Topical Bible: Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: The Law

◄ Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: The Law ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Ark of the Covenant, a central and sacred object within the Tabernacle, is a profound symbol of God's covenant with the Israelites. It is often referred to as the Ark of the Covenant of the Law, as it housed the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, which were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This Ark served as a tangible representation of God's presence and His covenantal promises to His chosen people.

Construction and Description

The instructions for the construction of the Ark are detailed in the Book of Exodus. The Ark was to be made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold both inside and out, and it measured approximately 2.5 cubits long, 1.5 cubits wide, and 1.5 cubits high (Exodus 25:10-11). It featured a gold molding around it and was equipped with four gold rings, two on each side, through which poles were inserted for carrying (Exodus 25:12-15). The poles were also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, and they were never to be removed from the rings, signifying the Ark's perpetual readiness for movement.

The Mercy Seat and Cherubim

The Ark's cover, known as the Mercy Seat, was crafted from pure gold. It was flanked by two cherubim, also made of hammered gold, with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the Mercy Seat. The cherubim faced each other, and their wings formed a protective canopy over the Ark (Exodus 25:17-20). The Mercy Seat was the place where God would meet with Moses and communicate His commands for the Israelites (Exodus 25:22).

Contents of the Ark

The primary contents of the Ark were the two stone tablets of the Law, also known as the Testimony, which were placed inside the Ark as a perpetual witness to the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 25:16, 31:18). According to Hebrews 9:4, the Ark also contained a golden jar of manna and Aaron's staff that had budded, though these items are not mentioned in the original Exodus account as being placed inside the Ark.

Significance in Israelite Worship

The Ark of the Covenant was central to Israelite worship and religious life. It was housed in the Most Holy Place, the innermost chamber of the Tabernacle, separated by a veil from the Holy Place. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, to sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Mercy Seat for the atonement of the people's sins (Leviticus 16:14-15).

The Ark also played a crucial role during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their conquest of Canaan. It was carried by the Levites and led the way during their travels, symbolizing God's guidance and presence among His people (Numbers 10:33-36). The Ark was instrumental in the crossing of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness to His covenant promises (Joshua 3:14-17, 6:6-20).

Theological Implications

The Ark of the Covenant is a profound symbol of God's holiness, justice, and mercy. It underscores the importance of the Law as the foundation of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The presence of the Ark signified God's dwelling among His people, and its central role in worship highlighted the necessity of approaching God with reverence and obedience to His commandments. The Ark's design and function foreshadowed the ultimate fulfillment of the Law and the covenant in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the true and final mediator between God and humanity.

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Exodus 25:16,21
And you shall put into the ark the testimony which I shall give you.
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Exodus 40:20
And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above on the ark:
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Deuteronomy 10:5
And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me.
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Deuteronomy 31:26
Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against you.
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1 Kings 8:9
There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
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2 Chronicles 5:10
There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put therein at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt.
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