Meaning of Exodus 39:35

This verse, Exodus 39:35, serves as a concluding inventory in the detailed account of the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. It specifically lists the Ark of the Covenant, along with its carrying poles and the mercy seat (atonement cover), as the final items to be presented. This emphasis on the Ark at the end of the construction narrative underscores its supreme importance within the sanctuary, marking it as the focal point of God's dwelling place among His people. The meticulous listing of these sacred objects highlights the divine blueprint and the Israelites' obedience in executing its every detail, establishing a tangible representation of God's presence and covenant promises.

Context and Background

The preceding chapters of Exodus meticulously detail the instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that would accompany the Israelites in their wilderness journey. Exodus 39 specifically recounts the actual making of these sacred objects by skilled artisans, following God's precise specifications. This verse acts as a summary statement, confirming that the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred piece of furniture, was indeed completed and ready, along with its essential components. The poles were permanently affixed to the Ark, signifying its intended constant readiness for transport, a crucial aspect of the nomadic lifestyle. The atonement cover, or mercy seat, was the lid of the Ark, a place of immense theological significance.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Presence and Covenant: The Ark of the Covenant was the physical embodiment of God's presence with Israel. It housed the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing their covenant relationship with God. The very name "Ark of the Covenant" signifies this unbreakable bond.
• Sacredness and Holiness: The Ark was the holiest object in the tabernacle, approached only by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. Its construction and handling were governed by strict divine laws, emphasizing God's absolute holiness and the reverence due to Him.
• Atonement and Reconciliation: The "atonement cover" (Hebrew: kapporet) is central here. It was the place where the blood of atonement was sprinkled by the High Priest, symbolizing the expiation of sin and the reconciliation between a holy God and His sinful people.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The Ark of the Covenant, and particularly its atonement cover, foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Ark represents God's law, which humanity, through sin, had broken. The atonement cover, where blood was shed, points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, which provides atonement for the sins of all who believe. The Ark’s presence signified God’s willingness to dwell with His people despite their imperfections, a theme powerfully fulfilled in the Incarnation of Christ, who is Immanuel, "God with us." The concept of a mercy seat also highlights God's gracious disposition towards humanity, offering forgiveness and reconciliation through divine provision.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a critical link in the unfolding story of redemption. The Ark's role in the Old Testament, particularly in battles and as a symbol of God's power and presence, sets the stage for understanding the New Testament's emphasis on Christ as the true Ark, in whom God's presence is fully realized and His covenant is eternally sealed. The tabernacle itself was a temporary dwelling, a foreshadowing of the permanent dwelling of God among His people through Jesus and, later, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers. The Ark's eventual fate, and its disappearance from the historical record, also prompts reflection on the transition from the Old Covenant to the New, where the focus shifts from a physical artifact to a spiritual reality.

Analogies

One analogy for the Ark of the Covenant can be a sacred treaty document, representing an unbreakable pact between two parties. The Ten Commandments inside are the terms of the treaty, and the atonement cover is the seal that ensures its validity and allows for reconciliation if one party fails. Another analogy is a divine throne, where God’s presence is manifest, and from which He dispenses justice and mercy. The poles indicate it is a throne that can be moved, signifying God's willingness to journey with His people.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 25:10-22: This passage provides the original divine instructions for the construction of the Ark and the atonement cover, underscoring the meticulous detail and divine origin of these sacred items.
• Leviticus 16:14-15: This chapter describes the High Priest's annual ritual of sprinkling blood on the atonement cover on the Day of Atonement, directly linking the Ark's cover to the atonement for sin.
• Hebrews 9:3-5: The New Testament author of Hebrews explicitly mentions the Ark, the atonement cover, and the poles as part of the tabernacle's furnishings, interpreting them as earthly shadows pointing to heavenly realities, particularly Christ's sacrifice.
• John 1:14: This verse declares, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us," echoing the concept of God's dwelling among His people, a theme powerfully initiated by the Ark in the tabernacle.