Topical Encyclopedia The Ark of Testimony, also known as the Ark of the Covenant, is one of the most significant and sacred objects in the Hebrew Bible. It served as a physical manifestation of God's presence among His people, Israel, and played a central role in the religious life of the Israelites.Biblical Description and Construction The Ark of Testimony is first introduced in the Book of Exodus. God commanded Moses to construct the Ark as part of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert. The instructions for its construction are detailed in Exodus 25:10-22. The Ark was to be made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold inside and out. It measured two and a half cubits long, one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high. A gold molding was to surround it, and it was to be carried using poles inserted into rings attached to its sides. The Ark's cover, known as the Mercy Seat, was also made of pure gold. Two cherubim were to be fashioned at the ends of the Mercy Seat, with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover. The space above the Mercy Seat was where God promised to meet with Moses and communicate His commandments for the Israelites (Exodus 25:22). Contents of the Ark The Ark of Testimony contained the two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, which Moses received from God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25:16). These tablets are referred to as the "Testimony," hence the name "Ark of Testimony." According to Hebrews 9:4, the Ark also contained a golden jar of manna and Aaron's staff that had budded, though these items are not mentioned in the Old Testament accounts of the Ark's contents. Significance and Role The Ark of Testimony symbolized God's covenant with Israel and His divine presence. It was kept in the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies, within the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple built by Solomon in Jerusalem. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:2-34). The Ark played a crucial role in several key events in Israel's history. It was carried by the Levites during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and led them across the Jordan River into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:14-17). The Ark was also present at the Battle of Jericho, where its presence signified God's power and led to the city's miraculous fall (Joshua 6:6-20). Historical Journey and Final Location Throughout its history, the Ark was captured by the Philistines, causing calamity among them until it was returned to Israel (1 Samuel 5-6). King David later brought the Ark to Jerusalem with great celebration, establishing the city as the religious center of Israel (2 Samuel 6:12-15). Solomon placed the Ark in the newly built Temple, where it remained until the Babylonian conquest (1 Kings 8:6-9). The final fate of the Ark is not detailed in the Bible, leading to much speculation and legend. Some traditions suggest it was hidden before the destruction of the Temple, while others propose it was taken to various locations. Despite its uncertain end, the Ark of Testimony remains a powerful symbol of God's covenant and presence with His people. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Ark of TestimonyARK OF TESTIMONY test'-i-mo-ni. See ARK OF THE COVENANT. Library He Proves that Christ is Called Lord of Hosts. Concerning the Ark of the Covenant, and the Miraculous Signs ... Following the Cloud. The Copies of Things in the Heavens On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. Chap. v. 3 and 8, "Blessed are ... Scriptural Types. With How Great Reverence Christ must be Received Of the Testimony in Mark. What is Meant by the Saviour's Shoes and ... Waiving Allusion to the Paraclete, Tertullian Comes to the ... Sikera, a Manufactured and Spurious Wine, yet Intoxicating; Things ... Resources Would the discovery of Noah's Ark be important? | GotQuestions.orgHow did Noah fit all the animals on the Ark? | GotQuestions.org What are some of the most common questions about Noah's Ark? | GotQuestions.org Ark: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ark of the Covenant was Called The: Ark of God Ark of the Covenant was Called The: Ark of God's Strength Ark of the Covenant was Called The: Ark of the Covenant of the Lord Ark of the Covenant was Called The: Ark of the Testimony Ark of the Covenant was Carried by Priests of Levites Alone Ark of the Covenant was Carried: Before the Israelites in Their Journeys Ark of the Covenant was Carried: Sometimes to the Camp in War Ark of the Covenant: A Copy of the Law Laid in the Side of Ark of the Covenant: A Symbol of the Presence and Glory of God Ark of the Covenant: A Type of Christ Ark of the Covenant: Anointed With Sacred Oil Ark of the Covenant: At Kirjath-Jearim Twenty Years Ark of the Covenant: Brought by Solomon Into the Temple With Great Solemnity Ark of the Covenant: Brought Into the City of David Ark of the Covenant: Captured by the Philistines Ark of the Covenant: Covered With the Vail by the Priests Before Removal Ark of the Covenant: David Made a Tent For Ark of the Covenant: Dimensions of Ark of the Covenant: Entirely Covered With Gold Ark of the Covenant: Esteemed the Glory of Israel Ark of the Covenant: Furnished With Rings and Staves Ark of the Covenant: Mercy-Seat Laid Upon Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Fall of Dagon Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Fall of the Walls of Jericho Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Jordan Divided Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Manner of Its Restoration Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Philistines Plagued Ark of the Covenant: Placed in the Holy of Holies Ark of the Covenant: Profanation of, Punished Ark of the Covenant: Protecting of, Rewarded Ark of the Covenant: Removed from Kirjath-Jearim to the House of Obed-Edom Ark of the Covenant: Sanctified Its Resting Place Ark of the Covenant: Surrounded With a Crown of Gold Ark of the Covenant: Tables of Testimony Alone Placed In Ark of the Covenant: The Israelites Enquired of the Lord Before Ark of the Covenant: The Pot of Manna and Aaron's Rod Laid up Before Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant in John's Vision Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant of God Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant of God's Strength Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant of the Covenant Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant of the Testimony Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Aaron's Rod Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: An Oracle of God Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Captured by the Philstines Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Carried by Kohathites Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Construction of Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Directions for Making Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Holy Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: How Prepared for Conveyance Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Place of Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Pot of Manna Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Prophecy Concerning Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Remains at the House of Abinadab Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Remains in the House of Obed-Edom Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Returned by the Philistines Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Sanctification of Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Set up in Jerusalem Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Set up in Shiloh Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Siege of Jericho Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Taken to Battle Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: The Law Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Transferred to Solomon's Temple Ark: Noah's: Directions for Building of Ark: Noah's: Noah and Family Preserved In Removed from Jerusalem by Zadok at the Time of Absalom's Revolt, But Returned by Command of David Related Terms Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Beth-she'mesh (20 Occurrences) Blast-trumpets (3 Occurrences) |
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