Exodus 35:12

The ark, and the staves thereof, [with] the mercy seat, and the vail of the covering,

The ark {H727}, and the staves {H905} thereof, with the mercy seat {H3727}, and the vail {H6532} of the covering {H4539},

the ark with its poles, ark-cover and the curtain to screen it;

the ark with its poles and mercy seat, and the veil to shield it;

the ark, and the staves thereof, the mercy-seat, and the veil of the screen;

Commentary

Exodus 35:12 is part of Moses' reiteration of God's instructions to the Israelites regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence would dwell among His people in the wilderness. This verse specifically lists key components of the most sacred object within the Tabernacle: the Ark of the Covenant.

Context

Following the giving of the Ten Commandments and the covenant at Mount Sinai, God provided Moses with meticulous blueprints for building the Tabernacle and its furnishings (starting in Exodus 25). In Chapter 35, Moses convenes the congregation to present these divine commands, calling for skilled artisans and freewill offerings from the people. Verse 12 details the Ark of the Covenant, its carrying poles, its lid (the mercy seat), and the curtain that separated it from the rest of the Tabernacle.

Key Themes

  • Divine Design and Obedience: The verse underscores the precise nature of God's instructions for worship and the importance of the Israelites' faithful execution of His commands. Every detail of the Tabernacle had symbolic significance.
  • God's Presence and Accessibility: The Ark symbolized God's dwelling among His people. While awe-inspiring, the Tabernacle structure also provided a defined, if limited, means for humanity to approach a holy God.
  • Atonement and Mercy: The "mercy seat" (Hebrew: kapporeth) was the lid of the Ark, where the high priest would sprinkle blood on the Day of Atonement. This act ritually covered the sins of the people, signifying God's provision of mercy and forgiveness.
  • Holiness and Separation: The "vail of the covering" (Hebrew: parokhet) was a thick curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies), where the Ark resided. This barrier emphasized God's absolute holiness and the separation between a sinful humanity and a perfect God.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "mercy seat" comes from the Hebrew word kapporeth (כַּפֹּרֶת), which is closely related to kaphar (כָּפַר), meaning "to cover" or "to atone." This highlights its function as the place of atonement and reconciliation.
  • The "vail" is parokhet (פָּרֹכֶת), a heavy curtain designed to restrict access to the Most Holy Place, underscoring the sacredness of God's direct presence.
  • The "staves" (Hebrew: badim) were poles permanently inserted through rings on the Ark, signifying that the Ark was always ready to be transported, reflecting the Israelites' transient journey and God's mobile presence with them.

Reflection and Application

Exodus 35:12, though detailing ancient artifacts, carries profound spiritual lessons. The Ark, with its contents (the Law, manna, Aaron's rod), symbolized God's justice, provision, and authority. The mercy seat pointed forward to the ultimate act of atonement provided by Jesus Christ. The tearing of the temple veil at Christ's crucifixion (Hebrews 10:20) signified that through His sacrifice, direct access to God's presence is now available to all believers, making the old ceremonial barriers obsolete. This verse reminds us of God's desire for fellowship, His provision for sin, and the ultimate fulfillment of these Old Testament types in Jesus Christ, who is our true mercy seat and the way to the Father.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 25:10

    ¶ 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.

  • Exodus 25:22

    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.

  • Exodus 26:31

    ¶ And thou shalt make a vail [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:

  • Exodus 26:33

    And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy [place] and the most holy.

  • Exodus 37:1

    ¶ And Bezaleel made the ark [of] shittim wood: two cubits and a half [was] the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:

  • Exodus 37:9

    And the cherubims spread out [their] wings on high, [and] covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; [even] to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims.

  • Exodus 36:35

    ¶ And he made a vail [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: [with] cherubims made he it of cunning work.
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