Topical Bible: Ark of the Covenant: Covered With the Vail by the Priests Before Removal

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◄ Ark of the Covenant: Covered With the Vail by the Priests Before Removal ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest built by the Israelites under the direction of Moses, held profound significance as the earthly dwelling place of God's presence among His people. It contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a pot of manna, symbolizing God's covenant, authority, and provision. The Ark was housed in the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies, within the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, where it was veiled from the sight of the people.

Biblical Instructions for Covering the Ark

The covering of the Ark of the Covenant was a critical aspect of its handling, as outlined in the Book of Numbers. The priests, specifically the sons of Aaron, were entrusted with the task of preparing the Ark for transport whenever the Israelites journeyed from one location to another. This process was conducted with utmost reverence and precision to ensure the sanctity of the Ark was maintained.

Numbers 4:5-6 provides specific instructions: "Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in and take down the veil of the curtain and cover the Ark of the Testimony with it. Then they are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a cloth of solid blue over it, and insert its poles."

Significance of the Covering

The act of covering the Ark with the veil served multiple purposes. Primarily, it was a measure of protection, both for the Ark and for the people. The holiness of the Ark was such that direct contact or even sight of it by unauthorized individuals could result in death, as seen in the account of Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:6-7). The veil, therefore, acted as a barrier, preserving the sanctity of the Ark and safeguarding the people from the consequences of unmediated exposure to God's holiness.

Moreover, the covering of the Ark symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin. The veil, which was also present in the Temple, represented the barrier that sin had erected between God and His people. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and that only once a year on the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:2-34).

Role of the Priests

The priests played a crucial role in the handling of the Ark, emphasizing the importance of mediation between God and His people. As descendants of Aaron, the priests were consecrated to perform sacred duties, including the covering and transportation of the Ark. Their involvement underscored the necessity of approaching God with reverence and obedience to His commands.

The meticulous process of covering the Ark before its removal highlights the gravity of approaching the divine presence. It served as a constant reminder of God's holiness and the need for purity and reverence in worship. The priests' actions were not merely ritualistic but were deeply rooted in the theological understanding of God's transcendence and the need for mediation.

Conclusion

The covering of the Ark of the Covenant with the veil by the priests before its removal was a significant ritual that underscored the holiness of God and the necessity of reverence in approaching Him. This practice, as detailed in the Scriptures, reflects the broader theological themes of separation due to sin, the role of mediation, and the sanctity of God's presence among His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 4:5,6
And when the camp sets forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering veil, and cover the ark of testimony with it:
Torrey's Topical Textbook