Exodus 37

Exodus 37:1 Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood

In the ark would be placed the stone tablets of the Law of Moses, a golden pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod.

ark

 

Exodus 37:6 he made the mercy seat of pure gold

The mercy seat is the lid for the ark. On top of the lid sat the cherubim but the lid of the ark is referred to as the mercy seat meaning it represents the presence of God with the people.  It reminds us that God is a merciful God who sits on the mercy seat as he judges us, giving us every possible chance to be saved in spite of our mistakes. As Paul stated, “let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16)

“The golden covering of the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies. It was the place of the manifestation of God’s glory and His meeting place with His people (Ex. 25:22Lev. 16:2Num. 7:89); and was regarded as the Throne of God (Num. 7:89; see also Ex. 30:61 Sam. 4:4). Here the blood of the sin offering was sprinkled on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:14–15).” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bd/mercy-seat?lang=eng)

Exodus 37:10 the Table of Shewbread

On the table of Shewbread sat 12 loaves of bread representing the 12 tribes.  The bread reminds the people that God is the bread of life, the source of physical and spiritual nourishment.

shew

 

Exodus 37:17 the candlestick

candelabra

 

Exodus 37:25 the altar of incense

The incense rising up represents the prayers of the righteous as they ascend to God.  In Revelation, “And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.  And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.” (Rev. 8:3-4)

incense

“The preparation of incense is described in Ex. 30:34–36; the duty of offering it twice daily fell upon the high priest (Ex. 30:7–8), but in the second temple the privilege was extended to all the priests, and the lot was cast each day to decide who should offer it (Luke 1:9). Live coals were brought from the brazen altar of burnt offering and placed on the golden altar of incense; then the priest to whom the lot had fallen entered alone into the Holy Place, carrying in a censer the incense, which he cast on the fire. Then, bowing reverently toward the Holy of Holies, he returned to the congregation, who were praying outside, and pronounced the blessing in Num. 6:24–26.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bd/incense?lang=eng)