Topical Encyclopedia The Ark of the Covenant, often referred to as the "Ark of God's Strength," holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. This sacred chest, constructed under the direction of Moses, served as a tangible representation of God's presence and power among the Israelites. The term "Ark of God's Strength" emphasizes the divine power and authority associated with the Ark, as well as its role in the spiritual and national life of Israel.Biblical References and Description The Ark of the Covenant is first introduced in the Book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for its construction (Exodus 25:10-22). Crafted from acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, the Ark measured approximately 2.5 cubits in length, 1.5 cubits in width, and 1.5 cubits in height. It featured a gold lid known as the "Mercy Seat," flanked by two cherubim with outstretched wings. The Ark contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron's rod that budded (Hebrews 9:4). These items symbolized God's covenant, provision, and chosen leadership, respectively. Ark of God's Strength The designation "Ark of God's Strength" is derived from passages that highlight the Ark's association with divine power. In 1 Chronicles 16:11, the Ark is linked to God's strength: "Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always." The Ark's presence was a source of strength and victory for Israel, as seen in its role during battles and significant events. One of the most notable demonstrations of the Ark's power occurred during the conquest of Jericho. As the Israelites marched around the city with the Ark, the walls of Jericho miraculously fell (Joshua 6:6-20). This event underscored the Ark's role as a conduit of God's might and a symbol of His active involvement in the affairs of His people. Theological Significance The Ark of the Covenant, as the "Ark of God's Strength," serves as a profound symbol of God's omnipotence and faithfulness. It was a constant reminder to the Israelites of God's covenant promises and His ability to deliver and protect His chosen people. The Ark's presence in the Holy of Holies within the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, signified God's dwelling among His people and His readiness to act on their behalf. The Ark also prefigures the ultimate revelation of God's strength and presence in the person of Jesus Christ. As the fulfillment of the Law and the embodiment of God's covenant, Christ represents the ultimate expression of divine strength and salvation. Historical and Cultural Context Throughout Israel's history, the Ark of the Covenant played a central role in religious and national life. It was carried into battle, consulted during times of crisis, and revered as the most sacred object in the Israelite religious system. The Ark's capture by the Philistines and subsequent return (1 Samuel 4-6) further illustrated its power and the reverence it commanded. The Ark's final resting place in Solomon's Temple marked the culmination of its journey and the establishment of a permanent dwelling for God's presence in Jerusalem. However, its disappearance following the Babylonian conquest remains one of the great mysteries of biblical history. In summary, the "Ark of God's Strength" is a testament to the enduring power and presence of God among His people, serving as a focal point of worship, a symbol of divine authority, and a precursor to the ultimate revelation of God's strength in Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 6:41Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into your resting place, you, and the ark of your strength: let your priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let your saints rejoice in goodness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 132:8 Library The Ark of his Covenant The Covenant of Grace The Form and Spirit of Religion From the Fall to the Flood. Christ the Mediator of the Covenant The New Covenant. The Temple and Its Dedication Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. The Noachic Covenant The Third 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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