Topical Encyclopedia The Ark of Moses, often referred to as the "basket" in which the infant Moses was placed, is a significant artifact in the biblical narrative of the Exodus. This small vessel is described in the Book of Exodus and plays a crucial role in the preservation of Moses, who would later become the deliverer of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.Biblical Account The account of the Ark of Moses is found in Exodus 2:1-10. During a time when Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew male infants be killed, Moses' mother, Jochebed, sought to save her son. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event: "But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile" (Exodus 2:3). The Hebrew word used for "basket" is "tevah," which is the same term used for Noah's Ark, suggesting a vessel of salvation and divine protection. This linguistic connection underscores the theme of deliverance and preservation by God's providence. Construction and Materials The Ark of Moses was made of papyrus reeds, a common material in ancient Egypt, known for its buoyancy and availability. It was waterproofed with tar and pitch, ensuring that it would float safely on the Nile River. This careful construction reflects the ingenuity and faith of Moses' mother, who trusted in God's protection over her child. Symbolism and Theological Significance The Ark of Moses symbolizes God's providential care and the deliverance of His chosen people. Just as Noah's Ark preserved humanity and animal life from the flood, the Ark of Moses preserved the life of the one who would lead Israel out of slavery. This act of faith by Jochebed is a testament to the belief in God's promises and His ability to save. The placement of the Ark among the reeds of the Nile also holds symbolic meaning. The Nile, a source of life and sustenance in Egypt, becomes the setting for God's intervention. Pharaoh's daughter, who discovers the child, is moved with compassion, further illustrating God's sovereignty in using unexpected means and people to fulfill His purposes. Historical and Cultural Context In the cultural context of ancient Egypt, the Nile River was central to life and commerce. The decision to place Moses in the river was both practical and strategic, as it was a place where he could be found and rescued. The narrative highlights the tension between the oppressive edicts of Pharaoh and the subversive acts of faith by the Hebrew women, including Moses' mother, sister Miriam, and Pharaoh's daughter. Legacy The Ark of Moses is a pivotal element in the account of the Exodus, setting the stage for Moses' upbringing in Pharaoh's household and his eventual role as the leader of the Israelites. This early episode in Moses' life foreshadows the greater deliverance that God would accomplish through him, reinforcing the theme of salvation that runs throughout the biblical narrative. In summary, the Ark of Moses is more than a mere vessel; it is a symbol of divine protection, faith, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for His people. Smith's Bible Dictionary Ark of MosesA small boat or basket made of the papyrus, a reed which grows in the marshes of Egypt. It was covered with bitumen to make it water tight. Library How that after the Likeness of Moses, of Bezaleel, and of Aaron ... After the Death of Moses, the Chief Power Passed into the Hands of ... The Story of Moses, the Child who was Found in the River How Solomon Removed the Ark into the Temple How He Made ... The Ark among the Flags The Finding of Moses The Finding of Moses. Passages from Moses, which the Heretics Pervert to the Support of ... From Adam to Moses. Ezekiel's vision (Preached Before the Queen at Windsor, June 16 ... 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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