Exodus 40:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 40:20
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:
Chapter Context
Exodus 40 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of wisdom, judgment, covenant. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 40:20
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:
Analysis
Moses took the testimony (הָעֵדֻת, ha'edut, i.e., the Ten Commandments) and 'put it into the ark' (וַיִּתֵּן אֶל־הָאָרֹן, vayitten el-ha'aron). The law tablets, inscribed by God's finger (Exodus 31:18), stood central in the ark, teaching that God's word is the covenant foundation. The staves enabled portable access to God's presence—He traveled with His people, not confined to a location. The mercy seat's placement 'above upon the ark' positioned mercy over law, teaching that grace covers but doesn't abolish righteous requirements. Christ perfectly kept the law (Matthew 5:17) and became mercy for lawbreakers (Romans 3:25).
Historical Context
The ark contained the second set of tablets (after Moses broke the first set, Exodus 32:19), teaching that God graciously renewed covenant despite Israel's golden calf apostasy. Later additions included Aaron's budded rod (Numbers 17:10) and a golden pot of manna (Exodus 16:33-34), preserved testimonies to God's faithfulness.
Reflection
- What does the law tablets' central placement teach about Scripture's foundational role in covenant relationship?
- How does mercy (seat) positioned over law (tablets) illustrate grace fulfilling rather than abolishing righteous requirements?
Cross-References
- Witness: Exodus 16:34