What does NDT mean?

[prmills]

In a Concordance with analysis view I got the following:

Exod 20:6 showing mercy to H2617

Exod 25:17 make a mercy seat of pure NDT

I know that the Hebrew is "mercy seat" and this is what it is trying to tell me. But I couldn't find what the abbreviation NDT stands for.

[Helen Brown]

Not Directly Translated

[Gedalya]

SInce you brought up "mercy seat", I would like to share with you Nahum Sarna's comment in the JPS commentary on Ex 25:17.

 

JPS Torah Commentary]

THE “KAPPORET” AND THE CHERUBIM (vv. 17–22)

A solid slab of pure gold is to be placed above the Ark, which was open at the top. The dimensions of the slab correspond exactly to those of the Ark. 43 This object is called in Hebrew kapporet, a word that has traditionally been rendered “mercy-seat” in the English versions. This is based on the Septuagint and Vulgate translations, which mean “an instrument of propitiation,” and follow the usual sense of the Hebrew stem k-p-r, “to atone, make expiation.” This understanding would appear to be streng-thened by the instruction in Leviticus 16:15–16 that at this spot in the Holy of Holies the High Priest is to perform expiatory rites on the Day of Atonement. Nevertheless, “mercy-seat” is not a satisfactory translation of kapporet, since the aspect of “mercy” is an interpretation and is not inherent in the word. The present translation, “a cover,” rests on a supposed primary meaning “to cover” for the Hebrew verb k-p-r, as in Arabic kafara. 44

Whatever its precise meaning, the kapporet was far more than a mere lid for the Ark. It was a distinct entity with its own identity and symbolism. The Ark and kapporet are listed several times as two items in the various inventories of the contents of the Tabernacle. 45 The fact that the kapporet has its own instruction formula and that its dimensions are separately measured reinforce this con-clusion.

At either end of the kapporet a cherub was hammered out. The two cherubim faced each other, with their heads bent slightly downward. Their fully outstretched wings were turned upward, sheltering the main body of the lid and the Ark below it. Verse 22, as well as Numbers 7:89 make clear that the divine voice was thought to issue from the space above the lid and between the two cherubim. Therefore, just as the Ark may poetically be the footstool, the kapporet with its cherubim would support the invisible thrne of God. This explains a frequently employed epithet of God as the One who is “Enthroned on the Cherubim.” 46 It is also said that “He mounted a cherub and flew.” 47 The outstretched wings of the cherubim also signify flight and mobility.

As noted above, the biblical references, in assuming prior familiarity with the cherubim, suggest a connection with an existing tradition. Closest is the Akkadian term kuribu, 48 a protective genius fashioned for the entrances of temples and palaces in Mesopotamia. These creatures are composites of human, animal, and avian features. Hybrids of this kind have turned up over a wide area of the ancient Near East and the Mediterranean lands, including Canaan. 49 Such representations are highly reminiscent of the description of the cherubim in Ezekiel 1:6–11 and 10:14–22. However, a com-parison of the non-Israelite creatures with the cherubim of the Tabernacle and with Ezekiel 41:18–19 shows considerable variation in the artistic theme.

Whatever the original inspiration, the cherubim of the Tabernacle certainly communicate some concepts of God that are fundamental to the religion of Israel. As bearers of the celestial throne, they evoke belief in divine, transcendent sovereignty. Their permanent place above the Ark expresses God’s immanence—His enduring presence in the covenanted community of Israel. Their out-stretched wings represent the idea of consummate mobility, that is, of God’s omnipresence.

[Exod., p. 162]

[Timothy Jenney]

[Chuckle] Since Gordon has mentioned mobility, I think I'll add that the "throne of God" received an upgrade in Ezekiel's vision: wheels (Ez. 1:15). With "wheels and wings," God could easily accompany his people into Exile in Babylon. Wheels work best for roads, while wings help move the throne over the rivers. Since there were four wheels, each of which was self-propelled, I think it fair to point out that God had the first four wheel drive vehicle! As an outdoorsman, the whole concept warms my heart.

Edited January 8, 2015 by Timothy Jenney

[Helen Brown]

Gordon, thank you for that beautiful quote from the JPS Commentary. It brings such a depth of understanding to the topic.

[prmills]

Yes. Thank you all. I'm glad I ask! I am working on a youth lesson on "The Mercy Seat."