Exodus 40:20 – “He took the tablets of the covenant law and placed them in the ark, attached the poles to the ark and put the atonement cover over it.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Exodus 40:20 details a significant moment in the final preparation of the Tabernacle: Moses placing the tablets of the covenant law (the Ten Commandments) inside the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God’s presence and covenant with His people. The tablets represented the core of God’s law, which was central to Israel’s identity and relationship with Him. Moses also attached the poles to the Ark, which were used to carry it, and placed the atonement cover (also known as the mercy seat) on top of the Ark. The atonement cover was where God’s presence would manifest and where the high priest would make atonement for the sins of the people once a year. This verse captures the reverence and carefulness with which these holy objects were handled, signifying their immense importance.

Historical Context

The historical context of this verse is the culmination of Israel’s journey from Egypt to the establishment of their worship practices in the wilderness. After receiving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, the Israelites were given detailed instructions on how to build the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that would house the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark itself was a wooden chest overlaid with gold, designed to hold the stone tablets that God had inscribed with the Ten Commandments. These tablets were a direct representation of God’s covenant with Israel, making the Ark not just a container but a symbol of the divine agreement between God and His people. The careful placement of the tablets inside the Ark and the covering of the Ark with the atonement cover signified the sacredness of God’s law and His presence among His people.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Exodus 40:20 emphasizes the holiness of God’s law and the importance of His covenant with Israel. The placement of the tablets inside the Ark underscores the centrality of God’s commandments in the life of the Israelites. The Ark, with the tablets inside and the atonement cover on top, serves as a powerful symbol of both God’s justice (represented by the law) and His mercy (represented by the atonement cover). This verse teaches that God’s relationship with His people is founded on both law and grace. The Ark itself points to the necessity of atonement for sin, which is central to the biblical understanding of God’s justice and mercy.

Literary Analysis

Literarily, Exodus 40:20 is a precise and orderly verse that reflects the careful obedience of Moses in following God’s instructions. The verse is structured to highlight the actions taken by Moses, emphasizing the sequence of placing the tablets, attaching the poles, and covering the Ark. This careful attention to detail mirrors the overall narrative of the Tabernacle’s construction, where each element was made and assembled according to God’s specific commands. The verse serves to reinforce the theme of obedience that runs throughout the chapter, showing that Moses did everything exactly as God had instructed, ensuring that the Tabernacle would be a fitting dwelling place for God’s presence.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 25:16 – “Then put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law, which I will give you.” This verse records God’s original command to place the tablets inside the Ark.
• Deuteronomy 10:5 – “Then I came back down the mountain and put the tablets in the ark I had made, as the Lord commanded me, and they are there now.” This verse recounts Moses’ obedience in placing the tablets inside the Ark.
• Hebrews 9:4-5 – “This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover.” This New Testament passage reflects on the contents of the Ark and its significance in the worship practices of Israel.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Exodus 40:20 serves as a reminder of the importance of reverence for God’s Word and the sacredness of His covenant. Just as Moses carefully placed the tablets of the covenant inside the Ark, Christians are called to treasure God’s Word and hold it central in their lives. This verse challenges believers to consider how they honor and protect the teachings of Scripture, recognizing that God’s Word is not just a set of rules but a covenant relationship that guides and shapes their lives. The Ark, with the law inside and the atonement cover on top, also points to the balance between justice and mercy that should characterize the Christian life.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Exodus 40:20 reflects God’s love in the way He provides His law as a guide for His people and the means of atonement for their sins. By giving the Israelites the Ten Commandments, God was showing His love by providing clear guidelines for living in a way that honors Him and brings about human flourishing. The placement of these laws inside the Ark, under the atonement cover, also signifies that God’s love includes both justice and mercy. He is a God who desires to be in relationship with His people, providing both the standards of that relationship and the means by which brokenness can be healed.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Exodus 40:20 connects to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the law and the embodiment of God’s presence among His people. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the Word made flesh (John 1:14), who perfectly kept the law and provided atonement through His sacrifice on the cross. Just as the Ark of the Covenant housed the law and was covered by the atonement cover, Jesus embodies both the law and the mercy of God. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He offers believers a new covenant, where the law is written on their hearts and atonement is made through His blood. Jesus is the true Ark, the place where God’s justice and mercy meet.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Moses’ careful placement of the tablets inside the Ark challenge you to consider how you treat God’s Word in your life?
2. In what ways can you ensure that God’s commandments are central to your daily decisions and actions?
3. How does the balance between God’s law and His mercy influence your understanding of His character and your relationship with Him?
4. What does it mean for you that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the provider of atonement?
5. How can you apply the principles of this verse to your life, ensuring that you live in a way that honors both God’s justice and His mercy?