Topical Encyclopedia The Ark of the Covenant, also referred to as the "Ark of the Testimony," holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. This sacred chest was constructed under the direct instructions of God to Moses and served as a physical manifestation of God's presence among His people, Israel. The term "Ark of the Testimony" emphasizes its role as a witness to the covenant between God and the Israelites.Biblical References and Description The Ark is first introduced in the Book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for its construction. In Exodus 25:16 , God commands, "And put into the ark the Testimony, which I will give you." The "Testimony" refers to the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, which were placed inside the Ark, symbolizing God's covenant and law. The Ark was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, both inside and out. It measured approximately 2.5 cubits long, 1.5 cubits wide, and 1.5 cubits high. The Ark featured a gold molding around it and was equipped with four gold rings, through which poles were inserted for carrying (Exodus 25:10-15). The Mercy Seat and Cherubim The Ark's cover, known as the "Mercy Seat," was also crafted from pure gold. Two cherubim were fashioned at either end, facing each other with their wings spread upward, overshadowing the Mercy Seat. This was the place where God would meet with Moses and communicate His commands for the Israelites (Exodus 25:17-22). Significance in Israelite Worship The Ark of the Testimony was central to Israelite worship and the sacrificial system. It was housed in the Most Holy Place within 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). The Ark also played a crucial role during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their conquest of Canaan. It was carried by the Levites and led the procession, symbolizing God's guidance and presence. Notably, the Ark was instrumental in the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho's walls (Joshua 3:14-17, 6:6-20). Theological Implications The Ark of the Testimony represents God's covenantal faithfulness and His desire to dwell among His people. It serves as a reminder of the holiness and justice of God, as well as His mercy and provision. The Ark's presence signified divine approval and protection, while its absence or misuse led to dire consequences, as seen in the accounts of Eli's sons and the Philistine capture of the Ark (1 Samuel 4:11). In Christian theology, the Ark is often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the Law and the embodiment of God's presence with humanity. The Mercy Seat, where atonement was made, prefigures Christ's sacrificial death and His role as the mediator between God and man. Conclusion The Ark of the Testimony remains a profound symbol of God's covenant, holiness, and presence. Its legacy continues to inspire reverence and awe, pointing believers to the greater reality of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 30:6And you shall put it before the veil that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 7:89 Library Concerning the Ark of the Covenant, and the Miraculous Signs ... The First Part That Christ Also is Called a Stone. The Third vision "In Heaven" Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"? What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? The Immortal Prayers of the Saints Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. The Love which Withers. Resources What happened to the Ark of the Covenant? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the ark of the testimony? | GotQuestions.org What was inside 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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