Verses 7-8 are almost identical with 25.18-19. The verb he made, used three times, is of course changed to completed action. In verse 7 the Hebrew word order is the same, but Revised Standard Version rephrases it by placing the semicolon in a different place. In verse 8 on its two ends is literally “from its two ends,” while in 25.19 it is literally “upon its two ends.” As in 25.19, of one piece with the mercy seat is an interpretation of the literal “from the kapporeth,” which Good News Translation renders as “they formed one piece with the lid.” Either interpretation is possible. (See the comment there.)

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .