Exodus 35:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:12 is a foundational verse within Moses' detailed instructions to the Israelite community for the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary designed to embody God's immanent presence among His people in the wilderness. This verse meticulously lists the most sacred components of the Holy of Holies: the Ark of the Covenant, its carrying staves, the propitiatory mercy seat that covered it, and the intricately woven veil that separated this innermost sanctuary. These elements collectively symbolize God's holiness, His provision for atonement, and the sacred, yet mediated, access to His divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 35:12 is situated within the second major section of the book of Exodus (chapters 25-40), which meticulously details the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Following the giving of the Ten Commandments and the establishment of the covenant at Mount Sinai, God provided Moses with precise architectural plans for His dwelling place among His people (beginning in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")). Chapter 35 marks a crucial transition where Moses convenes the entire congregation of Israel to relay these divine commands directly, calling for both freewill offerings and skilled artisans to undertake this monumental task (see [Exodus 35:4-19](/exodus/35-4-19 "Exodus 35:4-19 - Call for Offerings and Workers")). Verse 12 specifically lists the most holy items required for the innermost sanctuary, emphasizing the divine origin and the meticulous nature of every component of the Tabernacle. This reiteration ensures clarity and collective understanding of the sacred project, preparing the people for their active participation in its construction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in Israel's history, they are a newly liberated nation, having recently been delivered from centuries of Egyptian bondage. They are encamped at the base of Mount Sinai, where they have entered into a covenant relationship with Yahweh. The construction of the Tabernacle was paramount for their identity and journey through the wilderness. In a world dominated by polytheistic cultures with their own temples and idols, the Tabernacle provided Israel with a unique, portable sanctuary that visibly manifested the presence of their one true God. It served as the central point of their worship, instruction, and national identity, distinguishing them from surrounding nations. The components listed in [Exodus 35:12](/exodus/35-12 "Exodus 35:12 - Components of the Holy of Holies"), particularly the Ark and Mercy Seat, were entirely unique to Israel's covenant with God, embodying His law, grace, and the regulated means by which a holy God could dwell among an unholy people. This portable sanctuary underscored their nomadic status and God's faithful presence accompanying them on their journey.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 35:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Presence (Immanence)**, as the Tabernacle was designed as God's dwelling place among His people, a tangible sign that Yahweh was truly "God with us" (cf. [Exodus 29:45-46](/exodus/29-45-46 "Exodus 29:45-46 - God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel")). Closely related is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasized by the meticulous instructions for the sacred objects and the separation of the Holy of Holies by the veil, underscoring God's absolute purity and His demand for holiness from His people (cf. [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). The mention of the mercy seat introduces the critical theme of **Atonement and Propitiation**, highlighting God's gracious provision for covering sin and reconciling a sinful humanity to Himself through prescribed rituals (cf. [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")). Finally, the verse subtly points to the theme of **Mediated Access**, as the veil and the specific components of the Holy of Holies indicate that access to God's immediate presence was restricted and required specific divine protocols, foreshadowing a greater, unmediated access to come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ark (Hebrew, _ʼârôwn'_):** The "ark" (H727, אָרֹן, _ʼârôwn_) refers to the Ark of the Covenant, a box or chest. It was the most sacred piece of furniture in the Tabernacle, a gold-covered wooden chest designed to contain the tablets of the Law (the Ten Commandments). Its primary function was to symbolize God's covenant presence among His people, serving as a throne for the invisible God, from which He would communicate with Moses (as promised in [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Promise to Speak from the Mercy Seat")).
* **Mercy Seat (Hebrew, _kappôreth'_):** The "mercy seat" (H3727, כַּפֹּרֶת, _kappôreth_) was a lid, specifically the solid gold cover of the sacred Ark. Its name is derived from the verb _kaphar_ (כָּפַר), meaning "to cover" or "to atone." This term is foundational to understanding the concept of atonement in the Old Testament. On the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the high priest would sprinkle blood upon the mercy seat, ritually covering the sins of the people and symbolizing God's gracious provision for forgiveness and reconciliation (as detailed in [Leviticus 16:14-15](/leviticus/16-14-15 "Leviticus 16:14-15 - Blood Sprinkling on the Mercy Seat")).
* **Vail (Hebrew, _pôreketh'_):** The "vail" (H6532, פָּרֹכֶת, _pôreketh_) refers to a separatrix or sacred screen. It was a thick, intricately woven curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), where the Ark of the Covenant resided. Its purpose was to signify the absolute holiness of God and the necessary separation between a sinful humanity and a perfect God, allowing access to His immediate presence only to the high priest, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (as commanded in [Exodus 26:33-34](/exodus/26-33-34 "Exodus 26:33-34 - The Veil and the Most Holy Place")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The ark, and the staves thereof":** This phrase refers to the Ark of the Covenant, the sacred chest, along with the two long poles (staves) made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. These staves were permanently inserted through rings on the Ark, signifying that the Ark was always ready for transport, reflecting Israel's nomadic journey and God's mobile presence accompanying His people through the wilderness. The Ark itself contained the tablets of the Covenant, underscoring God's law and His covenant relationship with Israel. The staves (H905, _bad_) are specifically bars for carrying, emphasizing its portability.
* **"[with] the mercy seat":** The mercy seat was the solid gold lid that rested atop the Ark. More than just a cover (H4539, _mâçâk_), it was the central point of atonement. It was here, between the cherubim whose wings overshadowed it, that God promised to meet with Moses and speak to him (as stated in [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Promise to Speak from the Mercy Seat")). Its name, _kappôreth_, intrinsically links it to the concept of covering sin and propitiation, making it the focal point of God's grace and forgiveness within the Old Covenant system.
* **"and the vail of the covering":** This describes the heavy, ornate curtain that served as a barrier, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies). The veil's function was to guard the sanctity of God's immediate presence, emphasizing His unapproachable holiness to a sinful humanity. Only the High Priest, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, was permitted to pass beyond this veil, highlighting the limited and mediated access to God under the Old Covenant. The "vail" (H6532, _pôreketh_) is a separatrix, and the "covering" (H4539, _mâçâk_) further emphasizes its function as a curtain or hanging.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 35:12, though a simple enumeration, is profoundly rich in **Symbolism**. Each item listed—the Ark, the mercy seat, and the veil—serves as a powerful representation of theological truths. The **Ark of the Covenant** symbolizes God's immanent presence among His people, His covenant faithfulness, and the authority of His divine law. The **mercy seat** functions as the preeminent symbol of **atonement** and **propitiation**, the designated place where God's wrath against sin was appeased through the shedding of blood, making reconciliation possible. The **veil** powerfully symbolizes God's absolute **holiness** and the necessary **separation** between a perfectly righteous God and a sinful humanity, while simultaneously hinting at a mediated access. Furthermore, the very act of listing these components, which were meticulously detailed earlier in the book (e.g., [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions")), employs **Repetition** as a rhetorical device. This repetition serves to reinforce the divine origin and precise nature of these instructions, underscoring their critical importance for the Israelites' worship and their relationship with Yahweh. The meticulous detail itself can be seen as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the sacredness and precision required for God's dwelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The elements enumerated in Exodus 35:12—the Ark, mercy seat, and veil—are central to Old Testament theology, embodying profound truths about God's character, His desire for fellowship, His holiness, and His provision for sin. The Ark represents God's dwelling among His people, a tangible sign of His covenant faithfulness and authority. The mercy seat, the _kappôret_, is the very heart of the Old Covenant system of atonement, pointing to the necessity of a blood sacrifice to cover sin and allow a holy God to dwell among an unholy people. The veil underscores the awesome holiness of God, emphasizing that direct access to Him was restricted and mediated, foreshadowing a greater access to come. These themes of divine presence, propitiation, and sacred separation are foundational to understanding God's character and His unfolding plan of salvation throughout redemptive history, revealing a God who is both transcendent in His holiness and immanent in His desire to dwell with His people.

* [Exodus 25:17-22](/exodus/25-17-22 "Exodus 25:17-22 - Instructions for the Mercy Seat")
* [Leviticus 16:1-19](/leviticus/16-1-19 "Leviticus 16:1-19 - The Day of Atonement Rituals")
* [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1-10 "Hebrews 9:1-10 - Description of the Earthly Sanctuary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 35:12, while detailing ancient sacred objects, offers timeless insights into the nature of God and our relationship with Him. The meticulous divine design of the Tabernacle and its furnishings underscores God's intentionality and His desire for humanity to approach Him on His terms. It reminds us that true worship is not arbitrary but is rooted in God's revelation of Himself. The Ark and mercy seat remind us of God's presence, His justice, and His profound grace in providing a way for sin to be covered. The veil, a stark symbol of separation, should prompt us to reflect on the immense chasm between human sinfulness and divine holiness. Yet, it also points forward to the ultimate tearing of this barrier, inviting us to contemplate the radical access we now have. For believers today, these elements call us to a deeper appreciation of the finished work of Christ, who has fulfilled all these types, granting us bold access to God's presence not through ritual, but through faith in His perfect sacrifice. Our lives, therefore, should reflect the holiness and worship that these ancient symbols pointed toward, living as a people indwelt by God's Spirit, called to walk in His ways and bear witness to His saving grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed nature of God's instructions for the Tabernacle challenge my approach to worship and obedience today?**
* **In what ways do the concepts of God's presence (Ark), atonement (Mercy Seat), and holiness (Veil) shape my understanding of God's character?**
* **How does the ultimate fulfillment of these Old Testament symbols in Christ deepen my gratitude for the access I now have to God?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the Ark of the Covenant?**

Answer: The Ark of the Covenant served multiple critical purposes. Primarily, it was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's tangible presence among His people, Israel. It was considered the "footstool" or "throne" of God, from which He would communicate with Moses (see [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Promise to Speak from the Mercy Seat")). It also housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments, signifying God's covenant law, and later, Aaron's rod and a pot of manna, serving as reminders of God's miraculous provision and authority (as mentioned in [Hebrews 9:4](/hebrews/9-4 "Hebrews 9:4 - Contents of the Ark")).

**Why was the "mercy seat" so important?**

Answer: The "mercy seat" (Hebrew: _kappôreth_) was crucially important because it was the designated place where atonement for the sins of the nation of Israel was made. On the annual Day of Atonement, the High Priest would enter the Most Holy Place and sprinkle the blood of a sacrificed animal upon the mercy seat (detailed in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")). This ritual act ritually "covered" the sins of the people, allowing a holy God to continue dwelling among a sinful people. It was the focal point of God's gracious provision for forgiveness and reconciliation under the Old Covenant, representing the very place where divine justice and divine mercy met.

**What was the significance of the "vail of the covering"?**

Answer: The "vail of the covering" (Hebrew: _parōket_) was a thick, ornate curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) within the Tabernacle. Its primary significance was to underscore the absolute holiness of God and the profound separation between a perfectly righteous God and sinful humanity. Access beyond this veil was strictly limited to the High Priest, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, emphasizing that direct, unmediated access to God's immediate presence was not yet available to the common Israelite. This barrier highlighted the need for a perfect mediator to bridge the chasm between God and humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 35:12, in its enumeration of the Ark, mercy seat, and veil, profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of these Old Testament types. The Ark, symbolizing God's presence, finds its ultimate reality in Christ, who is "God with us," Emmanuel ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")). He is the living embodiment of God's covenant and law, perfectly fulfilling its righteous demands. The mercy seat, the place of atonement, is gloriously fulfilled in Jesus, who became our true propitiation. His sacrificial death on the cross was the perfect, once-for-all blood offering that truly covers sin, satisfying divine justice and reconciling humanity to God ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation") and [1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Jesus, the Propitiation for Our Sins")). The dramatic tearing of the temple veil from top to bottom at the moment of Christ's crucifixion ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Tearing of the Temple Veil")) powerfully signified that the barrier between God and humanity had been removed. Through His flesh, which the book of Hebrews calls a "new and living way" through the veil ([Hebrews 10:20](/hebrews/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - The New and Living Way")), believers now have bold and direct access to the very presence of God in the heavenly Most Holy Place ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Thus, what was once mediated and symbolic in Exodus finds its glorious and complete reality in Christ, our Great High Priest and the Lamb of God.

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 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.