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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 40:20 Moses took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attaching the poles to the ark; and he set the mercy seat atop the ark.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/40-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/02_Exo_40_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 40:20 - Setting Up the Tabernacle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Moses took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attaching the poles to the ark; and he set the mercy seat atop the ark." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/40-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/40-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/40.htm">Chapter 40</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/40-19.htm" title="Exodus 40:19">◄</a> Exodus 40:20 <a href="/exodus/40-21.htm" title="Exodus 40:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/40.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/40.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He took the tablets of the covenant law and placed them in the ark, attached the poles to the ark and put the atonement cover over it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/40.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He took the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant and placed them inside the Ark. Then he attached the carrying poles to the Ark, and he set the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—on top of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/40.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He took the testimony and put it into the ark, and put the poles on the ark and set the mercy seat above on the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/40.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attaching the poles to the ark; and he set the mercy seat atop the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/40.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/40.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He took the Testimony and put <i>it</i> into the ark, inserted the poles through the rings of the ark, and put the mercy seat on top of the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/40.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he took the testimony and put <i>it</i> into the ark, and attached the poles to the ark, and put the atoning cover on top of the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/40.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then he took the testimony and put it into the ark, and attached the poles to the ark, and put the mercy seat on top of the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/40.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then he took the testimony and put <i>it</i> into the ark, and attached the poles to the ark, and put the mercy seat on top of the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/40.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then he took the testimony and put <i>it</i> into the ark and attached the poles to the ark and put the mercy seat on top of the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/40.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He took the Testimony [the stones inscribed with the Ten Commandments] and put it into the ark [of the covenant], and placed the poles [through the rings] on the ark, and put the mercy seat on top of the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/40.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses took the testimony and placed it in the ark, and attached the poles to the ark. He set the mercy seat on top of the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/40.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses took the testimony and placed it in the ark, and attached the poles to the ark. He set the mercy seat on top of the ark. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/40.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy-seat above upon the ark:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/40.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The stones with the Ten Commandments written on them were stored in the sacred chest, the place of mercy was put on top of it, and the carrying poles were attached. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/40.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy-seat above upon the ark:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/40.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He took the words of God's promise and put them in the ark. He put the poles on the ark and placed the throne of mercy on top of the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/40.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then he took the two stone tablets and put them in the Covenant Box. He put the poles in the rings of the Box and put the lid on it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/40.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he took the Testimony, put it into the ark, and placed the poles on the ark. He then put the Mercy Seat on top of the ark. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/40.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attaching the poles to the ark; and he set the mercy seat atop the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/40.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He took the testimony and put it in the ark, attached the poles to the ark, and then put the atonement lid on the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/40.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the poles on the ark, and put the mercy seat above on the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/40.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staffs on the ark, and put the mercy-seat above upon the ark:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/40.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He took and put the covenant into the ark, and set the poles on the ark, and put the mercy seat above on the ark. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/40.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he takes and puts the Testimony into the Ark, and sets the poles on the Ark, and puts the propitiatory covering on the Ark above;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/40.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he taketh and putteth the testimony unto the ark, and setteth the staves on the ark, and putteth the mercy-seat on the ark above;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/40.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will take and give the testimony to the ark, and will put the poles upon the ark and will give the cover upon the ark from above.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/40.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he put the testimony in the ark, thrusting bars underneath, and the oracle above. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/40.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 40:18>And he placed the testimony in the ark, applying the bars beneath, and the oracle above.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/40.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He took the covenant and put it in the ark; he placed poles alongside the ark and set the cover upon it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/40.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He took the covenant and put it into the ark, and put the poles on the ark, and set the mercy seat above the ark;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/40.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he took the testimony and put it into the ark and set the poles on the ark and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/40.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he took and put the Testimony in the Ark and put poles on the ark and set the Mercy Seat on the ark from above:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/40.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the ark-cover above upon the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/40.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he took the testimonies, and put them into the ark; and he put the staves by the sides of the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/40-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=10699" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/40.htm">Setting Up the Tabernacle</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, just as the LORD had commanded him. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·qaḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">Moses took</a> <a href="/hebrew/5715.htm" title="5715: hā·‘ê·ḏuṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- Testimony. Feminine of ed; testimony.">the Testimony</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: way·yit·tên (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">and placed</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">it in</a> <a href="/hebrew/727.htm" title="727: hā·’ā·rōn (Art:: N-cs) -- A chest, ark. Or laron; from 'arah; a box.">the ark,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: way·yā·śem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">attaching</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/905.htm" title="905: hab·bad·dîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Separation, a part. ">the poles</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/727.htm" title="727: hā·’ā·rōn (Art:: N-cs) -- A chest, ark. Or laron; from 'arah; a box.">the ark;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: way·yit·tên (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">and he set</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3727.htm" title="3727: hak·kap·pō·reṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- Propitiatory. From kaphar; a lid.">the mercy seat</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">atop</a> <a href="/hebrew/4605.htm" title="4605: mil·mā·‘ə·lāh (Prep-m, Prep-l:: Adv:: 3fs) -- From alah; properly, the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/727.htm" title="727: hā·’ā·rōn (Art:: N-cs) -- A chest, ark. Or laron; from 'arah; a box.">the ark.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Hebrews 9:4</a></span><br />containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/10-1.htm">Deuteronomy 10:1-5</a></span><br />At that time the LORD said to me, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, come up to Me on the mountain, and make an ark of wood. / And I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke; and you are to place them in the ark.” / So I made an ark of acacia wood, chiseled out two stone tablets like the originals, and went up the mountain with the two tablets in my hands. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-9.htm">1 Kings 8:9</a></span><br />There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites after they had come out of the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/5-10.htm">2 Chronicles 5:10</a></span><br />There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites after they had come out of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/10-33.htm">Numbers 10:33</a></span><br />So they set out on a three-day journey from the mountain of the LORD, with the ark of the covenant of the LORD traveling ahead of them for those three days to seek a resting place for them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/4-4.htm">1 Samuel 4:4</a></span><br />So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/6-2.htm">2 Samuel 6:2</a></span><br />And he and all his troops set out for Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name—the name of the LORD of Hosts, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/132-8.htm">Psalm 132:8</a></span><br />Arise, O LORD, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/3-16.htm">Jeremiah 3:16</a></span><br />“In those days, when you multiply and increase in the land,” declares the LORD, “they will no longer discuss the ark of the covenant of the LORD. It will never come to mind, and no one will remember it or miss it, nor will another one be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/11-19.htm">Revelation 11:19</a></span><br />Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-44.htm">Acts 7:44</a></span><br />Our fathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the wilderness. It was constructed exactly as God had directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/8-5.htm">Hebrews 8:5</a></span><br />The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-2.htm">Hebrews 9:2-5</a></span><br />A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, / containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/7-89.htm">Numbers 7:89</a></span><br />When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony. Thus the LORD spoke to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/16-13.htm">Leviticus 16:13</a></span><br />He is to put the incense on the fire before the LORD, and the cloud of incense will cover the mercy seat above the Testimony, so that he will not die.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above on the ark:</p><p class="hdg">the testimony</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/16-34.htm">Exodus 16:34</a></b></br> As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/25-16.htm">Exodus 25:16-21</a></b></br> And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/31-18.htm">Exodus 31:18</a></b></br> And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.</p><p class="hdg">mercy</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/40-3.htm">Exodus 40:3</a></b></br> And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/37-6.htm">Exodus 37:6-9</a></b></br> And he made the mercy seat <i>of</i> pure gold: two cubits and a half <i>was</i> the length thereof, and one cubit and a half the breadth thereof… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/3-25.htm">Romans 3:25</a></b></br> Whom God hath set forth <i>to be</i> a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/40-5.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/exodus/39-35.htm">Ark-Cover</a> <a href="/exodus/39-35.htm">Atonement</a> <a href="/exodus/39-25.htm">Attached</a> <a href="/exodus/40-3.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/exodus/40-4.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/exodus/40-5.htm">Law</a> <a href="/exodus/39-35.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/exodus/39-35.htm">Mercy-Seat</a> <a href="/exodus/40-8.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/exodus/40-18.htm">Poles</a> <a href="/exodus/40-19.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/exodus/40-18.htm">Rods</a> <a href="/exodus/39-35.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/exodus/39-19.htm">Side</a> <a href="/exodus/39-39.htm">Staffs</a> <a href="/exodus/39-39.htm">Staves</a> <a href="/exodus/40-5.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/exodus/40-19.htm">Top</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/40-21.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-13.htm">Ark-Cover</a> <a href="/leviticus/1-4.htm">Atonement</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-7.htm">Attached</a> <a href="/leviticus/3-4.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/leviticus/1-9.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/leviticus/5-10.htm">Law</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-2.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-2.htm">Mercy-Seat</a> <a href="/exodus/40-22.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/numbers/4-6.htm">Poles</a> <a href="/exodus/40-22.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/numbers/3-36.htm">Rods</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-9.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/exodus/40-22.htm">Side</a> <a href="/numbers/4-6.htm">Staffs</a> <a href="/numbers/4-6.htm">Staves</a> <a href="/exodus/40-21.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/leviticus/3-4.htm">Top</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 40</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/40-1.htm">The tabernacle is commanded to be reared, anointed, and consecrated</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/40-13.htm">Aaron and his sons to be sanctified</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/40-16.htm">Moses performs all things accordingly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/40-34.htm">A cloud covers the tabernacle</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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These tablets represent God's covenant with Israel and are central to the nation's identity and religious life. The act of Moses taking the Testimony signifies the importance of God's law as the foundation of Israel's relationship with Him.<p><b>and placed it in the ark</b><br>The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, designed according to God's specific instructions. Placing the Testimony inside the ark symbolizes the centrality of God's law in the life of the Israelites. The ark itself is a type of Christ, as it represents God's presence among His people, just as Christ is God incarnate dwelling among humanity.<p><b>attaching the poles to the ark</b><br>The poles were used to carry the ark, ensuring that it was never touched directly by human hands, which would defile its holiness. This reflects the reverence and respect required in approaching God. The use of poles also signifies the mobility of God's presence with His people, guiding them through their journey, much like the guidance provided by the Holy Spirit in the life of believers.<p><b>and he set the mercy seat atop the ark</b><br>The mercy seat, made of pure gold, served as the lid for the ark and was the place where God's presence would appear. It was flanked by two cherubim and represented God's throne on earth. The mercy seat is a foreshadowing of Christ's atoning work, as it was here that the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement, symbolizing the covering of sin. This act prefigures Christ's ultimate sacrifice, which provides atonement for humanity's sins.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who received the Law from God and was responsible for setting up the Tabernacle according to God's instructions.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ark_of_the_covenant.htm">The Ark of the Covenant</a></b><br>A sacred chest that held the Testimony (the tablets of the Law) and represented God's presence among His people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_testimony.htm">The Testimony</a></b><br>The tablets of the Law given to Moses on Mount Sinai, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_poles.htm">The Poles</a></b><br>Used to carry the Ark, signifying the mobility of God's presence with His people as they journeyed.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_mercy_seat.htm">The Mercy Seat</a></b><br>The cover of the Ark, representing God's throne and the place of atonement where God would meet with Moses.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_centrality_of_god's_word.htm">The Centrality of God's Word</a></b><br>The placement of the Testimony in the Ark underscores the importance of God's Word as the foundation of faith and life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_and_guidance.htm">God's Presence and Guidance</a></b><br>The Ark, with its poles, symbolizes God's continual presence and guidance, reminding believers of His faithfulness in their journey.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/atonement_and_mercy.htm">Atonement and Mercy</a></b><br>The mercy seat signifies God's provision for atonement, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reverence_and_obedience.htm">Reverence and Obedience</a></b><br>The careful handling of the Ark reflects the reverence due to God and His commands, encouraging believers to approach God with respect and obedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/covenant_relationship.htm">Covenant Relationship</a></b><br>The Ark and the Testimony highlight the covenant relationship between God and His people, calling believers to live in faithfulness to God's promises.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_40.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 40</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/could_the_ark_survive_the_wilderness_intact.htm">Exodus 40:20–21 – How feasible is it that the ark and its contents remained intact through harsh wilderness conditions without any recorded damage? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_holy_of_holies.htm">What is the Holy of Holies in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_you_find_peace_and_remain_still.htm">What did the Ark of the Covenant contain?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_exodus_25_18_allow_cherubim.htm">If Exodus 20:4 forbids making graven images, why does Exodus 25:18 command crafting cherubim, appearing to contradict the earlier prohibition?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/40.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">He took and put the testimony into the ark.</span>--By "the testimony" we must understand the two tables of stone, written with the finger of God, which Moses had brought down with him from the top of Sinai on his last visit (<a href="/exodus/34-29.htm" title="And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses knew not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.">Exodus 34:29</a>). On the use of the word "testimony" in this sense, see Note to <a href="/exodus/25-16.htm" title="And you shall put into the ark the testimony which I shall give you.">Exodus 25:16</a>. It is not proved by this passage that the Ark held nothing but "the testimony."<p><span class= "bld">Set the staves on the ark</span>--i.e., placed them in the rings, ready for use. (See <a href="/exodus/25-14.htm" title="And you shall put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them.">Exodus 25:14</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/40.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The testimony</span> - <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, the two tables of stone containing the Ten Commandments (<a href="/exodus/25-16.htm">Exodus 25:16</a>; <a href="/exodus/31-18.htm">Exodus 31:18</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Set the staves on the</span> ark. "Put the staves," that is, "into the rings, and left them there" (<a href="/exodus/25-14.htm">Exodus 25:14</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Put the mercy seat above upon the ark</span>. See <a href="/exodus/25-21.htm">Exodus 25:21</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/40-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Moses took</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקַּ֞ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·qaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Testimony</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֵדֻת֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ê·ḏuṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5715.htm">Strong's 5715: </a> </span><span class="str2">Testimony</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and placed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּתֵּ֤ן</span> <span class="translit">(way·yit·tên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it in</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the ark,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָ֣אָרֹ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·rōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_727.htm">Strong's 727: </a> </span><span class="str2">A chest, ark</span><br /><br /><span class="word">attaching</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֥שֶׂם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·śem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the poles</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבַּדִּ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bad·dîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_905.htm">Strong's 905: </a> </span><span class="str2">Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the ark;</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָרֹ֑ן</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·rōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_727.htm">Strong's 727: </a> </span><span class="str2">A chest, ark</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he set</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּתֵּ֧ן</span> <span class="translit">(way·yit·tên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the mercy seat</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kap·pō·reṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3727.htm">Strong's 3727: </a> </span><span class="str2">Propitiatory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">atop</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the ark.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָרֹ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·rōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_727.htm">Strong's 727: </a> </span><span class="str2">A chest, ark</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/40-20.htm">Exodus 40:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/40-20.htm">Exodus 40:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/40-20.htm">Exodus 40:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/40-20.htm">Exodus 40:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/40-20.htm">Exodus 40:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/40-20.htm">Exodus 40:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/40-20.htm">Exodus 40:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/40-20.htm">Exodus 40:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/40-20.htm">Exodus 40:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/40-20.htm">Exodus 40:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/40-20.htm">OT Law: Exodus 40:20 He took and put the testimony into (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/40-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 40:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 40:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/40-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 40:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 40:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>