Mercy-seat

The mercy-seat (kapporeth in Hebrew, from the root kaphar, to cover or atone) was the solid gold lid of the Ark of the Covenant, measuring two and a half cubits long and one and a half cubits wide (Exodus 25:17). At each end stood a golden cherub with wings outstretched to cover it, and the space between the cherubim was considered the earthly throne of God — the place where the invisible divine presence was localized and where the LORD declared he would meet with Moses and give his commands (Exodus 25:22).

The mercy-seat received its most significant role on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), when the high priest entered the Holy of Holies and sprinkled sacrificial blood on it seven times to make atonement for the sins of the entire nation (Leviticus 16:14–15). The Greek New Testament renders kapporeth as hilasterion — the same word Paul uses in Romans 3:25 to describe Christ as the one whom God set forth as a propitiation (mercy-seat) through faith in his blood. The writer of Hebrews also identifies Christ as the High Priest who entered the true heavenly sanctuary with his own blood (Hebrews 9:5, 11–12), fulfilling and superseding the Mosaic institution.