Topical Encyclopedia The Ark of the Covenant, often referred to as the "Ark of God," holds a central place in the religious and cultural history of ancient Israel. This sacred chest, constructed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, served as the physical manifestation of God's presence among His people. The Ark was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, featuring a gold lid known as the "mercy seat" with two cherubim facing each other. It housed the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a pot of manna, symbolizing God's covenant, authority, and provision.Biblical References: The term "Ark of God" is used throughout the Old Testament to emphasize the Ark's divine significance and its role as the earthly throne of the Almighty. In 1 Samuel 3:3 , it is mentioned, "And the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was located." This passage highlights the Ark's presence in the tabernacle at Shiloh, where it was central to Israel's worship and religious life. In 2 Samuel 6:2 , King David's reverence for the Ark is evident: "And David and all his men set out from Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name—the name of the LORD of Hosts, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on it." This verse underscores the Ark's association with God's holy name and His heavenly throne, signifying His rule and authority over Israel. Historical and Theological Significance: The Ark of God was not merely a religious artifact but a powerful symbol of God's covenantal relationship with Israel. It was carried by the Levites during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and into the Promised Land, leading them in battle and serving as a reminder of God's promises and faithfulness. The Ark's presence in the tabernacle and later in the Temple of Solomon signified God's dwelling among His people, a tangible assurance of His guidance and protection. The Ark's journey through Israel's history is marked by moments of triumph and tragedy. In 1 Samuel 4, the Philistines captured the Ark during a battle, leading to a period of national despair. However, its eventual return to Israelite territory, as recounted in 1 Samuel 6, was seen as a divine victory and a restoration of God's favor. Symbolism and Legacy: The Ark of God serves as a profound symbol of God's holiness, justice, and mercy. The mercy seat, where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement, foreshadowed the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ. The Ark's role in the Old Testament narrative points to the greater reality of God's presence with His people, culminating in the New Covenant established through Christ's death and resurrection. Throughout the centuries, the Ark of God has captured the imagination of theologians, historians, and believers, representing the intersection of the divine and the human. Its legacy continues to inspire faith and devotion, reminding Christians of the enduring presence and promises of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 3:3And 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; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Concerning the Ark of the Covenant, and the Miraculous Signs ... The Ark of his Covenant Samuel --The Child of the Temple. "What Mean These Stones?" Josh. Iv. 21 The Covenant of Grace The Form and Spirit of Religion The Meeting Hereafter. Is God in the Camp? From the Fall to the Flood. The Third vision "In Heaven" 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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