Topical Bible: Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Transferred to Solomon's Temple

◄ Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Transferred to Solomon's Temple ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest constructed by the Israelites under the guidance of Moses, served as the earthly dwelling place of God's presence among His people. It was housed initially in the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness and their early years in the Promised Land.

Construction and Description

The Ark was constructed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, both inside and out. The dimensions of the Ark were two and a half cubits long, one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high (Exodus 25:10). It featured a gold molding around it and was equipped with four gold rings, two on each side, through which poles were inserted for carrying (Exodus 25:12-15). The cover of the Ark, known as the Mercy Seat, was also made of pure gold and was flanked by two cherubim with outstretched wings (Exodus 25:17-20).

Contents

The Ark contained the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, which were inscribed by the finger of God (Exodus 25:16; Deuteronomy 10:1-5). According to Hebrews 9:4, it also held Aaron's rod that budded and a golden jar of manna, though these items are not mentioned in the Old Testament accounts of the Ark's contents.

Significance in the Tabernacle

The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel and His presence among them. It was placed in the Holy of Holies, the innermost chamber of the Tabernacle, and was separated from the rest of the sanctuary by a veil (Exodus 26:33-34). Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, to sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Mercy Seat for the atonement of the people's sins (Leviticus 16:14-15).

Transfer to Solomon's Temple

When King Solomon built the First Temple in Jerusalem, the Ark of the Covenant was transferred from the Tabernacle to the newly constructed Temple. This event marked a significant moment in Israel's history, as the Ark was brought to a permanent resting place. The transfer is described in 1 Kings 8:1-9 and 2 Chronicles 5:2-10. Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and the heads of the tribes to bring the Ark from the city of David, Zion, to the Temple. The priests and Levites carried the Ark, and as it was placed in the inner sanctuary of the Temple, the Holy of Holies, a cloud filled the house of the LORD, signifying God's glory and presence (1 Kings 8:10-11).

The Ark remained in Solomon's Temple until the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, after which its fate is not detailed in the biblical narrative. The Ark's presence in the Temple underscored the continuity of God's covenant with Israel and His enduring presence among His people.

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1 Kings 8:6-9
And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD to his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubim.
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2 Chronicles 5:2-9
Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.
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2 Chronicles 35:3
And said to the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy to the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden on your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,
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