The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest constructed by Moses under God’s instruction to represent His presence and covenant with Israel. Exodus 25:10-11 describes its design: made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold, with a mercy seat of gold on top and two cherubim facing each other.
Inside the ark were the tablets of the Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded (Hebrews 9:4). It was housed in the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle, and later the temple, where God’s glory dwelled between the cherubim (Exodus 25:22).
Only the high priest could approach the ark once a year on the Day of Atonement, bringing blood to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:14-15). This access emphasized God’s holiness and the need for sacrifice.
The ark led Israel in their journeys and battles, symbolizing God’s guidance and power. At Jericho, the priests carried it as they marched around the city (Joshua 6:6-8). When Israel neglected the Lord, the ark was captured by the Philistines, but God demonstrated His power by afflicting them until it was returned (1 Samuel 5:1-12).
Eventually, Solomon placed it in the temple (1 Kings 8:6), where it remained until the Babylonian conquest. It disappears from historical record, but Revelation 11:19 speaks of the ark in heaven, seen within God’s temple.
The ark ultimately foreshadows Christ, He is the fulfillment of the law, the bread from heaven, our eternal High Priest, and the mercy seat through whom we access the Father.
