Topical Encyclopedia The Ark of the Covenant is one of the most significant and sacred artifacts in biblical history, representing the tangible presence and glory of God among His people, Israel. Constructed under the divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, the Ark served as a physical manifestation of God's covenant with the Israelites and His dwelling among them.Construction and Description The Ark was crafted according to precise specifications provided by God. It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, both inside and out, measuring approximately 2.5 cubits long, 1.5 cubits wide, and 1.5 cubits high (Exodus 25:10-11). The Ark featured a gold molding around it and was equipped with four gold rings, two on each side, through which poles were inserted for carrying (Exodus 25:12-15). These poles were to remain in the rings of the Ark and were never to be removed, signifying the Ark's perpetual readiness for movement as God led His people. The most significant feature of the Ark was the atonement cover, or "mercy seat," which was made of pure gold and placed atop the Ark. Two cherubim of hammered gold were positioned at each end of the mercy seat, with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover and facing each other (Exodus 25:17-20). This mercy seat was the focal point of God's presence, where He would meet with Moses and communicate His commands for the Israelites (Exodus 25:22). Contents of the Ark The Ark housed the two stone tablets of the Testimony, inscribed with the Ten Commandments, which were given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25:16; Deuteronomy 10:1-5). These tablets represented the core of God's covenant with Israel. According to Hebrews 9:4 , the Ark also contained a golden jar of manna and Aaron's staff that had budded, serving as reminders of God's provision and authority. Symbolism and Significance The Ark of the Covenant symbolized God's throne on earth, His divine presence, and His covenantal relationship with Israel. It was central to Israel's worship and religious life, housed initially in the Tabernacle and later in Solomon's Temple. The Ark's presence signified God's guidance and favor, as seen when it led the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:3-17) and during the conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6:6-20). The Ark also served as a reminder of God's holiness and the need for reverence. When the Philistines captured the Ark, they experienced plagues and misfortune, leading them to return it to Israel (1 Samuel 5-6). Furthermore, when Uzzah irreverently touched the Ark, he was struck dead, underscoring the sanctity of God's presence (2 Samuel 6:6-7). The Ark in the Temple King Solomon placed the Ark in the Most Holy Place of the newly built Temple in Jerusalem, under the wings of the cherubim (1 Kings 8:6-7). During the dedication of the Temple, the glory of the Lord filled the house, signifying His acceptance and presence (1 Kings 8:10-11). The Ark's Disappearance The fate of the Ark after the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem remains a mystery. It is not mentioned among the items taken to Babylon, leading to various theories and legends about its whereabouts. Despite its physical absence, the Ark's spiritual significance endures as a symbol of God's eternal covenant and His presence among His people. The Ark of the Covenant remains a profound emblem of God's holiness, His covenantal faithfulness, and His desire to dwell among His people, pointing ultimately to the fulfillment of His presence through Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 14:43,44For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and you shall fall by the sword: because you are turned away from the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 1:6 1 Samuel 14:18,19 Psalm 132:8 Library The Ark of his Covenant Is God in the Camp? The Form and Spirit of Religion The King --Continued. A Song of Deliverance Man Summoned by God's Glory and Energy The God who Dwells with Men Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. The New Covenant. Three Decisive Steps 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) |
    |