The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest, is central to the worship and religious life of ancient Israel. It symbolizes God's presence among His people and serves as a physical manifestation of His covenant with them. The instructions for constructing the Ark are detailed in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 25:10-22.

Construction Materials and Dimensions:

The Ark was to be made of acacia wood, a durable and resilient material. According to Exodus 25:10 , "They are to construct an ark of acacia wood two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high." This translates to approximately 3.75 feet long, 2.25 feet wide, and 2.25 feet high, using the ancient cubit measurement.

Overlay and Ornamentation:

The Ark was to be overlaid with pure gold, both inside and out, signifying its holiness and the divine nature of its purpose. A gold molding was to be made around it, as stated in Exodus 25:11 : "Overlay it with pure gold, both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it."

Carrying Poles:

For transportation, the Ark was equipped with poles, also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. These poles were to remain in the rings of the Ark and were never to be removed, ensuring that the Ark could be carried without direct contact. Exodus 25:13-15 specifies, "And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, so that the ark may be carried by them. The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed."

The Mercy Seat and Cherubim:

The Ark's cover, known as the Mercy Seat, was also to be made of pure gold. It was to feature two cherubim, one at each end, facing each other with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the Mercy Seat. This is described in Exodus 25:17-20 : "And you are to make a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; all made from one piece with the mercy seat. The cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat."

Purpose and Contents:

The Ark was to house the Testimony, the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, which God would give to Moses. This is affirmed in Exodus 25:16 : "And place inside the ark the Testimony, which I will give you." The Ark served as the focal point of God's covenant with Israel, representing His law and His promise to dwell among His people.

Divine Presence:

The Ark was not merely a container but a sacred object where God would meet with Moses and communicate His commands for the Israelites. Exodus 25:22 states, "And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites."

The instructions for the Ark of the Covenant emphasize the holiness and reverence due to God, reflecting His desire to dwell among His people and guide them according to His divine will.