Topical Encyclopedia The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest built by the Israelites under the direction of Moses, served as a tangible symbol of God's presence and covenant with His people. Constructed from acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, the Ark housed the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a golden jar of manna (Hebrews 9:4). Its significance extended beyond its contents, as it represented God's throne on earth and His divine presence among the Israelites.Sanctification of the Resting Place The sanctification of the Ark's resting place was a critical aspect of its role in Israelite worship and religious life. The Ark's journey began in the wilderness, where it was housed in the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary designed according to divine specifications. The Tabernacle itself was a sanctified space, consecrated by the presence of the Ark and the rituals performed by the priests. Upon entering the Promised Land, the Ark's resting place continued to be of paramount importance. Initially, it was stationed at Gilgal and then moved to Shiloh, where it remained for many years (Joshua 18:1). Shiloh became a central place of worship, and the presence of the Ark sanctified it as a holy site. The Ark's presence at Shiloh underscored the city's role as a spiritual center for the Israelites during the period of the Judges. The Ark's journey took a dramatic turn when it was captured by the Philistines, only to be returned after God demonstrated His power through plagues and misfortunes upon the Philistines (1 Samuel 5-6). Upon its return, the Ark was temporarily housed at Kiriath-jearim, where it remained for twenty years (1 Samuel 7:1-2). The sanctification of this location was marked by the reverence and fear of the Lord that fell upon the people, as they recognized the Ark's holiness and the need for proper worship. The Temple in Jerusalem The ultimate sanctification of the Ark's resting place occurred with the construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. King David, recognizing the need for a permanent and sanctified dwelling for the Ark, desired to build a temple. However, it was his son Solomon who fulfilled this divine mandate. The Temple, a magnificent structure built on Mount Moriah, was consecrated as the new and permanent resting place for the Ark of the Covenant. The dedication of the Temple was a momentous event, marked by elaborate sacrifices and the presence of the entire assembly of Israel. As the priests brought the Ark into the Most Holy Place, the inner sanctuary of the Temple, the glory of the Lord filled the house, signifying God's approval and the sanctification of the Temple as His dwelling place (1 Kings 8:10-11). Solomon's prayer of dedication emphasized the Temple's role as a house of prayer and a place where God's name would dwell (1 Kings 8:29). Theological Significance The sanctification of the Ark's resting place holds profound theological significance. It underscores the holiness of God and the necessity of approaching Him with reverence and obedience. The Ark's presence sanctified each location, transforming it into a sacred space where God met with His people. This sanctification process also foreshadowed the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, who is described as the true Temple (John 2:19-21). The Ark of the Covenant, through its sanctified resting places, served as a constant reminder of God's covenantal faithfulness and His desire to dwell among His people. Its journey from the wilderness to the Temple in Jerusalem reflects the unfolding of God's redemptive plan and His commitment to establishing a holy people set apart for His purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 8:11And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David to the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD has come. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Temple and Its Dedication The Night of Resurrection. The New Covenant. The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth. Psalm CXXXII. Letter Lv. Replies to Questions of Januarius. Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna The Broad Wall The Levites Ought to be Utterly Free from all Earthly Desires. ... 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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