Topical Bible: Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Construction of

◄ Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Construction of ►

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The Ark of the Covenant, a central and sacred object within the Tabernacle, was constructed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This sacred chest symbolized God's covenant with the Israelites and His presence among them. The detailed account of its construction is found in the Book of Exodus.

Divine Instructions:

The instructions for building the Ark were given directly by God to Moses. In Exodus 25:10-22, the Lord provides specific details regarding its dimensions, materials, and design. The Ark was to be made of acacia wood, a durable and resilient material, measuring two and a half cubits long, one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high (Exodus 25:10).

Materials and Design:

The Ark was overlaid with pure gold, both inside and out, signifying its holiness and the divine presence it represented (Exodus 25:11). A gold molding was to be made around it, adding to its splendor and sanctity. Four gold rings were to be cast and attached to its four feet, two on each side, to hold the poles used for carrying the Ark (Exodus 25:12-14).

The poles, also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, were to remain in the rings of the Ark and were never to be removed, ensuring that the Ark could be transported without being touched directly (Exodus 25:15).

The Mercy Seat and Cherubim:

A crucial component of the Ark was the Mercy Seat, a solid gold cover placed atop the Ark. It was here that God promised to meet with Moses and communicate His commands for the Israelites (Exodus 25:21-22). The Mercy Seat was flanked by two cherubim, also made of hammered gold, with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the Mercy Seat. The cherubim faced each other, and their wings formed a protective covering over the Ark (Exodus 25:18-20).

Symbolism and Significance:

The Ark of the Covenant was not merely a physical object but a profound symbol of God's covenant and His presence with His people. It housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments, which were the terms of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 25:16). The Ark served as a constant reminder of God's law, His promises, and His guidance.

The construction of the Ark, with its precise instructions and use of precious materials, underscored the holiness and reverence due to God. It was a tangible representation of the divine presence and a focal point of worship and communication with God within the Tabernacle.

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Exodus 37:1-5
And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:
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Deuteronomy 10:3
And I made an ark of shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like to the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in my hand.
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