Exodus 39:35

KJV

The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,

KJV (with Strong's)

The ark {H727} of the testimony {H5715}, and the staves {H905} thereof, and the mercy seat {H3727},

Complete Jewish Bible

the ark for the testimony, its poles and the ark-cover;

Berean Standard Bible

the ark of the Testimony with its poles and the mercy seat;

American Standard Version

the ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy-seat;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:35 stands as a precise inventory entry within the meticulous account of the Tabernacle's completion, signifying the successful fabrication of its most sacred components: the Ark of the Testimony, its carrying staves, and the Mercy Seat. This verse underscores the faithful execution of God's intricate blueprint by the skilled craftsmen, marking a crucial step towards the establishment of God's dwelling presence among His people and the nation's readiness to host the Almighty. It highlights the heart of Israel's worship and the focal point of divine-human encounter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39:35 is strategically positioned within the concluding section of the book of Exodus (chapters 35-40), which meticulously details the actual construction and erection of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, thereby fulfilling the comprehensive divine commands given earlier in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - The Sabbath and Bezalel & Oholiab"). Chapter 39 specifically recounts the completion of the priestly garments and the final assembly of the sacred articles. Verses 32-34 precede this verse, describing the bringing of all the finished work of the Tabernacle to Moses, with a significant emphasis that the Israelites had "done according to all that the LORD had commanded Moses." Following this verse, [Exodus 39:36-43](/exodus/39-36-43 "Exodus 39:36-43 - Completion of Tabernacle Furnishings") continues the comprehensive list of completed items, from the table of showbread to the altars and the courtyard hangings, culminating in Moses' thorough inspection and blessing of the people for their unwavering obedience. This meticulous recounting serves as a divine audit, confirming that every intricate detail of God's instructions was faithfully executed, underscoring the paramount importance of precise obedience in matters of worship and holiness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's formative wilderness journey, a pivotal period following their miraculous liberation from Egyptian bondage and the solemn establishment of the covenant at Mount Sinai. God's command to build a portable sanctuary, as detailed in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and its Furnishings"), was a direct and gracious response to His profound desire to "dwell among them" ([Exodus 29:45](/exodus/29-45 "Exodus 29:45 - God's Desire to Dwell Among Israel")). The Tabernacle, therefore, transcended being merely a building; it was a tangible, mobile symbol of God's covenant presence, His guiding hand, and His protective care in the midst of a nomadic people. The Ark of the Testimony and the Mercy Seat, as the most sacred elements housed within the Tabernacle's Most Holy Place, represented the very throne of God and the designated place of atonement, serving as the physical nexus between the holy God and His redeemed, yet inherently sinful, people. The exhaustive instructions and their faithful execution reflect the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine temples as microcosms of the heavenly realm, where the deity's presence was manifested, and where precise rituals were deemed essential for maintaining cosmic order and securing divine favor.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, by highlighting the completion of the Ark and Mercy Seat, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Exodus. Foremost is the theme of **God's Presence and Dwelling** among His people, a central motif from [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Let Them Make Me a Sanctuary") onward, where the Tabernacle is explicitly designed as a place for God to reside. The Ark, being God's "footstool" and the Mercy Seat, His "throne," embody this immanence. Closely related is the theme of **Holiness**, as the extreme sacredness of these objects, requiring specific handling and placement, underscores God's absolute purity and the reverence due to Him. The Mercy Seat, specifically, introduces the profound theme of **Atonement and Propitiation**, foreshadowing the means by which a holy God can relate to a sinful people. Finally, the meticulous completion of these items, as commanded, reinforces the theme of **Obedience to Divine Instruction**, a recurring emphasis throughout the Tabernacle narrative, demonstrating Israel's faithfulness to the covenant established at Sinai.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ark (Hebrew, _ʼârôwn_):** This term, derived from a root suggesting "gathering" or "collecting," refers to a box or chest. In this specific context, it denotes the sacred chest, meticulously overlaid with pure gold, designed to contain the tablets of the Law, also known as the "testimony." Its construction and contents made it the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's covenant presence and serving as the foundational physical representation of His relationship with Israel.
* **Testimony (Hebrew, _ʻêdûwth_):** Derived from a root meaning "to bear witness," this feminine noun refers specifically to the two tablets of stone inscribed with the Ten Commandments. These commandments served as God's direct witness to His covenant with Israel, outlining their obligations and His expectations for their conduct. The Ark was therefore called the "Ark of the Testimony" because it housed this foundational witness of God's covenant and His divine will.
* **Mercy Seat (Hebrew, _kappôreth_):** This term, derived from the verb _kaphar_ (meaning "to cover," "to atone," or "to make propitiation"), refers to the solid gold lid that covered the sacred Ark. It was not merely a functional cover but the specific place where the high priest would sprinkle blood on the Day of Atonement, making expiation for the sins of the people. It represented the sacred space where God's justice and mercy converged, where sin was "covered" or "atoned for," enabling His holy presence to remain among His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The ark of the testimony":** This phrase identifies the most central and sacred piece of the Tabernacle's furnishings. It was a gold-covered wooden chest, approximately 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high, designed specifically to hold the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 25:16](/exodus/25-16 "Exodus 25:16 - Contents of the Ark")). Its presence signified God's covenant relationship with Israel and His dwelling among them, serving as a visible and constant reminder of His law and His active presence.
* **"and the staves thereof":** These were long poles, crafted from acacia wood and overlaid with gold, which were inserted through rings permanently attached to the sides of the Ark ([Exodus 25:13-15](/exodus/25-13-15 "Exodus 25:13-15 - Staves for the Ark")). Their essential purpose was to allow the Ark to be carried by the Levites without being touched directly, emphasizing its extreme holiness and underscoring the mobility of God's presence as Israel journeyed through the wilderness. The divine command that these staves were never to be removed underscored the perpetual readiness of the Ark for movement and its sacred, untouchable nature.
* **"and the mercy seat":** This refers to the solid gold lid that rested securely on top of the Ark of the Testimony. It was intricately crafted with two cherubim, hammered out of the same piece of gold, facing each other with their wings majestically spread over the Mercy Seat ([Exodus 25:17-22](/exodus/25-17-22 "Exodus 25:17-22 - The Mercy Seat and Cherubim")). This was the most holy spot in the entire Tabernacle, the very place where God promised to meet with Moses and speak to him "from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim." More profoundly, it was the focal point for the annual Day of Atonement rituals, where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sin offering to make propitiation for the sins of the entire nation ([Leviticus 16:14-15](/leviticus/16-14-15 "Leviticus 16:14-15 - Day of Atonement Ritual")).

#### Literary Devices
The meticulous enumeration in Exodus 39:35, as part of a larger, comprehensive inventory of the Tabernacle's completed components, effectively employs **Repetition** and **Emphasis**. The detailed listing of each sacred component, echoing the earlier divine instructions given in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"), serves to reinforce the divine precision required for the Tabernacle's construction and to underscore the Israelites' faithful and obedient execution of God's commands. The very act of listing these items, particularly the most sacred ones first, beginning with the Ark and Mercy Seat, creates a sense of **Climax** or focal point, drawing the reader's attention to the spiritual heart and theological core of the Tabernacle. The Ark itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism** of God's covenant presence, His divine justice, and the foundational nature of His law, while the Mercy Seat is a profound **Symbolism** of God's boundless grace and His gracious provision for atonement. The phrase "Ark of the Testimony" also employs **Metonymy**, where "Testimony" (the tablets of the Law housed within) stands for the entire covenant relationship and the entirety of God's revealed law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:35 powerfully conveys God's profound desire to dwell intimately with His people, a foundational theological theme that permeates the entire biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation. The Ark, with its contents (the Law) and its covering (the Mercy Seat), served as the physical embodiment of God's covenant presence, His transcendent holiness, and His gracious provision for atonement. It reveals a God who, despite His absolute holiness and infinite majesty, actively seeks relationship with humanity, establishing a tangible means for His presence to be known and for the pervasive problem of sin to be addressed. The meticulous detail in its construction underscores the sacredness of His presence and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms, highlighting the interconnected themes of divine instruction, human obedience, and the foundational importance of atonement for a holy God to dwell among a sinful people. This verse is a testament to God's initiative in bridging the gap between Himself and humanity.

* [Leviticus 16:14](/leviticus/16-14 "Leviticus 16:14 - High Priest Sprinkles Blood on the Mercy Seat")
* [Hebrews 9:3-5](/hebrews/9-3-5 "Hebrews 9:3-5 - The Ark, Mercy Seat, and Cherubim in the Tabernacle")
* [1 Kings 8:6-9](/1_kings/8-6-9 "1_Kings 8:6-9 - The Ark Placed in Solomon's Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The completion of the Ark and Mercy Seat in Exodus 39:35 is far more than a mere historical or architectural detail; it is a profound theological statement about God's immutable character and His enduring, covenantal relationship with humanity. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is not distant, aloof, or unconcerned, but actively desires to be present among His people, to guide them, and to provide for their deepest needs. While the physical Tabernacle and its intricate furnishings were temporary structures, designed for a specific historical period, the spiritual truths they embodied are eternal and profoundly relevant for believers today. They invite us to reflect deeply on the nature of God's holiness, His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, and His gracious, sacrificial provision for sin. For us today, the call to reverence, meticulous obedience, and heartfelt worship remains, not in the construction of physical temples, but in the cultivation of hearts and lives that are living temples for the Holy Spirit, approaching God through the ultimate "Mercy Seat" that is Christ Jesus. Our worship, our daily lives, and our obedience should reflect the same meticulous care, devotion, and faithfulness that the Israelites demonstrated in building God's dwelling place according to His precise instructions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed construction of the Ark and Mercy Seat challenge my understanding of God's holiness and His desire for precision in worship and obedience?**
* **In what practical ways do I recognize, honor, and cultivate God's presence in my daily life, knowing that He desires to dwell intimately with His people?**
* **How does the profound concept of the "Mercy Seat" deepen my appreciation for God's gracious provision for sin and His willingness to extend boundless grace and forgiveness?**

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

Answer: The primary purpose of the Ark of the Testimony was to serve as the central, most sacred symbol of God's covenant presence among the Israelites and to house the two tablets of the Law, also known as the Ten Commandments, which were the "testimony" of God's covenant with His people. It represented the very throne of God on earth and was the focal point of Israel's worship and national identity, signifying God's active guidance, protection, and faithfulness. As the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, its presence emphasized God's holiness and the foundational nature of His law.

**Why was it called the "mercy seat"?**

Answer: The term "mercy seat" translates the Hebrew word _kappôreth_, which is derived from a root meaning "to cover" or "to atone." It was called the "mercy seat" because it was the specific place where God's mercy was extended to His people through the divinely prescribed ritual of atonement. On the annual Day of Atonement, the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sin offering directly onto and before the _kappôreth_ ([Leviticus 16:14](/leviticus/16-14 "Leviticus 16:14 - High Priest Sprinkles Blood on the Mercy Seat")). This act symbolically "covered" or "propitiated" the sins of the nation, allowing a holy God to continue dwelling among a sinful people without consuming them. Thus, it became the unique meeting place where God's justice and His mercy converged, providing forgiveness and reconciliation.

**How does this verse relate to God's presence?**

Answer: Exodus 39:35 directly relates to God's presence by highlighting the completion of the most sacred elements of the Tabernacle, which was explicitly designed as God's dwelling place among His people ([Exodus 29:45](/exodus/29-45 "Exodus 29:45 - God's Desire to Dwell Among Israel")). The Ark of the Testimony, with the Mercy Seat as its cover, was the very "throne" from which God promised to speak to Moses and meet with His people ([Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God Speaks from the Mercy Seat")). The meticulous construction of these items underscores the holiness of God's presence and the profound reverence required to approach Him. It signifies God's immanence—His willingness to be present and actively involved in the lives of His covenant people, guiding them through the wilderness and establishing a tangible, sacred connection between heaven and earth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:35, detailing the completion of the Ark and the Mercy Seat, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Ark, which housed the Law, powerfully foreshadows Christ as the perfect embodiment and living fulfillment of God's righteous requirements, for He declared that He came "not to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them" ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). More profoundly, the Mercy Seat, the designated place of propitiation and atonement, is a vivid and preeminent type of Christ Himself. Just as the high priest sprinkled blood on the Mercy Seat once a year to cover the sins of Israel, Jesus, our great High Priest, entered the true heavenly sanctuary "not with the blood of goats and calves but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption" ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Sacrifice in the Heavenly Sanctuary")). He is the ultimate _kappôreth_—the very place where God's perfect justice is eternally satisfied and His boundless mercy is poured out upon humanity. Through His singular, sacrificial death on the cross, Christ became our propitiation, the atoning sacrifice for our sins ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation"); [1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Jesus is the Propitiation for Our Sins")), covering our transgressions and enabling us to draw near to a holy God with profound confidence, for "we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus" ([Hebrews 10:19](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). The physical dwelling of God in the Tabernacle points forward to Christ, in whom "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")), making Him the ultimate, permanent, and perfect dwelling of God among humanity.

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

Hebrews 9:5

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

Exodus 25:17

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.

Hebrews 9:8

¶ The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: