Bible Dictionaries
Mercy-Seat
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. kapporeth, a "covering;" LXX. and N.T., hilasterion; Vulg., propitiatorium), the covering or lid of the ark of the covenant (q.v.). It was of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, or perhaps rather a plate of solid gold, 2 1/2 cubits long and 1 1/2 broad (Exodus 25:17; 30:6; 31:7 ). It is compared to the throne of grace (Hebrews 9:5; Ephesians 2:6 ). The holy of holies is called the "place of the mercy-seat" (1 Chronicles 28:11 : Leviticus 16:2 ). It has been conjectured that the censer (thumiaterion, meaning "anything having regard to or employed in the burning of incense") mentioned in Hebrews 9:4 was the "mercy-seat," at which the incense was burned by the high priest on the great day of atonement, and upon or toward which the blood of the goat was sprinkled ( Leviticus 16:11-16; Compare Numbers 7:89 and Exodus 25:22 ).
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.
Bibliography Information
Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Mercy-Seat'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/m/mercy-seat.html. 1897.