Exodus 39 39

Exodus 39:39 kjv

The brazen altar, and his grate of brass, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,

Exodus 39:39 nkjv

the bronze altar, its grate of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils; the laver with its base;

Exodus 39:39 niv

the bronze altar with its bronze grating, its poles and all its utensils; the basin with its stand;

Exodus 39:39 esv

the bronze altar, and its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin and its stand;

Exodus 39:39 nlt

the bronze altar;
the bronze grating and its carrying poles and utensils;
the washbasin with its stand;

Exodus 39 verses

Exodus 39 39 Meaning

Exodus chapter 39, verse 39, in most standard English Bible translations (such as ESV, NIV, NASB), speaks about the hangings for the courtyard, its posts, and its bases which were among the items prepared for the Tabernacle. However, the query provides the specific text: "the covering for the ark to set on, and its poles, and the mercy seat;". This given text describes central components associated with the Ark of the Covenant, items of immense theological significance in the Old Testament, even though this exact phrasing is not typically found in Exodus 39:39. This analysis will primarily focus on the spiritual and theological depth of the Ark's associated elements as presented in the provided text: the kapporeṯ (mercy seat), the badḏim (poles), and the enigmatic "covering for the ark to set on," within the broader context of their biblical role in divine presence and atonement.

Exodus 39 39 Context

Exodus chapter 39 details the final stages of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically listing the garments of the priests and the various components of the Tabernacle itself as they were brought to Moses. These components were built according to the exact divine specifications previously revealed in chapters 25-31. The artisans, particularly Bezalel and Oholiab, demonstrate skilled craftsmanship, guided by the Spirit of God, fulfilling every command.

As stated in the Meaning section, Exodus 39:39 in most Bible versions refers to the courtyard hangings and their supports. However, the provided verse text refers to elements intimately connected with the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred item in the Tabernacle. The Ark was the central piece in the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), signifying God's covenant presence among His people. It contained the stone tablets of the Law (Exod 25:16), Manna (Exod 16:33-34), and Aaron's rod (Num 17:10), embodying God's covenant, provision, and authority. This verse, by listing its core parts, highlights its readiness for the Tabernacle's ultimate dedication and God's indwelling. The historical context is that of a newly delivered nation learning to dwell with a holy God in a tangible, portable sanctuary as they journeyed through the wilderness towards the Promised Land.

Exodus 39 39 Word analysis

• the covering for the ark to set on: This phrase is an unusual rendition. Standard biblical texts consistently describe the kapporeṯ (כַּפֹּ֖רֶת) as the lid or cover of the ark (i.e., something that covers it), not something the ark sets upon. While the kapporeṯ (Mercy Seat) covered the ark, and God’s presence was revealed above it, the phrasing "for the ark to set on" does not correspond to any known physical component or usage of the Ark as a base. If it points to the general placement or carrying arrangement:

  • Placement: The Ark would rest on the ground, or possibly a simple stand during travel, but no specially described base like this is specified as part of the Ark itself.
  • Transportation Coverings: During travel, the Ark was covered with multiple layers of cloth (a blue cloth, a covering of tachash skin, a red cloth, then the blue cloth again; Num 4:5-6). These are coverings over the Ark, for concealment and protection, not a base.
  • Significance: If interpreted as the Kapporeṯ (mercy seat) despite the awkward phrasing, it highlights the divine separation of God's presence, accessible only by specific means. As a 'covering', it implies holiness and that the Divine Presence is shielded from casual view.

• and its poles: (וּבַדָּ֖יו - ūvaddāyw from בַּדִּ֖ים baḏḏim) These were permanent acacia wood poles overlaid with gold (Exod 25:13), designed to remain in the four gold rings on the Ark's sides.

  • Significance: They symbolize the portability and mobility of God's presence with His people throughout their wilderness journeys. The Ark was never meant to be static, reflecting a dynamic God who walks with His chosen. It underscores God's faithfulness in accompanying His covenant people.
  • Polemics: This contrasts with pagan idols chained to a fixed spot; Israel's God was transcendent and active, journeying with His people and leading them.

• and the mercy seat: (כַּפֹּ֖רֶת kappōreṯ) This is the golden lid of the Ark, specifically made of pure gold (Exod 25:17). Two cherubim, hammered from the same gold, extended their wings over the mercy seat, facing each other. This was the most sacred spot in the entire Tabernacle/Temple.

  • Significance:
    • Divine Presence and Communication: This was the designated place where God would meet with Moses and speak to him (Exod 25:22; Num 7:89). It symbolized the earthly throne or dwelling place of God (Psa 80:1).
    • Atonement and Propitiation: The term kappōreṯ itself is derived from kaphar, meaning "to cover," particularly "to atone." On the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the High Priest sprinkled the blood of the sin offering on and before the mercy seat (Lev 16:14-15). This ritual was for the expiation of the sins of the people, making it a pivotal object in God's provision for dealing with human sin. It was where divine wrath against sin was met with the divinely appointed covering (atonement).
  • Polemics: It dramatically differentiates Israel's God from all other deities. Access to God's presence was not achieved through human manipulation or magic but by divine invitation, specific design, and a prescribed atoning ritual. Unlike pagan altars requiring human sacrifice or visible idols, God was holy, transcendent, and required atonement for sin, which He Himself provided.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "the covering for the ark to set on, and its poles, and the mercy seat": This collection of items focuses on the holiest of all the Tabernacle furniture. It emphasizes that even in its material construction phase, every detail was carefully completed to ensure the Ark, as the symbol of God's covenant and presence, was ready. The mention of the poles highlights the dynamic nature of God's presence with a pilgrim people, while the mercy seat, as the site of atonement and divine communication, points to the very core of Israel's relationship with a holy God – a relationship sustained by grace through prescribed atonement. The inclusion of both a "covering" (albeit ambiguously phrased) and the "mercy seat" stresses the concept of the ark's sacredness needing a veil or a barrier, emphasizing God's transcendence even as He dwells among His people.

Exodus 39 39 Bonus section

The construction of the Tabernacle, and especially its holiest contents like the Ark, poles, and mercy seat, emphasizes divine meticulousness and obedience. Every detail, material, and measurement was divinely specified, demonstrating that God cares deeply about the manner of worship and the means by which His presence is approached. This attention to detail communicates that our walk with God and our worship should not be casual but marked by intentionality and faithfulness to His revealed Word. The craftsmanship of Bezalel and Oholiab, filled with divine wisdom (Exod 31:3), teaches that spiritual work demands excellence and Spirit-given ability. Moreover, the hiddenness of the Ark and mercy seat within the Holy of Holies, behind a thick veil, reinforced God's holiness and man's separation due to sin. It was only on Yom Kippur, by divine decree and blood, that limited access was granted, further underscoring the glorious reality of Christ, who, by His blood, has torn the veil (Matt 27:51) and opened the way to the "Throne of Grace" (Heb 4:16).

Exodus 39 39 Commentary

The components of the Ark of the Covenant, as listed in the user-provided verse text (even if the specific verse reference is for a different part of the Tabernacle's construction in most Bibles), encapsulate profound theological truths. The poles signify the mobility of God, portraying Him as a God who actively accompanies His people through their wilderness and earthly journeys, never leaving them behind. This is a powerful counterpoint to stagnant, localized deities.

The mercy seat stands as the ultimate Old Testament prefigurement of the sacrifice of Christ. As the place where the blood of atonement was applied on Yom Kippur, covering the sins of Israel, it pointed forward to Jesus Christ. The Greek word hilastērion (Rom 3:25), translated as "propitiation" or "atoning sacrifice," is precisely the Septuagint translation for kappōreṯ. Thus, Jesus becomes the very Mercy Seat through His shedding of blood, satisfying divine justice and providing reconciliation for humanity's sin. Here, God's justice and mercy meet: wrath against sin is averted through divinely provided expiation.

The enigmatic "covering for the ark to set on" points to the inherent holiness and sacredness of God's presence. Whether referring to the Mercy Seat itself (as the lid/covering) or implying a general protective nature, it signifies the reverence required in approaching a holy God. The entire design of the Ark and its components serves to teach Israel about the transcendence of God, His commitment to His covenant, and the only means by which sinful humanity could approach Him: through the blood of atonement. The construction of these items, according to divine blueprint, teaches that worship must be according to God's revelation, not human innovation.