Topical Bible: Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: On Special Occasions Carried by Priests: Crossing Jordan

◄ Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: On Special Occasions Carried by Priests: Crossing Jordan ►

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The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest constructed by the Israelites under the guidance of Moses, held profound significance in the religious life of ancient Israel. It was housed within the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness and their early years in the Promised Land. The Ark was a symbol of God's presence and covenant with His people, containing the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a pot of manna (Hebrews 9:4).

Construction and Significance

The Ark was crafted according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, both inside and out. The lid of the Ark, known as the Mercy Seat, was flanked by two cherubim of gold, with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the Mercy Seat (Exodus 25:10-22). The Ark represented God's throne on earth, where He would meet with Moses and communicate His will to the people of Israel.

Carried by Priests

The Ark was not a static object; it was designed to be portable, signifying God's continual presence with His people. It was carried by the Levites, specifically the Kohathites, using poles inserted into rings on its sides, ensuring that it was never touched directly (Numbers 4:15). On special occasions, the Ark was carried by the priests, emphasizing its holiness and the reverence due to it.

Crossing the Jordan

One of the most significant events involving the Ark of the Covenant was the crossing of the Jordan River as the Israelites entered the Promised Land. This event is recorded in the Book of Joshua. As the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan, God instructed Joshua to have the priests carry the Ark ahead of the people. The Ark's presence was a powerful symbol of God's leadership and assurance of victory.

In Joshua 3:3-4 , the officers commanded the people, "When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, you are to set out from your positions and follow it. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between yourselves and the ark. Do not go near it, so that you can see the way to go, for you have not traveled this way before."

As the priests carrying the Ark stepped into the Jordan, the waters miraculously parted, allowing the entire nation of Israel to cross on dry ground. Joshua 3:15-17 describes the event: "Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water flowing downstream stood still, rising up in a heap a great distance away at a town called Adam, in the vicinity of Zarethan. The water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until the entire nation had completed the crossing."

This miraculous event underscored the Ark's role as a divine instrument through which God demonstrated His power and faithfulness to His covenant promises. The crossing of the Jordan with the Ark leading the way was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking the transition from their wilderness wanderings to the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land.

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Joshua 3:6,14
And Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.
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