The Mercy Seat

James 2:13 NIV
Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

The Ark of the Covenant represented, in part, God’s presence among His people in the Old Testament. Inside the Ark (box) was placed a golden pot holding the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded and the ten commandments written on stone tablets. This box had a lid. And this cover was gloriously adorned with two cherubim facing one another with their wings spread upward and toward the center. It was at the top of the lid and under the angelic wings the God’s visible presence would appear.

The Ark’s contents were threefold, demonstrating God’s provision (manna), God’s holiness or setting apart (Aaron’s rod), and the law (judgement). What is wonderful is the lid that “covered over” judgement of our sin. You see, the mercy seat would be sprinkled with the blood of a sacrificial of animal by the High Priest, making atonement for sin. Foreshadowing Christ Jesus, the holy lamb of God, who through His shed blood on the cross, creates a mercy seat, giving us access to God’s presence directly—allowing Mercy to triumph OVER Judgment!

—Paul