7.
What must have been the most beautiful article to be found in the tabernacle was the mercy seat, if not in appearance, then most certainly in purpose. It was situated in the most Holy place and was a cap or covering for the Ark of the Covenant. Both of which were indicative of redemption by blood. Ex. 25:21 It covered the Ark and it’s contents. Even as the sprinkling of blood on the mercy seat by the high priest on the Day of Atonement wrought atonement for all Israel, so the blood of Christ, who is our mercy seat covers and atones for our sins. Heb. 12:24
It was one solid piece of gold which was molded by the workman’s tools into three items, yet remained one piece. Ex. 25:18 The fact that it was beaten into shape speaks to us of the sufferings of the Lord in providing a means of salvation, by blood, for mankind. The ultimate product featured a cherub on either end facing each other and looking down on the mercy seat.
Their wings were to be spread out and over the mercy seat. Ex.25:18
While it was worked into three different objects it remained one piece.
A perfect type of the Godhead. Father, Son the mercy seat and Holy Spirit.
Ruth found refuge and rest under the wings of the LORD God of Israel.
By virtue of the covering, the abiding presence of the Lord symbolized by wings she entered into the redemption found in Israel. Ruth 2:12 To be cared for, hidden under the shadow of His wings was to be made secure in the might and glory of His presence. Ps. 17:8 In the immediate heart of His presence, that is between the cherubim and the mercy seat there is a place of absolute tranquility and peace. Therefore we learn to seek that holy and sacred covering of His Almighty presence.
This was the meeting place of the Lord with Moses and the high priest Aaron. Ex. 25:22 Access was not available at any time when it might meet their fancy. Lev. 16:2 They were limited to one day of the year which was the great Day of Atonement. Then they could only enter in having gone through a through process of cleansing beginning with the brazen altar and the brazen laver. This was a time of entering into the awesome presence of the living Lord and they must be thoroughly cleansed and sanctified. It was here that the glory of the Lord was revealed, above the mercy seat and between the Cherubim. To preserve the life of the high priest the Lord appeared in a cloud, veiled, lest the priest be slain by the glory of His presence.