Topical Encyclopedia The Ark of the Covenant, often referred to as the "Glory of Israel," holds a central place in the religious and cultural history of the Israelites. It is a sacred chest that housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a pot of manna, symbolizing God's covenant with His people and His continual presence among them.Biblical Description and Construction The Ark was constructed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. As recorded in Exodus 25:10-22, the Ark was made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold inside and out. It measured two and a half cubits long, one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high. The Ark featured a gold molding around it and was equipped with four gold rings, through which poles were inserted for carrying. The cover of the Ark, known as the "mercy seat," was also made of pure gold and was flanked by two cherubim with outstretched wings. Symbolism and Significance The Ark of the Covenant was more than a mere container; it was a symbol of God's throne on earth and His covenant with Israel. It represented God's law, His provision, and His authority. The Ark was placed in the Holy of Holies within the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, where the high priest would enter once a year on the Day of Atonement to sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice, signifying atonement for the sins of the people. The Ark's presence signified God's glory and favor. In 1 Samuel 4:21-22, when the Ark was captured by the Philistines, the wife of Phinehas named her son Ichabod, saying, "The glory has departed from Israel," indicating the Ark's association with God's glory. Historical Accounts and Journeys Throughout Israel's history, the Ark played a pivotal role. It led the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:14-17) and was instrumental in the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:4-20). The Ark was captured by the Philistines but brought calamity upon them, leading to its return to Israelite territory (1 Samuel 5-6). King David brought the Ark to Jerusalem with great celebration, recognizing its significance as the dwelling place of God's presence (2 Samuel 6:12-15). Solomon later placed the Ark in the Holy of Holies in the Temple he built (1 Kings 8:6-11), where it remained until the Babylonian conquest. Theological Implications The Ark of the Covenant is a profound theological symbol. It underscores the holiness of God, the seriousness of His law, and the necessity of atonement. The Ark's role in the sacrificial system foreshadows the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of the law and the embodiment of God's presence among His people. Cultural and Religious Legacy The Ark's legacy extends beyond its physical presence. It is a testament to God's faithfulness and a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Ark's disappearance after the Babylonian exile has led to much speculation and intrigue, yet its spiritual significance endures in the hearts and minds of believers. In summary, the Ark of the Covenant, esteemed as the "Glory of Israel," remains a powerful symbol of God's presence, His covenant, and His glory, deeply embedded in the narrative of the Bible and the faith of the Christian tradition. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 4:21,22And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Introduction Subject Index The Faith of Moses. The Immaculate Conception Place of Jesus in the History of the World. The Inexhaustible Barrel They Shall be Called the Children of God Hidden Manna The Prayer of Jabez Footnotes 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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