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

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

Topical Encyclopedia

The Ark of the Covenant, a central and sacred object within the Tabernacle, holds profound significance in the religious and cultural history of Israel as depicted in the Old Testament. It is often referred to as the Ark of the Covenant of God, symbolizing the divine presence and covenantal relationship between God and the Israelites.

Construction and Description

The Ark was constructed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold both inside and out, and measured approximately 2.5 cubits long, 1.5 cubits wide, and 1.5 cubits high (Exodus 25:10-11). The Ark featured a gold molding around it and was equipped with four gold rings, two on each side, through which poles made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold were inserted for carrying (Exodus 25:12-15).

The cover of the Ark, known as the Mercy Seat, was also made of pure gold. Two cherubim were crafted at the ends of the Mercy Seat, facing each other with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover (Exodus 25:17-20). The Mercy Seat served as the place where God would meet with Moses and communicate His commands for the Israelites (Exodus 25:22).

Contents of the Ark

The Ark housed the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, which were inscribed by the finger of God and given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25:16; Deuteronomy 10:1-5). 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 earlier Old Testament accounts as being inside the Ark.

Function and Significance

The Ark of the Covenant served as the most sacred object within the Tabernacle, representing God's throne on earth and His covenant with Israel. It was placed in the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies, separated from the rest of the Tabernacle by a veil (Exodus 26:33-34). Only the high priest could enter this sacred space, 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).

The Ark also played a crucial role during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their conquest of Canaan. It was carried by the Levites and led the way during their travels (Numbers 10:33-36). The Ark's presence was instrumental in the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 3:14-17) and the fall of Jericho's walls (Joshua 6:4-20).

Theological Implications

The Ark of the Covenant is a profound symbol of God's holiness, justice, and mercy. It underscores the seriousness of God's law, as seen in the stone tablets, and His provision and guidance, as represented by the manna and Aaron's staff. The Mercy Seat signifies God's willingness to forgive and dwell among His people, foreshadowing the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ.

Historical Journey and Final Resting Place

Throughout Israel's history, the Ark was captured by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:11), returned to Israel (1 Samuel 6:13-15), and eventually brought to Jerusalem by King David (2 Samuel 6:12-17). It was later placed in the Temple built by Solomon (1 Kings 8:6-9). The final fate of the Ark remains a mystery, as it is not mentioned in the biblical accounts following the Babylonian conquest and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC.

Nave's Topical Index

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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1 Samuel 4:11,17,22
And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.
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1 Samuel 6:3
And they said, If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then you shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you.
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1 Samuel 14:18
And Saul said to Ahiah, Bring here the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.
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2 Samuel 6:7
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.
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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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2 Samuel 15:25
And the king said to Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favor in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and show me both it, and his habitation:
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1 Chronicles 13:12
And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?
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1 Chronicles 15:1,2,15,24
And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.
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1 Chronicles 16:1
So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.
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