The Mercy Seat

• Summary of the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:10-16) 
• Reference: F-2013-00605 (formerly F-2013-00434) Dear Dr. Rothmiller: This acknowledges receipt of your letter addressed to Mr. Mike Morrell, Acting Director, The Central Intelligence Agency, dated 8 January 2013 concerning 17 December 2012 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, received in the office of the Information and Privacy Coordinator on 17 January 2013, for any documentation and/or documents relating to The Ark of the Covenant, the item commonly known as The Holy Grail and the body of/or the man known as Jesus Christ. We have thoroughly reviewed your FOIA request F-2013-00434 and determined the following, regarding answering your question, the FOIA was enacted to provide a means for the general public to access government records. Under the provisions of the FOIA, federal agencies are not required to answer questions posed as FOIA requests. We searched our previously released records database on the exact terms you provided, The Ark of the Covenant, The Holy Grail, The body of Jesus Christ and The man known as Jesus Christ and no documents were located. A copy of each requester report is being provided to you.
• The Ark of the Covenant is a cultural icon of the truth of the OT accounts of the nation of Israel
• I was raised watching Raiders of the Lost Ark- The face melting scene at the end- 1 Sam 6:19 when 70 people were struck down because they looked in the ark. 
• In the movie- Nazis wanted it bc of power. It marched around Jericho and the walls fell down
• To many, it represents the truthfulness of the account- Where is it located? Some say Ethiopia
• Its exact location cannot be confirmed or denied. But it exists and has an impact on us. 
• It matters because the Ark and the Mercy seat point us to Jesus Christ and his sacrifice
• It matters because it shows that from the beginning, God had a plan for redemption
• Moses may not have fully understood, but God did. We look at the Ark and we can see Jesus. 
• It should embolden our faith in the God who Saves. Who always had a plan for us. 

1. The Ark:

• A chest made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, first piece of Tabernacle furniture described.
• The Ark was unique as it contained the presence of the one true God among the Israelites.
• The ark was central in worship because God’s presence was there as they worshipped
• God’s presence should be central in our worship and lives. Connected with the one true God
• 1 Cor 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
• We need the presence of God in our lives and he never intended for us to go alone. 
• Israel needed the ark to worship God- we don’t need it- We have the Spirit of God within US
• Purpose of the Ark:  was to foreshadow Christ, serving as a temporary earthly throne of God.
• This ark was central to them- reminded them of their covenant (The one they are making)
• Israel had a covenant with God that was solidified in the ark, we have a covenant in Jesus. 
• 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith
• Materials: acacia wood, very durable and resistant to decay, overlaid with gold inside and out.
• Acacia wood was common, Gold shows wealth divinity and its sacred nature. 
• The incorruptible wood and gold symbolize Christ’s perfect humanity, purity and divinity.
• Dark reddish-brown, like Christ’s Middle Eastern heritage; cant decay- JC can’t sin. 
• In our lives, we are called to reflect His incorruptible nature and become incorruptible as well
• 1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’
• Dimensions: Approximately 3′ 9″ L, 2′ 3″ W, and 2′ 3″ H, modest yet significant presence.
• We serve a precise God: In biblical numerology, the number five (seen in the Ark’s length of two and a half cubits plus two and a half cubits for width and height) is often associated with grace. The repeated use of half-cubits may suggest incompleteness or the idea that the fullness of God cannot be fully captured in human terms. God cannot be contained into a box or human throne
• The ark is not and cannot be as large as God’s presence. He can’t be measured or contained. 
• Covered with pure gold, purity, holiness, and royalty, a molding around the top like a crown.
• our lives should be marked by purity and holiness, reflecting the royalty and divinity of Christ in our character. God is holy, righteous and worthy to be praised- Not common, act like it
• 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 
• four gold rings at its corners for acacia wood poles, carried without direct contact.
• shows the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect, recognizing the holiness that separates Him from us. (He dwells in us, but we still must have reverence for him)
• Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear
• Uzzah learned this the hard way- to never touch the Ark
• King David moved the Ark to Jerusalem on a new cart, an act intended to honor God. However, this method of transport was against God’s specific instructions that the Ark should be carried on the shoulders of the Levites using poles (Numbers 4:15; Deuteronomy 10:8).
• As the Ark was being moved, the oxen pulling the cart stumbled, Uzzah was walking alongside the Ark, reached out his hand to steady it. God’s anger burned against Uzzah for his irreverent act, and he struck him down, causing Uzzah to die beside the Ark. God takes it seriously
• Carried by the priests on poles along the short sides, like a throne, not a bier (used for dead).
• carried to honor kings. Carrying the Ark like a throne symbolizes God’s kingship and sovereignty.
• God is to be enthroned in our lives as King. We carry His presence with us, His authority and rule covers every aspect of our lives.
  • Psalm 103:19 The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.
• What was inside? The Testimony (Ten Commands) was placed inside, God’s law and covenant as a witness against sin. Also golden pot of manna (provision) Aarons rod (priest auth)
• The placement of the law inside the Ark reminds us that God’s Word should be at the heart of our lives, guiding our actions and being a constant reminder of His covenant with us.
• Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
• the Mercy Seat and Cherubim (Exodus 25:17-22)

2. Mercy Seat  Made of pure gold, symbolizes purity and divinity.

• Called “kapporeth,” meaning “a cover” or “a satisfaction.” A “covering”
• Represents God’s mercy and grace, where He meets with His people and forgives their transgressions. A means for ‘atonement’ for our sins against God’s holy law
• God had always made provision for forgiveness of sins. This ‘lid’ if you will is a ‘covering’
• This word here is akin to the same word for propitiation as Christ ‘covers’ our sin
• We could never keep the law of God. We could never be holy enough. God always stepped in
• Psalm 86:5 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.
• while God’s law exposes sin, His mercy provides a way for atonement and reconciliation.
• Dimensions: 2 1/2 cubits long and one and a half cubits wide, matches the top of the Ark.
• Serves as both the lid of the Ark and the place of expiation for the sins of the people.
• Levi 16:14 And he shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat on the east side; and before the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times.
• Cherubim (Verse 18): Two cherubim made of gold, positioned at each end of the Mercy Seat.
• Cherubim are powerful, angelic beings associated with God’s presence and protection.
• Symbolize God’s righteous dominion and the guardianship of His holiness.
• Psalm 99:1 the LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; let the earth be moved! 
• Hammered Work shows they were formed out of the same piece of gold as the Mercy Seat.
• The cherubim being part of the Mercy Seat shows the inseparable link between God’s mercy and His guardianship.
• Positioning The cherubim face each other with their wings outstretched, covering the Mercy Seat. They focus on the place of atonement, even in judgment, God provides a way of mercy.
• God’s Meeting Place  the Mercy Seat as the place where He will meet and speak with Moses.
• The Mercy Seat becomes the focal point of God’s relationship with Israel, showing that God’s mercy is the basis of His communication and covenant with His people.

• Connections Between Jesus and the Ark of the Covenant
• Humble Size size points to Jesus’ humble and lowly life, not grand or ostentatious.
• Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself 
• Overlay with Gold Christ’s divinity and kingship the divine nature overlaying His humanity.
• John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory,
• Gold Inside and Out Illustrates the complete divine and human nature of Jesus. Jesus is fully God and fully man,incorruptible. Col 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
• Crown Molding:  Christ as the merciful King. a king’s crown,  royalty and the mercy He offers.
• 1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
• Four Rings Symbolize the global reach of the Gospel the fourfold division of humanity, and the four Gospels spreading Christ’s message worldwide.
• Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations
• Fourfold division :Families: basic social unit in society. families and genealogies, Acts 17:26
• Tongues diff languages spoken by people. of Babel when God confused the language gen 11:9
• Countries geographical and political divisions, divided into various nations Deut 32:8
• Nations: distinct ethnic and cultural groups. each with its own identity and heritage. Rev 7:9
• Poles and Mobility made of the same materials as the Ark, symbolize how the Bible (Old and New Testaments) carries and presents Christ to the world. 2 Tim 3:16
• Mercy Seat Represents Jesus as the place of atonement. Made of pure gold, it’s where God’s mercy meets humanity through Christ’s sacrifice, acting as the propitiation for sin. Rom 3:25
• Cherubim Represent the redeemed creation worshipping Christ. they focus on the place of atonement, symbolizing all redeemed creation looking to Jesus. Rev 5:6
• Contents Inside  law inside the Ark reflects Christ as the fulfillment and embodiment of the law.
• Christ took on the law, fulfilling it through His life and nullifying its curse through His death.
• Manna in Golden pot- Christ as the bread of life (provision) Aarons Rod (Jesus our high priest)
• Angels at the Resurrection: Fulfill the picture of the Ark’s cherubim at Jesus’ tomb.
• Two angels sitting at the
•  head and feet where Jesus’ body lay mirror the cherubim on the Ark, signifying the place where mercy and atonement were made.
• John 20:11-12 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
• Christ as the Meeting Place: the designated meeting place between God and man.
• Just as the Ark was where God met Israel, Jesus is now the appointed place where humanity meets with God.
• 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.
• So what do we do? We come to Jesus! WE GO DIRECTLY Eph 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.”
• We are now in a righteous relationship with God THROUGH FAITH in JESUS
• Like Moses, we can go ‘boldly to the throne of grace” for forgiveness from sins, direction for our lives, provision for our souls and lives, and worship of God the father through FAITH. 
• HE IS OUR HIGH PRIEST Heb 9:11 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.
• You do not get struck down dead in his presence when you sin- you can be FORGIVEN
• The Mercy seat covered the law- Jesus covers our transgressions of the law! 
• HE HAS PAID FOR OUR SINS 1 John 2:2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”
• Colossians 2:14 Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
• Romans 3:25 “Whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith

• So when you sin, you can go directly to God, be forgiven, and set fee
• Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
• When you understand the total curve of the story of God- exodus and Hebrews, you see how wonderful it is that Christ came to redeem humanity from the grips of sin. 
• Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! You can walk in complete freedom from the penalty of your sin and the propensity TO sin, through faith in CHRIST
• Hallelujah- That’s something to celebrate today! 
• Even the ANGELS watch over Psalm 91:11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,
• To keep you in all your ways.
• Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?
• As the Cheribum watched over the mercy seat, angels today watch over you and your salvation as well.