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

EXODUS 39:35KJV
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Exodus 39:35 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:35 mean?

Exodus 39:35 lists three important items made for the tabernacle: the ark of the testimony, its carrying poles, and the mercy seat. These objects were central to Israel’s worship, representing God’s presence and the place where He would meet with His people.

This verse is part of a detailed inventory given by Moses as the Israelites finish constructing the tabernacle in the wilderness. The people are bringing the completed items to Moses, showing they have followed God’s instructions exactly. The ark and its related pieces were kept in the Most Holy Place, symbolizing the heart of Israel’s relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:35

  • Ark (אָרוֹן, ’aron): This word refers to a chest or box, here meaning the sacred container that held the tablets of the law. Its design and use set it apart as the most holy object in the tabernacle.
  • Testimony (עֵדוּת, ‘edut): This term means “witness” or “testimony,” pointing to the stone tablets inside the ark, which served as a witness to God’s covenant with Israel.
  • Staves (בַּד, bad): These were the poles used to carry the ark. Their presence highlights the ark’s mobility and the care required in handling it.
  • Seat (כַּפֹּרֶת, kapporet): Often called the “mercy seat,” this was the gold cover on the ark where God’s presence was understood to dwell. It was the focal point for atonement rituals.

Why Exodus 39:35 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Israelites made every part of the ark exactly as God commanded, emphasizing obedience and attention to detail in worship.
  • By naming these specific items, the verse highlights their unique role in Israel’s faith, especially the mercy seat as the place of God’s presence and forgiveness.
  • The mention of the ark and its components connects this verse to the larger story of God’s covenant, showing how the physical objects in the tabernacle were tied to spiritual realities for the people.

Where else these words appear

“seat” Hebrew H3727 · used in 22 verses

  • 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.
  • Exodus 30:6 And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee.
  • 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:

“staves” Hebrew H905 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 26:1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
  • Exodus 37:4 And he made staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.
  • Numbers 11:14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.

“testimony” Hebrew H5715 · used in 57 verses

  • Exodus 16:34 As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.
  • Exodus 40:21 And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.