The “Lost” Ark and the Mercy Seat – Part III

Last Friday we looked at the conditions that existed during the time the ark was not in the temple. We reviewed a few of the kings that were in power, both good and bad and suggested theories on why the ark was not in the temple and who possibly had it.

Today we’ll take a look at other passages in the Bible that speak of the ark and the mercy seat directly or indirectly. We’ll also review a theory that the mercy seat may be the future throne of Jesus.

The Ark as a Model

There are two passages in the Bible that describe the ark as model. In the book of Acts, Stephen is on trial in front of the Sanhedrin. He gives a long sermon from the history of the Israelites and how it all foretold of the coming Messiah: Jesus. During this long passage, Stephen makes the following remark:

“Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, just has He who spoke to Moses directed him to make it according to the pattern which he had seen.” –Acts 7:44.

Here Stephen is describing it as a “pattern.” The Greek word used is “typos,” which means “form,” or an “example”: in the technical sense, the pattern in conformity to which a thing must be made.

The author of Hebrews describes it this way:

Who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “See,” He says, “that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.” –Hebrews 8:5.

The Mercy Seat as a Throne

Now let us review a number of verses in the Bible that describe a throne of God.

Arise, O Lord, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength. Of the fruit of your body I will set upon your throne. –Psalm 132:8, 11.

The latter part of this verse is God’s promise to David that his descendants will God set upon David’s throne.

For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His habitation. This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. –Psalm 132:13-14.

Zion is Jerusalem. The verse is explicitly saying that God has chosen Jerusalem as a resting place. For how long? Forever!

Then I heard one speaking to me from the house, while a man was standing beside me. He said to me, “Son of man, this is the place of My throne and the place of the soles of My feet, where I will dwell among the sons of Israel forever.” –Ezekiel 43:6-7.

Key words here again are “throne” and “forever.” This is speaking of Jesus’ Second Coming.

A throne will even be established in lovingkindness, and a judge will sit on it in faithfulness in the tent of David; moreover, he will seek justice and be prompt in righteousness. –Isaiah 16:5.

This, too, is at Jesus’ Second Coming. Key word again is “throne.”

“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.” –Matthew 25:31.

Here Jesus begins the passage describing the Judgment of the Gentiles. It’s important to note that this verse is describing the period of time after the Great Tribulation.

“In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David, and wall up its breaches; I will also raise up its ruins and rebuild it as in the days of old.” –Amos 9:11.

The “booth of David” could also be translated as “tabernacle of David.” It’s an interesting phrase. Usually we read of the “house of David.” The usage of “booth of David” describes something much lowlier and humbled or in ruins. Ultimately this verse will be fulfilled at Jesus’ Second Coming.

“Then say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Behold, a man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the Lord. Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices.”‘” –Zechariah 6:12-13.

This is another powerful verse. The Branch is Jesus. Who is building the temple? He is! And, Jesus will sit and rule on “His throne.” More interesting, is that it says “He will be a priest on His throne.” Jesus is the only one who is both priest–indeed our High Priest–and King.

“Then he shall slaughter the goat of the sin offering which is for the people, and bring its blood inside the veil and do with its blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and in front of the mercy seat.” –Leviticus 16:15.

Here is God’s instructions for the high priest. He is to sprinkle the blood on the mercy seat and in front of the mercy seat. It’s interesting because of what the mercy seat is. In order for God to meet with His people, the mercy seat had to be placed on top of the ark which contained the law. Moreover, the high priest had to atone for the sins of the people by sprinkling the blood on top and in front of the mercy seat.

“It shall be in those days when you are multiplied and increased in the land,” declares the Lord, “they shall say no more, ‘The ark of the covenant of the Lord.’ And it shall not come to mind, nor shall they remember it, nor shall they miss it, nor shall it be made again.” –Jeremiah 3:16.

A provocative verse. Like the others, it speaks of Jesus’ Second Coming. But it specifically says that the no one will speak of the ark of the covenant. It won’t come to anyone’s mind or remembrance. No one will miss it and, it shall not be made again! What was the ark made of? Wood. What did the ark contain? The law. When Jesus died, how did He die? On a cross of wood. What did His death bring? And end to the law and ushered in the dispensation of grace! The ark is no longer necessary as of 32 A.D.!

But what of the mercy seat? Look at the very next verse:

“At that time they shall call Jerusalem ‘The Throne of the Lord,’ and all the nations will be gathered to it, to Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord.” –Jeremiah 3:17.

I think that there is a specific and separate throne that will reside in Jerusalem when Jesus returns!

If the ark will no longer be remembered, where is the mercy seat now? We’ll take a look at possible clues directly from scripture!

May He Increase!