Christ Typified by the Ark of the Covenant
Hebrews 9:1-10
Then truly the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.…


I. THE ARK TYPIFIED THE DIGNITY AND PURITY OF CHRIST'S PERSON. It was made of incorruptible wood; was overlaid with pure gold; and had crowns of gold wrought round about it. Here is distinctly pointed out to us —

1. The holiness and incorruptibility of Christ's human nature.

2. The divinity of Jesus.

3. The regal glory of Jesus.

II. THE CONTENTS OF THE ARK TYPIFIED THE FULNESS AND WORK OF CHRIST.

1. In it were the two tables of the law. In Jesus these laws were embodied. He had them in His heart. He exemplified them in their fullest extent.

2. In it was the golden pot of manna. So in Jesus is the bread of life. "His flesh is meat indeed." He is the soul's satisfying portion.

3. In it was Aaron's rod that budded. Typifying Christ's exalted and abiding priesthood.

III. THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ARK TYPIFIED THE VICTORIES OF CHRIST.

1. The ark opened a passage through Jordan to the promised land. So by Christ a way has been opened through the grave to the heavenly Canaan.

2. By the ark's compassing the walls of Jericho they were thrown down. So Jesus by His Divine power spoiled the powers of darkness, and He shall finally overthrow all the bulwarks of Satan's empire.

3. The presence of the ark broke the idol Dagon to pieces. So shall the Saviour cast down all the idols of the heathen.

IV. THE MOVEMENTS OF THE ARK TYPIFIED THE PROGRESS AND CONSUMMATION OF CHRIST'S KINGDOM. The ark was possessed by the Israelites, then it was in the hands of the Philistines, and finally it was laid up in Solomon's temple. Thus Christ was first preached to the Jews, the gospel kingdom was first set up among them, afterwards it was extended to the Gentiles; and when consummated, it shall consist of all nations in the heavenly temple, there to be permanently glourious for ever and ever. Application: Learn —

1. The privilege you possess in having Christ the true ark with you. In it you have treasured up a fulness of all spiritual blessings.

2. With believing reverence draw near to it, and receive mercy, enjoy fellowship with God, and obtain grace to help you in every time of need.

3. Despisers of Christ must inevitably perish.

(J. Burns, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

WEB: Now indeed even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service, and an earthly sanctuary.




The Advent of the New and the Doom of the Old
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