy seat symbolically bridged the gap between God's holy Law and His gracious provision for forgiveness, demonstrating that mercy triumphs over judgment through a divinely appointed means.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The mercy seat of Exodus 25:17 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Greek word _hilasterion_ (ἱλαστήριον), which is used in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) to translate _kapporeth_ (mercy seat), is powerfully applied to Christ in the New Testament. In [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Christ as Propitiation"), Paul declares that God presented Jesus as a "propitiation" (or "mercy seat") by His blood, to be received by faith. This profound theological truth means that Christ Himself is the ultimate "place of atonement," where God's righteous wrath against sin was fully satisfied through His sacrificial death, and His boundless mercy was poured out upon humanity. Just as the High Priest sprinkled blood on the Old Testament mercy seat to cover the sins of the people, Christ, through His own perfect and sinless blood shed on the cross, has provided a once-for-all, eternal atonement for humanity's sin, rendering the old ritual obsolete (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Because of His finished work, believers can now "come boldly unto the throne of grace" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")), knowing that access to God's presence and His abundant mercy is freely and eternally available through the Lamb of God, who is our true and living mercy seat ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He is the perfect meeting place between a holy God and sinful humanity, embodying both divine justice and divine love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 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.

Hebrews 9:5

And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

Romans 3:25

Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Exodus 40:20

And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:

Leviticus 16:12

And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring [it] within the vail:

Leviticus 16:15

¶ Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that [is] for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:

1 Chronicles 28:11

¶ Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,