The Ark of the Covenant is one of the most mysterious and powerful objects described in the Bible. It was more than just a sacred box; it was a symbol of God’s presence, His covenant with Israel, and a powerful instrument of His divine will. In this study, we will explore the dimensions of the Ark, its construction, contents, purpose, and the events surrounding it throughout Scripture.
The Dimensions and Instructions for the Ark
God gave specific instructions for the construction of the Ark of the Covenant to Moses on Mount Sinai. In Exodus 25:10-11 (NKJV), we read:
“And they shall make an ark of acacia wood; two and a half cubits shall be its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height. And you shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and out you shall overlay it, and shall make on it a molding of gold all around.”
The dimensions in modern measurements are approximately:
- Length: 3.75 feet (1.14 meters)
- Width: 2.25 feet (0.69 meters)
- Height: 2.25 feet (0.69 meters)
The Ark was made of acacia wood, a durable and incorruptible wood, and overlaid with pure gold. It was a beautiful yet humble reminder of God’s presence among His people.
The Mercy Seat and God’s Presence
On top of the Ark was the Mercy Seat, a solid gold lid with two cherubim facing each other. The cherubim’s wings were outstretched, and it was between these wings that the presence of God, or the Shekinah glory, dwelled (Exodus 25:22 NKJV):
“And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony.”
In the Holy of Holies, the most sacred place in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), the Ark was the focal point of God’s manifest presence. God’s voice would speak to Moses from the space between the cherubim, symbolizing His throne on earth (Psalm 99:1 NKJV).
What Was Inside the Ark?
The Ark contained three sacred items, as listed in Hebrews 9:4 (NKJV):
- The Tablets of the Law: The stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 10:2 NKJV).
- Aaron’s Rod that Budded: A symbol of God’s chosen leadership (Numbers 17:8-10 NKJV).
- A Golden Pot of Manna: A reminder of God’s provision in the wilderness (Exodus 16:32-34 NKJV).
These contents represented God’s covenant, His authority, and His provision for Israel.
How Was the Ark Transported?
The Ark was designed with rings on its sides, through which acacia wood poles, overlaid with gold, were inserted (Exodus 25:12-15 NKJV). The poles were never to be removed, and the Ark was to be carried only by the Levites, specifically the Kohathites (Numbers 4:15 NKJV). The Ark was never to be touched directly, as it was holy. The Levites were instructed to cover the Ark with a veil and animal skins before transporting it (Numbers 4:5-6 NKJV).
The people of Israel were required to keep a safe distance from the Ark. In Joshua 3:4 (NKJV), when the Ark led Israel across the Jordan River, the people were instructed to stand about 2,000 cubits (approximately 3,000 feet or 0.56 miles) away from it, underscoring the reverence and fear associated with the Ark.
The Ark as a Weapon: Divine Power and Judgments
The Ark of the Covenant was more than a sacred object; it was a powerful manifestation of God’s presence, often acting as a divine weapon. In 1 Samuel 4-5, we see the Philistines capturing the Ark in battle. However, instead of bringing them victory, the Ark brought devastation:
- The Philistines placed the Ark in the temple of their god Dagon, only to find their idol fallen and broken before the Ark (1 Samuel 5:2-4 NKJV).
- God struck the Philistines with tumors and plagues, causing great fear and prompting them to return the Ark to Israel (1 Samuel 5:6-12 NKJV).
When the Ark was returned to Israel, it was placed in Beth Shemesh. However, some men of the town looked inside the Ark, contrary to God’s command. As a result, God struck down 50,070 men (1 Samuel 6:19 NKJV). This incident demonstrates the Ark’s power and the severe consequences of irreverence toward God’s holy presence.
The Death of Uzzah: The Power of the Ark
In 2 Samuel 6:6-7 (NKJV), we read about the tragic incident involving Uzzah:
“And when they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God.”
The Ark was being transported improperly on a cart instead of being carried by the Levites as God commanded. This act of disobedience exposed Uzzah to the raw, holy power of God’s anger, leading to his death.
The Ark’s Journeys: A History of Exchanges
The Ark changed hands several times throughout Israel’s history:
- Captured by the Philistines: Taken in battle (1 Samuel 4).
- Returned to Israel: Due to divine afflictions (1 Samuel 6).
- Stored in Kiriath Jearim: Kept for 20 years (1 Samuel 7:1-2).
- Brought to Jerusalem by David: Amidst great celebration (2 Samuel 6:12-15 NKJV).
- Placed in Solomon’s Temple: In the Holy of Holies (1 Kings 8:6-9 NKJV).
God’s Presence and Lightning
God often manifests His presence through lightning and powerful electrical displays. In Exodus 19:16 (NKJV), when God descended upon Mount Sinai, there was thunder and lightning. In Revelation 4:5 (NKJV), we see a description of God’s throne room:
“And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices.”
The Ark itself may have carried an electrical or divine charge, explaining why touching it brought instant death, as seen with Uzzah.
Where Is the Ark Now?
The last biblical mention of the Ark is in 2 Chronicles 35:3, during the reign of King Josiah. After the destruction of Solomon’s Temple, the Ark’s location became a mystery. Some possible theories include:
- Hidden by Jeremiah: Before the Babylonian conquest.
- Taken to Ethiopia: According to Ethiopian tradition.
- Hidden in a cave beneath the Temple Mount: Awaiting the time of the Messiah.
Revelation 11:19 (NKJV) also mentions an Ark seen in the heavenly temple, which may symbolize the true Ark of God’s covenant.
My Final Thoughts
The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God’s presence, His covenant, and His power. It was a sign of His throne on earth, a powerful weapon against Israel’s enemies, and a reminder of the holiness of God. As we consider its history, we are reminded of the awe and reverence due to God, whose presence dwelled between the cherubim.
