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"Behold,
the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth"; so
the ark is called in the Holy Scriptures (Joshua 3:11). This most holy
object was made of acacia wood, completely covered with fine gold, and decorated
with a golden wreath.
The Ark of the Covenant was an ark
or chest of shittim (acacia) wood two and one-half cubits long, and one and
one-half cubits high (5 feet by 3 by 3) overlaid with gold, and embellished with
a crown of gold extending around the chest upon the top edge. Four rings of pure
gold were set in the four corners, two on one side and two on the other, through
which were passed the wooden staves overlaid with gold used in carrying the
sacred chest. Exodus 25: 10; 37: 1-10.
The Ark of the Covenant,
thus fittingly enshrined, was the only piece
of furniture in the Most Holy Place. It was visited but once each year by
the High Priest, on the Day of Atonement, to make "atonement for the sins
of the people." This was the most solemn ceremony of the Hebrew worship.
Looking into the
Ark of the Covenant one can see it contents: The Golden Pot of Manna, the
Ten Commandments, and Aaron's Rod that Budded.
Moses, the
Torah and Scrolls
The importance
placed by Israel upon the Ark of the Covenant is astounding. The
importance given in this Ark by Jehovah God was stupendous. In respect to
a study of its typical significance, these facts must be realized.
There are three
Arks in the Bible: Noah's Ark, the Ark of Moses, and the Ark of the
Covenant. Without exception each one speaks to us of preservation, and
each in its own particular way portrays the Lord Jesus - our Ark of
refuge. One of the articles within the Ark of the Covenant was God's
precepts - the Law. Just as the Ark of the Covenant encompassed, or shall
we say preserved, God's precepts to Israel, so the Lord Jesus, as our
everlasting covenant, has reserved for us the title deed to our salvation in
heaven. (Hebrews 8:6; 13-20; 1 Peter 1:4).
The
Mercy Seat, Cherubim, and Shekinah Glory
(Exodus
25:17-22; Leviticus 16:2; Psalm 80:1)
Cherubim and
Mercy Seat (Cover)
The mercy seat and
cherubim consisted of one integral unit made from solid beaten gold.
Perhaps this speaks of His glory and deity being one. The only other
article within the tabernacle similarly constructed was the candlestick.
In respect to the
material here, we do not find the presence of wood. We so not find
humanity represented in any way. There is today spiritually, and in a very
real sense, a place of mercy. This place of mercy was conceived and
wrought by God.
We will discover
that the Shekinah glory represents the very presence of God, and the cloud
veiled His presence. This cloud led His people Israel, and the Holy Spirit
similarly leads His people today.
"Behold,
the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth"; so the ark is called
in the Holy Scriptures (Joshua 3:11). This most holy object was made of
acacia wood, completely covered with fine gold, and decorated with a golden
wreath.
Different Rrendering of the Ark
 
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