mercy seat

American  

noun

1. Bible.

   1. the gold covering on the ark of the covenant, regarded as the resting place of God.

   2. the throne of God.

2. South Midland and Southern U.S. mourners' bench.

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mercy seat British  

noun

1. Old Testament the gold platform covering the Ark of the Covenant and regarded as the throne of God where he accepted sacrifices and gave commandments (Exodus 25:17, 22)

2. Christianity the throne of God

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Etymology

Origin of mercy seat

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

The boy knelt, sobbing, at the mercy seat, and the church began to sing.

From Literature

Its lid, on which stood two figures of the cherubim, was called "the mercy seat."

From Project Gutenberg

Sing on, ye tribes, sweet peace ye may secure, Your wants supplied from field and fountain pure; Live, and enjoy your privilege great, Nor ever more forget the mercy seat!

From Project Gutenberg

As with joyful steps they sped To that lowly manger bed, There to bend the knee before Him whom heaven and earth adore; So may we with willing feet Ever seek the mercy seat.

From Project Gutenberg

The temples agreed even in the details of their furniture: the two altars of the Babylonian sanctuary are found again in the temple of Jerusalem; so also the mercy seat and the table of showbread.

From Project Gutenberg