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Exodus 25:22
Verse
Context
The Mercy Seat
21Set the mercy seat atop the ark, and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark. 22And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And there I will meet with thee - That is, over the mercy-seat, between the cherubim. In this place God chose to give the most especial manifestations of himself; here the Divine glory was to be seen; and here Moses was to come in order to consult Jehovah, relative to the management of the people. Ainsworth has remarked that the rabbins say, "The heart of man may be likened to God's sanctuary; for as, in the sanctuary, the shechinah or Divine glory dwelt, because there were the ark, the tables, and the cherubim; so, in the heart of man, it is meet that a place be made for the Divine Majesty to dwell in, and that it be the holy of holies." This is a doctrine most implicitly taught by the apostles; and the absolute necessity of having the heart made a habitation of God through the Spirit, is strongly and frequently insisted on through the whole of the New Testament. See the note on Exo 25:23.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat--The Shekinah, or symbol of the Divine Presence, rested on the mercy seat, and was indicated by a cloud, from the midst of which responses were audibly given when God was consulted on behalf of His people. Hence God is described as "dwelling" or "sitting" between the cherubim.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold,.... Cover it with a plate of gold, so that the wood was not seen; which may denote either the excellency of Christ's human nature, being pure and spotless, and adorned with the grace of the Spirit of God without measure; or rather of his divine nature, which is the head of Christ, and said to be as the most fine gold, for in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily: and make thereto a crown of gold round about; that is, on both sides and at both ends; for though it is called a crown, it was a square, and this was both to ornament the table, and to keep from falling off of it what was set upon it. Jarchi says, it was a sign of the crown of the kingdom, for a table signifies riches and greatness, as they say a king's table: and indeed this was the table of the King of kings, who has on his head many crowns, and one must be made upon his table.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
25:22 I will meet with you there: The Ark was located in the innermost part of the sanctuary (26:33), 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.
Exodus 25:22
The Mercy Seat
21Set the mercy seat atop the ark, and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark. 22And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
What Is Your Life?
By Leonard Ravenhill5.8K1:19:15Brevity Of LifeGEN 1:1EXO 25:8EXO 25:22MAT 6:33GAL 5:24JAS 4:14REV 22:2In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the crucifixion of Jesus and the impact it had on the people who witnessed it. He emphasizes the importance of using our time wisely and not wasting it on worldly distractions. The speaker encourages the audience to seek a meaningful relationship with God and to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly entertainment. He also addresses the fundamental questions of life, such as where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going, highlighting the need for a proper understanding of these questions in light of our faith.
(Hebrews - Part 25): The Holy of Holies
By A.W. Tozer5.3K32:10ExpositionalGEN 1:1EXO 25:22PSA 19:1PSA 27:4HEB 4:16HEB 10:19HEB 13:8In this sermon, the speaker expresses his commitment to preaching about God and the Holy Trinity. He emphasizes that God reveals Himself through nature and the scriptures, using various names to depict His majesty and glory. The speaker also shares his admiration for the love and joy experienced by parents when they have a baby, highlighting the beauty of this relationship. He concludes by mentioning his recent trip to Mexico City, where he was invited to speak about the deeper life and the presence of God.
Worship (Part 1 of 3)
By Leonard Ravenhill4.2K1:13:11WorshipEXO 24:1EXO 25:17EXO 25:22ROM 8:28In this sermon, the speaker begins by dividing the sermon into three parts, with the promise of a more engaging sermon in the following weeks. He then reads from Exodus 24, emphasizing the essence of worship and the experience of Moses coming near to the Lord. The speaker mentions a sermon on Romans 8:28 that deeply impacted the congregation, except for one old lady who confronted the pastor about his privileged background. The speaker also discusses the paradox of seeing God, as mentioned in the scripture, and how Moses was able to see God's back. He references a book called "The Missing Jewel" by an author who emphasizes the importance of worship in the Christian life. The speaker shares a personal story of being in the hospital and reflecting on why he was there, ultimately realizing the limitations of his own plans to save the world.
Why Church? God's Purpose
By Francis Chan3.7K47:21ChurchEXO 25:22MAT 5:141CO 3:161CO 12:27EPH 4:16HEB 10:241PE 2:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible beyond individual salvation. He uses the illustration of playing blackjack to highlight how often we focus only on our own relationship with God, rather than working collectively as a body of believers. The preacher also mentions the work of Children's Hunger Fund and their mercy networks, where supplies are sent to churches in need. He shares his admiration for a student who preached about the issue of isolation and the importance of community in helping those in need.
(Exodus) Exodus 16:32-36
By J. Vernon McGee3.5K03:29ExpositionalEXO 16:32EXO 25:22JOS 5:12PSA 34:8JHN 6:35In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the manna in the wilderness and its representation of Christ's provision and sacrifice. He explains that the manna was placed in the ark along with Aaron's rod that budded and the Ten Commandments. The manna symbolizes Christ's death for humanity, while Aaron's rod represents his resurrection. The preacher emphasizes the importance of experiencing the spiritual food provided by Christ and encourages listeners to come to Christ and taste the manna. He also highlights the tendency of some believers to focus solely on their personal experiences rather than engaging in Bible study, likening it to preferring the excitement of manna over the sustenance of old corn.
The Ark of the Covenant: In God’s Sanctuary Part I
By Roy Hession2.2K53:59Ark Of The CovenantEXO 25:22MAT 6:33JHN 1:17JHN 8:32ROM 3:23ROM 6:231JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the combination of grace and truth found in Jesus. He refers to John 1:17, which states that while the law came through Moses and condemned people, grace and truth came through Jesus. The preacher highlights that Jesus offers both grace, which is good news for bad people, and truth, which reveals the reality of our sinful nature. He also mentions the story of Joshua and the Ark of the Covenant, illustrating how God's presence brings peace and new experiences to believers. The sermon concludes with gratitude for God sending Jesus and the recognition that we do not deserve His grace.
(Come Up Higher) the Spirit Will Lift Us Higher
By Zac Poonen1.8K1:00:38EXO 25:22JDG 7:2MAT 6:33REV 14:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of discerning the spiritual condition of believers by asking their opinion on famous television preachers. He expresses gratitude for these preachers as they help him gauge the spiritual condition of his flock with just one sentence. The speaker emphasizes the need to follow Jesus in every situation, even when it means going against the opinions of friends. He warns against the gradual merging of the church and the world, urging believers to remain separate and not be influenced by worldly desires. The sermon concludes by highlighting the contrast between believers who rely solely on the cleansing power of Jesus' blood for salvation and those who add additional works to their testimony.
In Our Time of Need
By J. Glyn Owen1.6K37:58Time Of NeedEXO 25:22LEV 16:2MAT 6:33JHN 14:6HEB 1:1HEB 4:14The sermon transcript is focused on the concept of Jesus as the great high priest. The speaker emphasizes that in the past, God spoke to people through prophets, but in the present, He speaks to us through His Son, Jesus. Jesus is described as the exact representation of God's being and the one who sustains all things by His powerful word. The speaker also highlights that Jesus, as our high priest, can sympathize with our weaknesses because He was tempted in every way, yet remained without sin. The sermon encourages listeners to approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that they can receive mercy and find grace in their time of need.
Praying for Revial
By Richard Owen Roberts1.6K08:38EXO 25:22PSA 73:28PSA 80:1PSA 126:5MAT 6:33JAS 4:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of revival and the importance of the manifest presence of God. He reads from Psalm 80, where the people of Israel are pleading with God to restore them and shine His face upon them. The sermon emphasizes the need for humility and repentance as a barrier between God and the people has been created due to their arrogance and sin. The preacher highlights the significance of the nearness of God in revival, stating that it is the greatest source of good on earth.
The Melchizedek Priesthood (2 of 2)
By Art Katz1.5K41:35MelchizedekGEN 22:17EXO 25:22MAT 5:1MAT 18:20ACT 9:1PHP 4:13HEB 9:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses how the preaching of the word of God defies analysis and critique. He mentions how scholars believe that Paul missed an opportunity in Athens by becoming philosophical instead of sharing the gospel. The speaker also shares a personal experience of witnessing a man being publicly berated for supposedly falling asleep during a sermon, but later realizing that the man was actually deeply moved by the message. The sermon emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God as the creator and the need for repentance, even if the message of the gospel seems outlandish and offensive to rationality.
Arab-06 the Holy of Holies
By Art Katz1.3K56:04ArabicEXO 25:22PSA 46:1PSA 119:105MAT 6:33ROM 8:281TI 3:15HEB 10:23In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of spiritual ups and downs before discovering a series of tapes by an American speaker. Despite initially being put off by the speaker's accent, the speaker continued to listen and was inspired by the speaker's description of his own spiritual struggle and transformation. The speaker emphasizes the importance of accessing the holiest place and living consistently and consciously from that place. He also highlights the significance of faith coming from hearing the word of God. The speaker then poses the question of whether this understanding is merely poetic or an actual provision from God for believers with full assurance of faith. He encourages believers to hold fast to their faith without wavering, as they will be tested. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's appointed word to fill the souls and spirits of the listeners.
Jehovah's Obedient Servant
By Charles E. Fuller1.3K49:51ObedienceEXO 25:22JON 1:17JON 2:4JON 3:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonah and how he found himself in a place of darkness and despair. Despite feeling cast out and surrounded by death, Jonah looked towards the holy temple and had faith in God's mercy and forgiveness. The speaker emphasizes the importance of looking to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, for salvation and redemption. He encourages listeners to pray for souls to be saved and to kneel before God, acknowledging their sinfulness and asking for His mercy.
Can Two Walk Together?
By James Macginlay93654:55GEN 6:17EXO 25:22EXO 27:1EXO 30:6DAN 3:19AMO 3:3MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and dismisses the idea of fake religions that rely on visions, dreams, and hallucinations. He encourages the congregation to find guidance and communication with God through prayer and reading the Bible. The preacher shares a story about a godly preacher who was known for his lengthy prayers, highlighting the dedication and commitment to prayer. He also mentions his own experiences in building churches and dismisses the idea of a second work of grace, suggesting that one's initial conversion should be sufficient.
Fren-03 Lelieu Le Plus Saint (The Holiest Place)
By Art Katz6111:07:16HolinessEXO 25:22EXO 40:34PSA 85:8PSA 89:14MAT 6:33ACT 13:2HEB 4:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of communication from God in order to fulfill the calling of being His witness. The speaker warns that improper communication with God can lead to death. The sermon also highlights the need for believers to rise above fear, manipulation, ambition, lust, and national and cultural pride. The speaker emphasizes the power of breaking the darkness over nations through the presence of a people who are no longer victims of worldly wisdom. The sermon references the biblical story of building the Ark of the Covenant and the propitiatory as symbols of God's presence and the meeting place with Him.
Who Is Touching the Ark? - Leonard Ravenhill
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons50547:13RadioEXO 25:222SA 6:1PSA 119:105PRO 3:5MAT 6:33HEB 10:31JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and not withholding His truth. He warns that there will come a time when God will judge those who have disregarded His truth and put their own desires above His. The speaker uses the example of David and the Ark of the Covenant to illustrate the consequences of disobedience. He encourages listeners to repent, surrender their lives to God, and live in obedience to Him. The sermon highlights the mercy of God, who strips us down to help us understand His standards and calls for a genuine and passionate devotion to Him.
The Spirit of Worship
By Leonard Ravenhill461:05:00WorshipAdorationEXO 25:22PSA 95:6MAT 26:6JHN 4:24REV 5:12Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound significance of worship in his sermon 'The Spirit of Worship.' He reflects on personal experiences that led him to understand that worship is the highest form of communion with God, transcending mere prayer and praise. Ravenhill argues that true worship involves deep adoration and contemplation of God's holiness, urging believers to prioritize worship over service. He illustrates this through biblical examples, particularly the woman who anointed Jesus, highlighting that genuine worship is sacrificial and intimate. Ultimately, he calls for a rediscovery of worship as a vital aspect of the Christian life, encouraging believers to engage with God in spirit and truth.
The Mercy Seat
By Andrew Bonar1AtonementGrace and MercyEXO 25:22LEV 17:11MAT 9:12MAT 26:28Andrew Bonar emphasizes the significance of the mercy-seat as the place where sinners can find atonement through the blood of Christ. He urges listeners to come to God as they are, burdened by sin, and to lay their sins upon the mercy-seat, where God's grace meets their need for salvation. Bonar reassures that the blood of Jesus is sufficient for immediate forgiveness and that no good works are required to earn acceptance; rather, faith in Christ's sacrifice is the only plea for salvation. He highlights that God is always ready to receive sinners, inviting them to approach Him with confidence in the atoning blood. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a heartfelt response to the mercy offered at the cross, emphasizing that now is the time to seek the Lord.
The Ark of His Covenant
By C.H. Spurgeon0CovenantFaithfulness of GodEXO 25:22PSA 89:34ISA 54:10JER 31:33JHN 14:26ROM 8:11CO 2:92CO 1:20HEB 8:6REV 11:19C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the significance of the Ark of the Covenant, illustrating how it symbolizes God's unchanging promises and presence among His people. He explains that while believers may not fully grasp the depth of God's truth, the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to the covenant's richness and the assurance it brings. Spurgeon reassures that the covenant is always near to God, reflecting His eternal faithfulness and love, and encourages believers to see the covenant in their lives through faith and prayer. He contrasts the blessings of the covenant for believers with the dire consequences for those who reject God's mercy, urging all to seek refuge in Christ.
Pentecost Received Results in Walking With God and Separation From the World
By Aaron Hills0GEN 5:22GEN 6:9GEN 17:1EXO 25:222KI 20:3AMO 3:3MIC 6:8LUK 1:62CO 5:72CO 6:14COL 2:6Aaron Hills preaches on the importance of walking with God as commanded in the Bible, emphasizing the duty, warnings, promises, conditions, and examples provided in God's Word. The sermon highlights the significance of obedience, being led by the Spirit, living a life of faith, agreement with God, separation from the world, and following the examples of faithful individuals like Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Elijah.
The Throne and the Altar
By G.W. North0Christ as the AltarSacrificeEXO 25:22LEV 16:14G.W. North emphasizes the profound connection between the throne and the altar as depicted in the tabernacle's design, illustrating how the Mercy Seat, where God's presence dwelled, was intrinsically linked to the principle of sacrifice. He explains that the blood of atonement sprinkled on the Mercy Seat signifies the necessity of sacrifice for both the national life of Israel and individual relationships with God. North highlights that this divine principle is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies the ultimate sacrifice, making the throne and altar one in essence. The eternal fire of God's presence, visible by night, symbolizes the unending nature of Christ's sacrifice, which transcends physical offerings. Ultimately, North concludes that all aspects of the tabernacle point to Christ as the singular source of redemption and atonement.
The Testimony of Jesus Christ (Pt. 2)
By Allan Halton0EXO 25:22DEU 31:26JHN 14:6ACT 7:44ROM 3:212CO 3:6HEB 8:6HEB 9:141JN 5:9REV 19:10Allan Halton delves into the captivating phrase 'the testimony of Jesus Christ,' exploring its significance in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Covenant, the testimony was symbolized by the tabernacle of witness and the ark of the testimony containing the ten commandments, representing God's character and His expectations for His people. Despite Israel's inability to fully keep the Law, God provided a way for redemption through the New Covenant, where the testimony of God is now intertwined with the powerful Name of Jesus Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And there I will meet with thee - That is, over the mercy-seat, between the cherubim. In this place God chose to give the most especial manifestations of himself; here the Divine glory was to be seen; and here Moses was to come in order to consult Jehovah, relative to the management of the people. Ainsworth has remarked that the rabbins say, "The heart of man may be likened to God's sanctuary; for as, in the sanctuary, the shechinah or Divine glory dwelt, because there were the ark, the tables, and the cherubim; so, in the heart of man, it is meet that a place be made for the Divine Majesty to dwell in, and that it be the holy of holies." This is a doctrine most implicitly taught by the apostles; and the absolute necessity of having the heart made a habitation of God through the Spirit, is strongly and frequently insisted on through the whole of the New Testament. See the note on Exo 25:23.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat--The Shekinah, or symbol of the Divine Presence, rested on the mercy seat, and was indicated by a cloud, from the midst of which responses were audibly given when God was consulted on behalf of His people. Hence God is described as "dwelling" or "sitting" between the cherubim.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold,.... Cover it with a plate of gold, so that the wood was not seen; which may denote either the excellency of Christ's human nature, being pure and spotless, and adorned with the grace of the Spirit of God without measure; or rather of his divine nature, which is the head of Christ, and said to be as the most fine gold, for in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily: and make thereto a crown of gold round about; that is, on both sides and at both ends; for though it is called a crown, it was a square, and this was both to ornament the table, and to keep from falling off of it what was set upon it. Jarchi says, it was a sign of the crown of the kingdom, for a table signifies riches and greatness, as they say a king's table: and indeed this was the table of the King of kings, who has on his head many crowns, and one must be made upon his table.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
25:22 I will meet with you there: The Ark was located in the innermost part of the sanctuary (26:33), 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.