Exodus 25

The Ark of the Covenant

10 And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high.*25:10 The ark was approximately 3.75 feet long, 2.25 feet wide, and 2.25 feet high (114.3 centimeters long, 68.6 centimeters wide, and 68.6 centimeters high). 11 Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it.

12 Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. 13 And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. 14 Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it. 15 The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed. 16 And place inside the ark the Testimony,*25:16 The Testimony refers to the stone tablets in the ark of the covenant inscribed with the Ten Commandments; also in verses 21 and 22. which I will give you.

The Mercy Seat

17 And you are to construct a mercy seat*25:17 Or an atonement cover; here and throughout Exodus of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide.*25:17 The mercy seat was approximately 3.75 feet long and 2.25 feet wide (114.3 centimeters long and 68.6 centimeters wide). 18 Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, 19 one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. 20 And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat.

21 Set the mercy seat atop the ark and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark.