Exodus 25:10-22
Summary for Exod 25:10-22: 25:10-22 a an Ark of acacia wood: In translating the plans for the Ark of the Covenant, the NLT continues to use the word Ark because of its traditional associations. However, ark is simply an archaic English word meaning “box.” The Ark was Israel’s “covenant box.” It was the most significant item in the whole complex, because it was there that God made his presence available (25:22 b). The presence of the stone tablets of the covenant in the box (25:16 c, 21 d) underlined the truth that God reveals himself in the context of a mutually binding commitment between himself and his people.Summary for Exod 25:12-15: 25:12-15 e The carrying poles were there so that no one would touch this representation of God’s devastating holiness. Later, a death occurred when someone instinctively reached out to steady the Ark as it was being moved from one place to another (see 2 Sam 6:6-7 f).
25:17 g The word translated atonement means “to cover over.” The cover of the covenant box was the place of “covering over” sin (see Lev 16:14-16 h).
25:18 i The appearance of the cherubim is not described except to say that they had wings (25:20 j; see 2 Chr 3:10-13 k).
25:22 l I will meet with you there: The Ark was located in the innermost part of the sanctuary (26:33 m), which was in effect God’s throne room (see study note on Lev 16:2). In a comparable pagan sanctuary, one would find an idol in this location. The Tabernacle had no idol, only a box that physically represented the covenant faithfulness and grace of God. God meets his people in that context, not in the context of idolatry. An idol reflects the belief that a deity is continuous with the created order and that it can be manipulated with the right ritual. It assumes that we can secure blessings from the deity without regard to our own character or commitment. But God is completely distinct from this world, and he cannot be manipulated in any way. He wants to bless us, but those blessings can only be given to those who receive his grace as a gift and surrender to him in trust.
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