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

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

Topical Encyclopedia

The Ark of the Covenant, a central and sacred object within the Tabernacle, served as the physical manifestation of God's presence among the Israelites. Constructed according to divine specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai, the Ark was a chest made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold both inside and out (Exodus 25:10-11). Its dimensions were two and a half cubits long, one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high.

The Ark was housed in the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies, the innermost chamber of the Tabernacle. This sacred space was separated from the Holy Place by a veil, signifying the holiness and inaccessibility of God's presence to the people, except through the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2).

The Ark's lid, known as the Mercy Seat, was crafted from pure gold and featured two cherubim with outstretched wings facing each other. It was here, above the Mercy Seat, that God promised to meet with Moses and communicate His commands for the Israelites (Exodus 25:22). The presence of the cherubim symbolized the heavenly throne of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and holiness.

Inside the Ark were placed the tablets of the covenant, inscribed with the Ten Commandments, which represented God's law and covenant with His people (Exodus 25:16). 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 original instructions for the Ark's contents.

The Ark of the Covenant was not only a symbol of God's covenant but also a tangible reminder of His guidance and provision. It was carried by the Levites during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and into the Promised Land, leading them and signifying God's presence with them (Numbers 10:33-36). The Ark played a crucial role in significant events, such as the crossing of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho, where it was carried around the city as part of God's miraculous intervention (Joshua 3:14-17, 6:6-20).

The Ark's placement within the Tabernacle underscored the centrality of God's law and His covenant relationship with Israel. It served as a constant reminder of God's holiness, His promises, and His desire to dwell among His people.

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Exodus 26:33
And you shall hang up the veil under the clasps, that you may bring in thither within the veil the ark of the testimony: and the veil shall divide to you between the holy place and the most holy.
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Exodus 40:21
And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses.
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1 Samuel 3:3
And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
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2 Samuel 7:2
That the king said to Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within curtains.
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Hebrews 9:2-4
For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the show bread; which is called the sanctuary.
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