Dictionary of Bible Themes: 7306 ark of the covenant

7306 ark of the covenant

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7300 Institutions and culture of OT » 7306 ark of the covenant

A rectangular wooden box, overlaid with gold, measuring 3.75 x 2.25 x 2.25 feet (1.1 x 0.7 x 0.7 metres). It contains the Law tablets and symbolises God's presence with his people.

Descriptions of the ark

Exodus 25:22; Leviticus 16:2; Numbers 10:33; Joshua 3:6; Joshua 4:5,9; 1 Samuel 4:11

The construction of the ark

Exodus 25:10-16; Deuteronomy 10:1; Exodus 31:1-7; Exodus 35:10-12; Exodus 37:1-5; Deuteronomy 10:3; Exodus 39:33,35; Exodus 40:1-5,20-21

The construction of the atonement cover

Exodus 25:17-21; Exodus 26:34; Exodus 30:6; Exodus 37:6-9; Exodus 39:35; Exodus 40:20

The care of the ark

Numbers 3:30-32; Numbers 4:5; Deuteronomy 10:8; Deuteronomy 31:9

Major events in the history of the ark

The ark is taken to the promised land

Joshua 3:3,6,15-16; Joshua 6:4-16; Joshua 8:33

The ark is the focus of the covenant renewal at Mount Ebal

Judges 20:26-28

The ark is captured by the Philistines

1 Samuel 4:1-11,17-22; Samuel 5:1-12

The ark is returned to Israel

1 Samuel 6:1-3,10-15,19; Samuel 7:1-2

The ark is brought to Jerusalem

2 Samuel 6:1-12 pp 1 Chronicles 13:3-14; 2 Samuel 6:17 pp 1 Chronicles 16:1; 1 Chronicles 15:1; Corinthians 16:37; 2 Samuel 7:2-7 pp 1 Chronicles 17:1-6; 2 Samuel 15:24-25,29 David is fleeing from Absalom.

The ark is placed in the temple

1 Kings 8:1-6 pp 2 Chronicles 5:2-7

The ark in later Israelite history

2 Chronicles 35:3 The ark must have been moved from the temple.

The function of the ark

To contain the tablets of the Law

Deuteronomy 10:5 See also Exodus 25:16,21; Exodus 40:20; Deuteronomy 31:24-26; 1 Kings 8:9; Hebrews 9:4 The jar of manna and Aaron's rod were originally placed beside the ark (Ex 16:34; Nu 17:10), and were probably put inside it at a later date.

As the place where God reveals his commands to Moses

Numbers 7:89 See also Exodus 25:22; Exodus 30:6,36

As a symbol of the presence of God

Leviticus 16:2 See also Numbers 10:33-36; Joshua 7:6; Judges 20:27; 2 Samuel 7:2 pp 1 Chronicles 17:1; 2 Chronicles 6:41 pp Psalm 132:8

Used on the Day of Atonement

Leviticus 16:13-15

The ark's holiness and effect

Irreverent treament of the ark brings judgment

2 Samuel 6:6-7 pp 1 Chronicles 13:9-10 See also Joshua 3:4; 1 Samuel 5:1-4,8-12; Samuel 6:19

The presence of the ark brings blessing

2 Samuel 6:11 pp 1 Chronicles 13:14

A restored Israel in which the ark has no place

Jeremiah 3:16

The ark in John's revelation

Revelation 11:19 The ark here symbolises the presence of God and is open and visible, not hidden in the Most Holy Place.