Topical Encyclopedia The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest built by the Israelites under the direction of Moses, held profound significance as the earthly dwelling place of God's presence among His people. According to biblical accounts, the Ark was to be carried exclusively by the Levites, specifically the Kohathite branch of the Levitical priesthood, underscoring the sanctity and divine order associated with its transport.Biblical Instructions and Significance The instructions for the construction and handling of the Ark are detailed in the Book of Exodus. The Ark was made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold, and contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a pot of manna (Exodus 25:10-22; Hebrews 9:4). The Ark's design included rings and poles, which were to remain in place, signifying its readiness for transport (Exodus 25:12-15). The Levites, descendants of Levi, were set apart for the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Among the Levites, the Kohathites were specifically tasked with the care of the most sacred objects, including the Ark. Numbers 4:15 states, "When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their furnishings as the camp sets out, the Kohathites are to come and carry them, but they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die." Historical Accounts of Transport The Ark's journey through the wilderness and into the Promised Land was marked by divine guidance and miraculous events. In Joshua 3:3-4 , the Israelites were instructed to follow the Ark as it was carried by the Levitical priests across the Jordan River: "And they commanded the people, 'When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, you are to set out from your positions and follow it. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between yourselves and the ark. Do not go near it, so that you can see the way to go, for you have not traveled this way before.'" The Ark's presence was a symbol of God's leadership and protection. During the conquest of Jericho, the Ark was carried around the city for seven days, culminating in the city's miraculous fall (Joshua 6:6-20). The Uzzah Incident A significant event highlighting the importance of the prescribed method of transport occurred during King David's reign. As the Ark was being moved to Jerusalem, it was placed on a new cart, contrary to the divine instructions. When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark and was struck dead by God for his irreverence (2 Samuel 6:6-7). This incident reinforced the necessity of adhering to God's commands regarding the Ark's handling. Restoration of Proper Order Following Uzzah's death, David sought to understand the proper way to transport the Ark. In 1 Chronicles 15:2 , David declared, "No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever." The Ark was then successfully brought to Jerusalem with great celebration, as the Levites carried it according to the divine ordinance (1 Chronicles 15:14-15). Conclusion The exclusive role of the Levitical priests in carrying the Ark of the Covenant underscores the holiness and reverence required in approaching God's presence. This divine mandate served as a constant reminder of the sacredness of God's covenant with Israel and the importance of obedience to His commands. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 10:8At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister to him, and to bless in his name, to this day. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 3:14 2 Samuel 15:24 1 Chronicles 15:2 Library "What Mean These Stones?" Josh. Iv. 21 The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple The First Part The Israelites Importance of Small Things in Religion Ancestors of the Blessed virgin The Census of Israel The Historical Books. Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph Manner of Covenanting. 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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