Topical Bible: 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 Covenant ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Ark of the Covenant, also known as the Ark of the Testimony, is one of the most significant and sacred objects described in the Hebrew Bible. It was constructed under the direct instructions of God to Moses and served as a central element in the worship and religious life of the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness and their settlement in the Promised Land.

Construction and Description

The Ark was built according to the divine specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was made of acacia wood and measured approximately 2.5 cubits long, 1.5 cubits wide, and 1.5 cubits high (Exodus 25:10). The Ark was overlaid with pure gold both inside and out, and it featured a gold molding around it. Four gold rings were cast and attached to its four feet, and poles of acacia wood overlaid with gold were inserted into these rings to carry the Ark (Exodus 25:11-15).

The cover of the Ark, known as the "mercy seat," was also made of pure gold. Two cherubim were crafted from hammered gold and placed at the two ends of the mercy seat, facing each other with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover (Exodus 25:17-20). The mercy seat was the place where God promised to meet with Moses and communicate His commands for the Israelites (Exodus 25:22).

Contents of the Ark

The Ark of the Covenant contained several sacred items that were of great significance to the Israelites. According to Hebrews 9:4, these included the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, which were the testimony of the covenant between God and Israel. Additionally, the Ark held Aaron's rod that budded and a golden jar of manna, serving as reminders of God's provision and authority (Exodus 16:33-34; Numbers 17:10).

Function and Significance

The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's presence among His people. It was placed in the Most Holy Place, behind the veil, where only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:2, 14-15).

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 the way across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, where the waters were miraculously parted (Joshua 3:14-17). The Ark was also instrumental in the fall of Jericho, as it was carried around the city for seven days before the walls collapsed (Joshua 6:4-20).

The Ark in the Temple

King Solomon later placed the Ark in the inner sanctuary of the Temple in Jerusalem, known as the Most Holy Place, where it remained as a symbol of God's covenant with Israel (1 Kings 8:6-9). During the dedication of the Temple, the glory of the Lord filled the house, signifying His approval and presence (1 Kings 8:10-11).

Theological Implications

The Ark of the Covenant represents the holiness and sovereignty of God, His covenantal faithfulness, and His desire to dwell among His people. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for obedience to God's commandments and the provision of atonement for sin. The Ark's central role in Israel's worship underscores the importance of God's presence and guidance in the life of His people.

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Numbers 10:33
And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.
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Deuteronomy 31:26
Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against you.
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Joshua 4:7
Then you shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel for ever.
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1 Samuel 4:3
And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Why has the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh to us, that, when it comes among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.
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2 Samuel 15:24
And see Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.
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1 Chronicles 15:25
So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.
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1 Chronicles 17:1
Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, See, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD remains under curtains.
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Jeremiah 3:16
And it shall come to pass, when you be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, said the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more.
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Hebrews 9:4
Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
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