2 Chronicles 5:10

There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites after they had come out of Egypt.

Study Bible

There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets
The Ark of the Covenant, central to Israel's worship, was a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Law. These tablets, inscribed with the Ten Commandments, represented God's covenant with Israel. The absence of other items, such as Aaron's rod or the jar of manna, emphasizes the primacy of the Law in the covenant relationship. This focus on the tablets underscores the importance of God's commandments as the foundation of Israel's identity and religious life.

that Moses had placed in it at Horeb
Horeb, another name for Mount Sinai, is where Moses received the Law from God. This location is significant as it marks the place of divine revelation and covenant establishment. Moses, as the mediator of the covenant, placed the tablets in the Ark, signifying the direct link between God's commands and His chosen leader. This act at Horeb is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, symbolizing the transition from slavery in Egypt to becoming a nation under God's law.

where the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites
The covenant at Horeb was a binding agreement between God and the Israelites, establishing them as His people. This covenant was conditional, requiring obedience to God's laws in exchange for His protection and blessing. The presence of the tablets in the Ark served as a constant reminder of this covenantal relationship. The covenant at Horeb is foundational, setting the stage for Israel's national identity and their unique relationship with God.

after they had come out of Egypt
The exodus from Egypt is a defining event in Israel's history, symbolizing deliverance and redemption. It marks the transition from bondage to freedom, and from being a people without a land to a nation under God's rule. The covenant made after this deliverance highlights God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This historical context underscores the significance of the covenant and the Law as guiding principles for a redeemed people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest built by the Israelites under the guidance of Moses, which held the two stone tablets of the Law. It symbolized God's presence and covenant with His people.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader who delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and received the Law from God on Mount Sinai (Horeb).

3. Horeb
Another name for Mount Sinai, where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and established His covenant with Israel.

4. The Israelites
The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were chosen by God to be His people and recipients of His covenant.

5. The Covenant
The solemn agreement made by God with the Israelites, signified by the tablets of the Law, which outlined their relationship and responsibilities to God.

Teaching Points

The Centrality of God's Word
The presence of the tablets in the Ark underscores the importance of God's Word as the foundation of His covenant with His people. Believers today are called to prioritize Scripture in their lives as the guiding authority.

Covenant Relationship
The Ark and its contents remind us of the covenant relationship between God and His people. Christians are invited to reflect on their covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ, who fulfills the Law.

God's Faithfulness
The Ark's history is a testament to God's faithfulness in keeping His promises. Believers can trust in God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His covenant.

Symbol of God's Presence
The Ark symbolized God's presence among His people. Today, believers have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them, serving as a constant reminder of God's presence and guidance.

Obedience to God's Commands
The tablets represent God's commands, which require obedience. Christians are called to live in obedience to God's Word, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the presence of the tablets in the Ark of the Covenant emphasize the importance of God's Word in your life today?

2. In what ways can you reflect on and strengthen your covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ?

3. How does understanding God's faithfulness in the history of Israel encourage you in your personal walk with God?

4. What are some practical ways you can cultivate an awareness of God's presence in your daily life?

5. How can you actively pursue obedience to God's commands, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this process?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:16
This verse describes God's command to place the tablets of the covenant inside the Ark, highlighting the Ark's role as a container of God's Law and covenant.

Deuteronomy 10:1-5
These verses recount the making of the second set of tablets and their placement in the Ark, emphasizing the renewal of the covenant after Israel's rebellion.

Hebrews 9:4
This New Testament reference mentions the contents of the Ark, providing a theological reflection on the significance of the Law and the covenant in the context of Christ's fulfillment.