Overview
The Mercy Seat (Hebrew: kapporeth) was a solid gold slab, 2.5 cubits long and 1.5 cubits wide, that sat atop the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies. God commanded its construction (Exodus 31:7) and promised to meet with His people there (Exodus 25:22). On the Day of Atonement, the high priest sprinkled blood on the Mercy Seat to make atonement for Israel's sins (Leviticus 16:2-3, 13).
Key Scriptures
"And the Lord said to Moses, 'Tell your brother Aaron that he shall not enter at any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat that is on the ark, so that he will not die; for I appear in the cloud over the mercy seat'" (Leviticus 16:2, NASB).
"Now when these things have been so prepared, the priests are always entering the outer tabernacle performing the divine worship, but into the second, only the high priest enters once a year, not without taking blood" (Hebrews 9:6-7, NASB).
"whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith" (Romans 3:25, NASB).
Application
Recognize that Christ fulfilled the Mercy Seat's purpose through His sacrifice, offering complete and eternal atonement for all who believe in Him.