Topical Encyclopedia The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest built by the Israelites under the guidance of Moses, holds a central place in the religious and cultural history of ancient Israel. It is described in the Bible as the earthly dwelling place of God's presence and a symbol of His covenant with the Israelites. The Ark was constructed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in the Book of Exodus.Construction and Description The Ark was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, both inside and out. It measured approximately 2.5 cubits long, 1.5 cubits wide, and 1.5 cubits high (Exodus 25:10). The Ark featured a gold molding around it and was equipped with four gold rings, two on each side, through which poles were inserted to carry it. These poles were also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, and they were never to be removed from the rings (Exodus 25:12-15). The cover of the Ark, known as the "mercy seat," was made of pure gold and featured two cherubim with outstretched wings facing each other. The mercy seat served as the place where God would meet with Moses and communicate His commandments to the Israelites (Exodus 25:17-22). Contents of the Ark The Ark of the Covenant contained several sacred items that held significant religious importance. According to Hebrews 9:4, these included the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a golden jar of manna. These items served as tangible reminders of God's law, His chosen priesthood, and His provision for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Placement in the Holy of Holies The Ark was placed in the innermost chamber of the Tabernacle, known as the Holy of Holies. This sacred space was separated from the rest of the Tabernacle by a veil and was only accessible to the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). The high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people, sprinkling the blood of a sacrificial animal on the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:14-15). The placement of the Ark in the Holy of Holies signified the centrality of God's presence among His people. It was here that the Shekinah glory, the visible manifestation of God's presence, would dwell above the mercy seat between the cherubim (Exodus 25:22; Numbers 7:89). The Temple of Solomon When King Solomon built the First Temple in Jerusalem, the Ark of the Covenant was transferred from the Tabernacle to the newly constructed Temple. The Ark was placed in the inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim that Solomon had made (1 Kings 8:6-7). During the dedication of the Temple, the glory of the Lord filled the house, signifying His approval and presence (1 Kings 8:10-11). Significance and Symbolism The Ark of the Covenant represents God's covenantal relationship with Israel, His holiness, and His desire to dwell among His people. It serves as a powerful symbol of God's law, His provision, and His mercy. The Ark's placement in the Holy of Holies underscores the sacredness of God's presence and the reverence with which the Israelites were to approach Him. Throughout the history of Israel, the Ark played a crucial role in various events, including the crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 3:14-17) and the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:6-20). Its presence was a source of blessing and guidance, but also a reminder of the need for obedience and reverence toward God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 26:33And you shall hang up the veil under the clasps, that you may bring in thither within the veil the ark of the testimony: and the veil shall divide to you between the holy place and the most holy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 40:21 Hebrews 9:3,4 Library Meditation ii. The Supper-Room. On Our Lord's Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? A Little Sanctuary The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple Ancestors of the Blessed virgin The Epistle to the Hebrews Questions on the Explanations Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna Resources Would the discovery of Noah's Ark be important? | GotQuestions.orgHow did Noah fit all the animals on the Ark? | GotQuestions.org What are some of the most common questions about Noah's Ark? | 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) |
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