Topical Encyclopedia The Ark of the Covenant, a central and sacred object within the religious life of ancient Israel, is described in the Bible as being entirely covered with gold. This sacred chest, constructed under the direction of Moses, served as the earthly throne of God and a tangible symbol of His covenant with the Israelites.Biblical Description and Construction The detailed instructions for the construction of the Ark are found in the Book of Exodus. According to Exodus 25:10-11 , "They are to make an ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it." This passage highlights the divine command to overlay the Ark with pure gold, signifying its holiness and the divine presence it was meant to house. The Ark's dimensions and materials were specified by God, emphasizing its sacred purpose. The use of acacia wood, a durable and resistant material, combined with the overlay of pure gold, underscores the Ark's dual nature as both a physical object and a spiritual symbol. The gold covering not only added to its beauty and value but also represented the purity and majesty of God. Symbolism and Significance The gold overlay of the Ark is rich in symbolism. Gold, a precious and incorruptible metal, is often associated with divinity and kingship in the Bible. The complete covering of the Ark with gold signifies the divine nature of the covenant between God and His people. It also reflects the glory and holiness of God, who is described in Scripture as dwelling between the cherubim on the mercy seat, the lid of the Ark (Exodus 25:22). The Ark's gold covering also served a practical purpose, protecting the wood from decay and ensuring the Ark's longevity as a sacred object. This durability is symbolic of the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel. Theological Implications The Ark of the Covenant, entirely covered with gold, serves as a profound theological symbol within the biblical narrative. It represents God's presence among His people and His faithfulness to His promises. The Ark was central to Israel's worship and was carried before the people during their journeys, signifying God's guidance and protection. In the New Testament, the Ark's symbolism is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate manifestation of God's presence and the mediator of a new covenant. The gold covering of the Ark prefigures the glory and majesty of Christ, who is described in Revelation 1:13-15 with imagery that includes gold, emphasizing His divine nature and eternal kingship. Historical Context and Legacy Throughout Israel's history, the Ark played a crucial role, from its construction at Mount Sinai to its placement in the Holy of Holies within the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. Its presence was a constant reminder of God's covenant and His laws, which were housed within it, including the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 25:16). The Ark's covering with gold also reflects the broader cultural and religious practices of the ancient Near East, where gold was commonly used in the construction of sacred objects and spaces. However, the Ark's unique design and purpose set it apart as a distinct and unparalleled symbol of the one true God. In summary, the Ark of the Covenant, entirely covered with gold, stands as a testament to the holiness, majesty, and enduring presence of God among His people. Its construction, symbolism, and theological significance continue to inspire and inform the faith of believers throughout history. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 25:11And you shall overlay it with pure gold, within and without shall you overlay it, and shall make on it a crown of gold round about. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 37:2 Library The First Chapter: the Great Reverence with which we Should ... What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? The New Covenant. Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph Ancestors of the Blessed virgin The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple The Immaculate Conception The Figurative Language of Scripture. The Blood of the Testament Resources Would the discovery of Noah's Ark be important? | GotQuestions.orgHow did Noah fit all the animals on the Ark? | GotQuestions.org What are some of the most common questions about Noah's Ark? | 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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