Topical Encyclopedia The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest described in the Hebrew Bible, holds a central place in the religious life of ancient Israel. It is considered one of the most significant symbols of God's presence and covenant with His people. The Ark was constructed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai and served as a tangible representation of God's holiness and His covenantal promises.Construction and Description 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 (Exodus 25:10). The Ark featured a gold molding around it and was equipped with four gold rings, two on each side, through which poles were inserted for carrying (Exodus 25:12-14). These poles were also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, and they were never to be removed from the rings, signifying the Ark's perpetual readiness for transport (Exodus 25:15). The lid of the Ark, known as the "mercy seat," was made of pure gold and featured two cherubim with outstretched wings facing each other, symbolizing the divine presence and the heavenly throne of God (Exodus 25:17-20). The mercy seat was the place where God would meet with Moses and communicate His commands for the Israelites (Exodus 25:22). Contents of the Ark The Ark of the Covenant contained several sacred items that were integral to Israel's covenant relationship with God. According to Hebrews 9:4, these included the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a golden jar of manna. Each of these items held significant theological meaning, representing God's law, His chosen priesthood, and His provision for His people. The Ark's Role in Israel's History The Ark played a pivotal role in the religious and national life of Israel. It was carried by the Levites and led the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, signifying God's guidance and presence (Numbers 10:33-36). When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, the Ark went before them, and the waters parted, allowing them to cross on dry ground (Joshua 3:14-17). In 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 Ark was also central to the worship practices of Israel, residing in the Holy of Holies within the Tabernacle and later the Temple, where the high priest would enter once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:2-34). The Ark's Symbolism and Holiness The Ark of the Covenant was a profound symbol of God's holiness and His covenant with Israel. It was not merely a religious artifact but a sacred object that demanded reverence and respect. The holiness of the Ark was underscored by the strict regulations surrounding its handling and transport. Only the Levites were permitted to carry the Ark, and it was to be covered with a veil, a covering of badger skins, and a blue cloth when transported (Numbers 4:5-6). The Ark's holiness was further demonstrated in the account of Uzzah, who was struck dead for touching the Ark when it was being transported on a cart (2 Samuel 6:6-7). This incident highlighted the seriousness of approaching God with reverence and the importance of adhering to His commands regarding holy things. Theological Significance The Ark of the Covenant is a profound testament to God's desire to dwell among His people and to establish a covenant relationship with them. It serves as a reminder of God's holiness, His law, and His faithfulness. The Ark's presence among the Israelites was a constant assurance of God's guidance, protection, and provision, reinforcing the centrality of worship and obedience in the life of God's people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 35:3And said to the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy to the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden on your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Ark of his Covenant The First Chapter: the Great Reverence with which we Should ... The Return of the Holy Family from Egypt The Covenant of Grace With How Great Reverence Christ must be Received How Intent the Ruler Ought to be on Meditations in the Sacred Law. The Third vision "In Heaven" The Night of Resurrection. The Story of Israel Crossing Jordan under Joshua is Typical of ... 'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid' 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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