Topical Encyclopedia The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest built by the Israelites under the guidance of Moses, held profound significance as the earthly dwelling place of God's presence among His people. It contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a pot of manna, symbolizing God's covenant, authority, and provision. The Ark was central to Israel's worship and served as a powerful symbol of God's guidance and protection.Biblical Instances of the Ark in War Throughout the Old Testament, the Ark of the Covenant was sometimes carried into battle, signifying God's presence and favor in warfare. This practice underscored the belief that victory was not achieved by human might alone but through divine intervention. 1. The Battle of Jericho: One of the most notable instances of the Ark being carried into battle is found in the conquest of Jericho. As recorded in the Book of Joshua, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, were instructed by God to march around the city for seven days with the Ark leading the procession. On the seventh day, after the priests blew the trumpets, the walls of Jericho fell, demonstrating the power of God in granting victory to His people (Joshua 6:6-20). 2. The Battle Against the Philistines: In 1 Samuel 4, the Israelites faced the Philistines in battle. In an attempt to secure victory, they brought the Ark from Shiloh to the battlefield. However, due to the people's disobedience and presumption, the Ark was captured by the Philistines, and Israel suffered a devastating defeat. This event highlighted the necessity of faithfulness and reverence towards God rather than treating the Ark as a mere talisman (1 Samuel 4:3-11). 3. Return of the Ark: After the Ark was captured, it brought calamity upon the Philistines, leading them to return it to Israel. The Ark's return was marked by great rejoicing, and it was eventually brought to Kiriath-jearim, where it remained for many years (1 Samuel 6:1-21). Theological Significance The use of the Ark in warfare illustrates the centrality of God's presence in the life of Israel. It served as a tangible reminder that the Lord was the true leader and protector of His people. The victories and defeats associated with the Ark's presence in battle were directly linked to the Israelites' faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. The Ark's role in warfare also foreshadowed the ultimate victory of God over His enemies, pointing to the spiritual battles faced by believers. It emphasized reliance on divine power rather than human strength, a principle echoed throughout Scripture. Lessons for Believers The accounts of the Ark being carried into battle serve as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's presence and guidance in all endeavors. Believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty and to approach Him with reverence and obedience. The Ark's history in warfare underscores the truth that true victory comes from the Lord, who fights on behalf of His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 4:4,5So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwells between the cherubim: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Three Decisive Steps The Form and Spirit of Religion Canaan The Seven Trumpets. On Daniel. Ii. The Interpretation by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome ... The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) How a Man's Conduct Comes Home to Him The Historical Books. Prosperity under Persecution The Book of Jubilees 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) |
    |