Topical Encyclopedia The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord is one of the most significant and sacred objects in the Hebrew Bible, representing the divine presence and covenant between God and the people of Israel. It is often referred to simply as the "Ark of the Covenant" or the "Ark of the Testimony." The Ark is first introduced in the Book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for its construction.Construction and Description According to Exodus 25:10-22, the Ark was to be made of acacia wood, measuring two and a half cubits long, one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high. It was overlaid with pure gold inside and out, and it featured a gold molding around it. The Ark had four gold rings attached to its feet, through which poles made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold were inserted for carrying. The lid of the Ark, known as the "mercy seat," was also made of pure gold and featured two cherubim with outstretched wings facing each other. Contents of the Ark The Ark of the Covenant contained several sacred items. Hebrews 9:4 mentions that it held the golden pot of manna, Aaron's staff that budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant, which were inscribed with the Ten Commandments. These items symbolized God's provision, authority, and law, respectively. Significance and Role The Ark served as a physical manifestation of God's presence among His people. It was kept in the Most Holy Place within the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, where only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2). The Ark was central to Israel's worship and was carried ahead of the people during their journeys, symbolizing God's guidance and protection. In Joshua 3:3-4, the Ark led the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness. It was also present during significant military victories, such as the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:6-7). The Ark in the Historical Narrative Throughout Israel's history, the Ark played a crucial role. In 1 Samuel 4, the Israelites took the Ark into battle against the Philistines, mistakenly believing it would guarantee victory. However, due to their disobedience, the Ark was captured. It was later returned after God afflicted the Philistines with plagues (1 Samuel 5-6). King David brought the Ark to Jerusalem with great celebration, establishing the city as the religious center of Israel (2 Samuel 6:12-15). Solomon later placed the Ark in the Holy of Holies in the Temple he built (1 Kings 8:6-9). Theological Implications The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord is a profound symbol of God's holiness, justice, and mercy. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's law and the need for atonement. The Ark's presence signified God's covenantal relationship with Israel, highlighting His desire to dwell among His people and guide them according to His will. Biblical References · Exodus 25:10-22 · Hebrews 9:4 · Leviticus 16:2 · Joshua 3:3-4 · Joshua 6:6-7 · 1 Samuel 4-6 · 2 Samuel 6:12-15 · 1 Kings 8:6-9 Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 10:33And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Ark of his Covenant The Covenant of Grace A Nation that was Born in a Day. The Meeting Hereafter. Samuel --The Child of the Temple. That Christ Also is Called a Stone. On Our Lord's Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"? The Story of Israel Crossing Jordan under Joshua is Typical of ... The Form and Spirit of Religion Resources Were there dinosaurs on Noah's ark? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Ark of the Covenant? | GotQuestions.org Why did God strike Uzzah dead for touching 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) |
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