Exodus 35:12: “the ark with its poles and the atonement cover and the curtain that shields it;”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 35:12 describes some of the most sacred items that were to be crafted for the Tabernacle: the Ark of the Covenant, its poles, the atonement cover (often called the mercy seat), and the curtain that would shield it. These objects were central to Israel’s worship and represented the very presence of God among His people.
The Ark of the Covenant was a wooden chest overlaid with gold, containing the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. The atonement cover, made of pure gold, was the lid of the Ark and was where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people. The curtain referred to here is the veil that separated the Holy of Holies—the most sacred part of the Tabernacle where the Ark was kept—from the rest of the sanctuary. This curtain symbolized the separation between God’s perfect holiness and the sinful people.
Historical Context
In the historical context of Exodus 35:12, the Israelites were in the wilderness, having been delivered from slavery in Egypt. God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, so that He could dwell among His people as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. The Ark of the Covenant was the most important item within the Tabernacle because it represented God’s throne on earth.
The construction of the Ark and its accompanying elements was done according to very specific instructions given by God. These items were not just functional but were imbued with deep spiritual significance. The Ark, in particular, was central to Israel’s worship and served as the place where God’s presence would manifest and where the high priest would intercede for the people.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse underscores the holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him. The Ark, atonement cover, and curtain were physical manifestations of the profound truth that God is holy and that sin separates humanity from Him. The atonement cover, where the high priest sprinkled blood, symbolized the need for a blood sacrifice to cover sins and reconcile the people to God.
This verse also points to the idea of God’s presence dwelling among His people, but with a clear boundary that highlighted His holiness. The curtain separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Tabernacle was a constant reminder of the distance between God and humanity due to sin.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, this verse is part of a detailed list of instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The specific mention of the Ark, its poles, the atonement cover, and the curtain draws attention to their importance in the overall structure of the Tabernacle. The use of precise language and the inclusion of each item reflect the care and attention required in preparing a place for God’s presence.
This verse also serves to build anticipation in the narrative, as the construction of the Ark and its placement in the Holy of Holies would become a focal point in Israel’s worship and their covenant relationship with God.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 25:10-22 – Detailed instructions for making the Ark of the Covenant and the atonement cover, including the significance of the mercy seat where God would meet with Moses.
- Leviticus 16:14-15 – Instructions for the Day of Atonement, when the high priest would sprinkle blood on the atonement cover to atone for the sins of the people.
- Hebrews 9:3-5 – A New Testament reflection on the significance of the Ark, the atonement cover, and the curtain, showing their symbolic meaning in the context of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 35:12 serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. The Ark of the Covenant, the atonement cover, and the curtain all point to the need for atonement and the provision God made to bridge the gap between His holiness and human sinfulness. This verse challenges believers to approach God with reverence, recognizing the cost of atonement and the privilege of being in His presence.
This verse also invites Christians to reflect on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice. The atonement cover, where the high priest would sprinkle blood, prefigures the ultimate atonement made by Jesus, whose blood was shed to fully and finally cover the sins of humanity.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in His desire to dwell among His people despite their sinfulness. The detailed instructions for the Ark and the atonement cover show that God provided a way for His people to be in relationship with Him, even though sin created a separation. The use of the atonement cover as a place where God’s justice and mercy met demonstrates His love in providing a means of forgiveness and reconciliation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 35:12 connects directly to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of what the Ark and the atonement cover represented. The Ark was where God’s presence dwelt, and Jesus is Immanuel, “God with us,” who dwelt among humanity (Matthew 1:23). The atonement cover, or mercy seat, where the blood was sprinkled to atone for sin, points to Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. Through His blood, Jesus made atonement once and for all, tearing the curtain that separated humanity from God and providing direct access to the Father (Hebrews 10:19-20).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does understanding the holiness of God as represented by the Ark and the curtain influence your approach to worship and prayer?
- What significance does the atonement cover, as a symbol of forgiveness and reconciliation, have in your understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice?
- How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life, recognizing the cost of atonement that allows you to be in His presence?
- In what ways can you reflect on the privilege of having direct access to God through Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of the Tabernacle’s symbolism?
- How does the connection between the Old Testament practices and Jesus’ sacrifice deepen your appreciation for the continuity of God’s plan of redemption?