Topical Encyclopedia The Ark of the Covenant, also known as the Ark of the Testimony, is one of the most significant and sacred objects in the Hebrew Bible. It served as a physical manifestation of God's presence among His people, Israel, and played a central role in their religious life and history.Description and Construction The Ark was constructed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was made of acacia wood and measured approximately 2.5 cubits long, 1.5 cubits wide, and 1.5 cubits high (Exodus 25:10). The Ark was overlaid with pure gold inside and out, and it featured a gold molding around it. It had four gold rings attached to its feet, through which poles made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold were inserted for carrying (Exodus 25:12-15). The lid of the Ark, known as the Mercy Seat, was made of pure gold and featured two cherubim with outstretched wings facing each other. The Mercy Seat was the place where God would meet with Moses and communicate His commandments (Exodus 25:17-22). Contents The Ark contained the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, which were inscribed by the finger of God (Exodus 25:16; Deuteronomy 10:1-5). According to Hebrews 9:4, it also held Aaron's rod that budded and a golden jar of manna, though these items are not mentioned in the Old Testament accounts of the Ark's contents. Function and Significance The Ark of the Covenant was central to Israel's worship and served as a symbol of God's covenant with His people. It was kept in the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, where only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:2-34). The Ark was also carried into battle, signifying God's presence and power. Notably, it was carried around the walls of Jericho, leading to the city's miraculous fall (Joshua 6:4-20). The Ark's presence was a source of blessing for the Israelites, but it also brought judgment upon those who treated it irreverently, as seen in the account of Uzzah, who was struck dead for touching it (2 Samuel 6:6-7). Historical Journey The Ark's journey through Israel's history is marked by several key events. After its construction, it was housed in the Tabernacle during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. It was later placed in Shiloh during the period of the Judges (1 Samuel 4:3-4). The Ark was captured by the Philistines but returned to Israel after it brought plagues upon them (1 Samuel 5-6). King David eventually brought the Ark to Jerusalem with great celebration, placing it in a tent he had prepared (2 Samuel 6:12-17). Solomon later placed the Ark in the Holy of Holies in the Temple he built (1 Kings 8:6-9). Disappearance and Legacy The fate of the Ark after the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC is unknown, as it is not mentioned among the items taken to Babylon. Its disappearance has led to much speculation and intrigue throughout history. The Ark of the Covenant remains a powerful symbol of God's holiness, His covenant with Israel, and His desire to dwell among His people. It foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with humanity through Jesus Christ, who is described as the mediator of a new covenant (Hebrews 9:15). Topical Bible Verses Revelation 11:19And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightning, and voices, and thunder, and an earthquake, and great hail. Topicalbible.org Exodus 25:22 Jeremiah 3:16 Greek 2787. kibotos -- a wooden box ... Phonetic Spelling: (kib-o-tos') Short Definition: an ark Definition: (properly: a wooden box, hence) the Ark, in which Noah sailed; the Ark of the Covenant. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2787.htm - 6k Library November 17. "The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord Went Before Them ... Concerning the Ark of the Covenant, and the Miraculous Signs ... The Ark of his Covenant Fragment viii. For as the Ark of the Covenant. Was Gilded Within ... The Covenant of Grace The New Covenant. The Meeting Hereafter. The First Chapter: the Great Reverence with which we Should ... Christ the Mediator of the Covenant 'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid' Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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