THE LAW UNDER THE MERCY SEAT – Deuteronomy 10:1-11

Posted by Pastor Greg Allen on May 18, 2011 under AM Bible Study |

AM Bible Study Group; May 18, 2011

Deuteronomy 10:1-11

Theme: In this chapter, Moses reminds the people of how in the light of their having broken the covenant, God established mercy.

The first portion of this chapter follows immediately after Moses’ retelling of the great failure of the people at Mount Sinai—when they broke the covenant of God in the matter of the golden calf. Moses gave expression to their having broken the covenant by throwing the two tablets of the law down and breaking them before their eyes (9:17).

This section, however, tells the story of mercy in the light of the people’s inability to keep the covenant. The God, whose covenant was broken, also established a covering for sin and a way of mercy through the "mercy seat" that covered the ark that contained the law. This chapter gives us a wonderful picture of God’s grace for sinners through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ.

I. THE BROKEN COVENANT RESTORED (vv. 1-5).

A. The covenant that had been broken by the people was immediately and visually restored to them. Note that Moses was commanded to make another copy of the two tablets, and that the exact same law was once again written by God. His law—even though broken by men—does not change (see Matthew 5:17-19).

B. But note also that, this time, God commanded that the law be placed in an "ark" (that is, a box). The making of this ark was apparently commanded before the matter of the golden calf occurred (see Exodus 25:10-22); but is described here in the context of the making of a second copy of the tablets. On the top of the ark was a covering called "the mercy seat". Here, note that the law—unchanged and reaffirmed—is placed under the mercy seat which was sprinkled with the blood of atonement. This is a picture of Jesus’ atoning work on our behalf—honoring the law of the covenant, but atoning for the sins of covenant breakers (Hebrews 9:6-15).

II. THE TRUSTIES OF MERCY ESTABLISHED (vv. 6-9).

A. Verses 6-9 seem to be an inserted comment—perhaps later added by Joshua—concerning the death of Aaron and the ministry of the Levites. Aaron died during the people’s wilderness journey (Numbers 20:25-28). Neither he nor Moses were permitted to enter the promised land as a consequence of their failure to honor God at Kadesh (see Numbers 20:1-13; especially v. 12). Even the high priest was a sinner; and was himself in need of the mercy displayed in the tabernacle (see Hebrews 5:1-3).

B. At the beginning of Numbers (chapters 3-4), we’re told of how the sons of Levi were to assist the sons of Aaron in the handling of the tabernacle and its articles. These were the visual expressions of the pathway of mercy to a relationship with the God who gave the law. Once again, this is a picture to us of the atoning work of Jesus on our behalf (John 4:6)

III. THE INTERCESSION FOR MERCY OFFERED (vv. 10-11).

A. Moses stayed another forty days on the mountain—as he did the first time when he first received the law of God. This was in intercession for the people who had sinned. Because of his intercession, the God whose covenant they broken did not destroy them.

B. What’s more, as evidence of God’s mercy, God commanded that the journey to the promised land be resumed. They were now about to enter that land. In the taking of that land, and while dwelling in it, they needed to constantly remember not only the law that declared them sinners, but also the mercy of God that made them acceptable. What a picture this is of our great Redeemer whose blood atones for our sins, and who even now intercedes for us at the Father’s right hand (Romans 8:34).

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As Romans 8:33-34 says; "Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us." This chapter shows us a picture of Christ’s death (through the atoning blood upon the mercy seat that covers the law of the covenant), His resurrection (through the tabernacle that stood as a picture of the ongoing ministry of Christ our High Priest), and His ministry of intercession for us at the right hand of the Father (pictured in Moses’ intercession for the people).

What a wonderful picture—right in the middle of the declaration of the law—of God’s mercy through Christ toward needy sinners like us!