Topical Bible: 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 Jerusalem ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Ark of the Covenant, a central and sacred object within the religious life of ancient Israel, was initially housed in the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness. The Ark is described in the Bible as a chest made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold, and featuring a gold lid known as the "mercy seat" with two cherubim facing each other. It was constructed according to the divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25:10-22).

The Ark served as the physical manifestation of God's presence among His people and was the most sacred item within the Tabernacle. It contained the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron's rod that budded (Hebrews 9:4). The Ark was placed in the innermost part of the Tabernacle, the Holy of Holies, and only the high priest could approach it once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2).

The Ark's journey to Jerusalem is a significant event in biblical history. After the Israelites settled in the Promised Land, the Ark was kept at Shiloh for many years (Joshua 18:1). However, during a battle with the Philistines, the Ark was captured and taken to Philistine territory, causing great distress among the Israelites (1 Samuel 4:11). The Philistines, plagued by misfortune, eventually returned the Ark to Israel, where it was kept at Kiriath-jearim for twenty years (1 Samuel 7:1-2).

King David, recognizing the Ark's importance, sought to bring it to Jerusalem, his newly established capital. The initial attempt to transport the Ark was marred by the death of Uzzah, who touched the Ark in an attempt to steady it, violating the divine command that only Levites were to carry it using poles (2 Samuel 6:6-7). After a period of reflection and preparation, David successfully brought the Ark to Jerusalem with great celebration and reverence, placing it in a tent he had prepared (2 Samuel 6:12-17).

The Ark's presence in Jerusalem symbolized God's favor and covenant with David and the nation of Israel. It was later housed in the Temple built by Solomon, David's son, where it remained until the Babylonian conquest (1 Kings 8:1-9). The Ark's journey from the Tabernacle to Jerusalem underscores its role as a divine witness to God's enduring covenant with His people and His presence among them.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 6:12-17
And it was told king David, saying, The LORD has blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertains to him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 6:31
And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 15:1
And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 16:1
So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.
Nave's Topical Index