The Ark of the Covenant

Content

Moses, the Torah and Scrolls | The Mercy Seat, Cherubim, and Shekinah Glory | Different renderings of the Ark

Overview

"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; Exodus 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.

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; Hebrews 13-20; 1 Peter 1:4).

Cherubim and Mercy Seat (Cover) - (Exodus 25:17-22; Leviticus 16:2; Psalm 80:1)

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.