Topical Encyclopedia The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest constructed by the Israelites under the guidance of Moses, holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. It is described in the Book of Exodus as being made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, both inside and out. The Ark served as the earthly dwelling place of God's presence and was central to the worship and religious life of the Israelites.Biblical Description and Construction The detailed instructions for the construction of the Ark are found in Exodus 25:10-22. The Ark measured two and a half cubits long, one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high. It was overlaid with pure gold, and a gold molding, often referred to as a "crown of gold," surrounded it. This crown of gold was not merely decorative but symbolized the divine kingship and holiness of God, who was enthroned above the cherubim on the mercy seat. Exodus 25:11 states, "Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it." This molding, or crown, signified the Ark's sacredness and the reverence due to it as the most holy object in the tabernacle. Symbolism and Significance The crown of gold surrounding the Ark is rich in symbolism. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, crowns were symbols of authority, power, and divinity. The golden crown on the Ark underscored the sovereignty of God and His covenant relationship with Israel. It served as a reminder that God was the true King of Israel, reigning from His heavenly throne. The Ark's design, including the crown of gold, also pointed to the future Messianic King, Jesus Christ, who would fulfill the law and the prophets. The Ark, as a type of Christ, foreshadowed the coming of the One who would perfectly embody God's presence among His people. Role in Israel's Worship and Journey The Ark of the Covenant played a central role in the religious life of Israel. It was housed in the Holy of Holies within the tabernacle and later the temple, 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 16:2-34). During the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, the Ark led the way, symbolizing God's guidance and protection. Numbers 10:33-36 describes how the Ark went before them to seek out a resting place, and Moses would proclaim, "Rise up, O LORD! May Your enemies be scattered, and may those who hate You flee before You" . Historical and Theological Impact The Ark's presence was a source of blessing and power for Israel. It was carried into battle, as seen in the conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6), and its presence brought victory and divine favor. However, when Israel disobeyed God, the Ark could also be a source of judgment, as in the case of the Philistines capturing it and experiencing plagues (1 Samuel 4-6). The Ark's crown of gold, along with its entire design, emphasized the holiness and majesty of God. It served as a constant reminder of the covenant between God and His people, a covenant that was ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Conclusion The Ark of the Covenant, surrounded with a crown of gold, remains a profound symbol of God's presence, holiness, and kingship. Its significance in the biblical narrative continues to inspire and instruct believers in understanding the nature of God's covenantal relationship with His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 25:11And you shall overlay it with pure gold, within and without shall you overlay it, and shall make on it a crown of gold round about. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple Three Decisive Steps All Joy in all Trials "Let us Pray" The Immaculate Conception The Kingdom of all Israel. The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ... Of the Incapacity of an Unregenerate Person for Relishing the ... Resources What happened to the Ark of the Covenant? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the ark of the testimony? | GotQuestions.org What was inside the ark of the covenant? | GotQuestions.org Ark: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ark of the Covenant was Called The: Ark of God Ark of the Covenant was Called The: Ark of God's Strength Ark of the Covenant was Called The: Ark of the Covenant of the Lord Ark of the Covenant was Called The: Ark of the Testimony Ark of the Covenant was Carried by Priests of Levites Alone Ark of the Covenant was Carried: Before the Israelites in Their Journeys Ark of the Covenant was Carried: Sometimes to the Camp in War Ark of the Covenant: A Copy of the Law Laid in the Side of Ark of the Covenant: A Symbol of the Presence and Glory of God Ark of the Covenant: A Type of Christ Ark of the Covenant: Anointed With Sacred Oil Ark of the Covenant: At Kirjath-Jearim Twenty Years Ark of the Covenant: Brought by Solomon Into the Temple With Great Solemnity Ark of the Covenant: Brought Into the City of David Ark of the Covenant: Captured by the Philistines Ark of the Covenant: Covered With the Vail by the Priests Before Removal Ark of the Covenant: David Made a Tent For Ark of the Covenant: Dimensions of Ark of the Covenant: Entirely Covered With Gold Ark of the Covenant: Esteemed the Glory of Israel Ark of the Covenant: Furnished With Rings and Staves Ark of the Covenant: Mercy-Seat Laid Upon Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Fall of Dagon Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Fall of the Walls of Jericho Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Jordan Divided Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Manner of Its Restoration Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Philistines Plagued Ark of the Covenant: Placed in the Holy of Holies Ark of the Covenant: Profanation of, Punished Ark of the Covenant: Protecting of, Rewarded Ark of the Covenant: Removed from Kirjath-Jearim to the House of Obed-Edom Ark of the Covenant: Sanctified Its Resting Place Ark of the Covenant: Surrounded With a Crown of Gold Ark of the Covenant: Tables of Testimony Alone Placed In Ark of the Covenant: The Israelites Enquired of the Lord Before Ark of the Covenant: The Pot of Manna and Aaron's Rod Laid up Before Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant in John's Vision Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant of God Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant of God's Strength 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 Lord Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant of the Testimony Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Aaron's Rod Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: An Oracle of God Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Captured by the Philstines Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Carried by Kohathites Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Construction of Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Directions for Making Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Holy Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: How Prepared for Conveyance Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Place of Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Pot of Manna Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Prophecy Concerning Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Remains at the House of Abinadab Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Remains in the House of Obed-Edom Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Returned by the Philistines Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Sanctification of Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Set up in Jerusalem Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Set up in Shiloh Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Siege of Jericho Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Taken to Battle Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: The Law Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Transferred to Solomon's Temple Ark: Noah's: Directions for Building of Ark: Noah's: Noah and Family Preserved In Removed from Jerusalem by Zadok at the Time of Absalom's Revolt, But Returned by Command of David Related Terms Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Beth-she'mesh (20 Occurrences) Blast-trumpets (3 Occurrences) |
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