kaporeth Hebrew; hilasteerion , epitheema , Septuagint. The propitiatory, the golden cover of the ark. From the piel conjugation of kaapar , "to cover up," "forgive," or "reconcile," "atone" for offenses. Having a distinct significance and designation of its own; not a mere part of the ark. Placed "above upon the ark" (Exodus 25:17-22; Exodus 26:34; Exodus 30:6; Exodus 31:7; Exodus 35:12; Exodus 37:6). Never called "the cover" (kaporeth ) merely of the ark, but made a distinct thing.
The holy of belies is called "the place of the mercy-seat" (1 Chronicles 28:11; Leviticus 16:2), marking that it was not a mere subordinate part of the ark. The kippurim , "atonements," on the day of atonement are inseparably connected with the kaporeth , which was sprinkled with the blood (Leviticus 16:13-15). The same hilasteerion occurs Hebrews 9:5 "mercy-seat," Romans 3:25 "propitiation." (See ARK.) The atonement was for the breach of the covenant. Appropriately, therefore the mercy-seat covered that covenant written on the two tables of stone inside the ark. God, thus reconciled through the blood sprinkled on the mercy-seat, could speak to His people "from off the mercy-seat that was upon the ark of the testimony" (Numbers 7:89; Psalms 80:1).
From the co-author of the classic Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary, Fausset's Bible Dictionary stands as one of the best single-volume Bible encyclopedias ever written for general use. The author's writing style is always clear and concise, and he tackles issues important to the average student of the Bible, not just the Biblical scholars. This makes Fausset an excellent tool for both everyday Bible study and in-depth lesson or sermon preparation.Wikipedia
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