Ark of the Covenant

Description & Purpose

• A sacred chest made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold (Exodus 25:10-11)

• Dimensions: 2.5 cubits long, 1.5 cubits wide, and 1.5 cubits high (Exodus 25:10)

• Topped with two golden cherubim (Exodus 25:18-20)

• Purpose:

  • To house the tablets of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 25:16, Deuteronomy 10:2-5)

  • A symbol of God's presence among the Israelites (Exodus 25:22)

  • A focal point for worship and communication with God (Numbers 7:89) 

History

1. Creation (circa 1446 BCE)

   1.    • Commissioned by God to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25:1-22)

      1.      - Detailed instructions given for its construction

   2.    • Constructed by Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 37:1-9)

      1.      - Skilled craftsmen filled with God's Spirit for the task

   3.    • Completed and consecrated as part of the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:20-21)

2. Wilderness Period (circa 1446-1406 BCE)

   1.    • Carried by Levites during the Israelites' journey (Numbers 4:15)

      1.      - Covered with a special veil when transported

   2.    • Led the Israelites in their travels (Numbers 10:33-36)

      1.      - Moved three days ahead of the people to find resting places

   3.    • Present at significant events:

      1.      - At the rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16:41-50)

   4.      - During the crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 3:14-17)

3. Conquest of Canaan (circa 1406-1380 BCE)

   1.    • Instrumental in the crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 3:14-17)

      1.      - Waters parted when the priests carrying the Ark stepped into the river

   2.    • Played a crucial role in the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:6-20)

      1.      - Carried around the city for seven days before its walls fell

   3.    • Brought to Mount Ebal for a covenant renewal ceremony (Joshua 8:30-35)

4. Period of the Judges and Early Monarchy (circa 1380-1010 BCE)

   1.    • Kept at Shiloh, the central sanctuary (1 Samuel 3:3)

      1.      - Young Samuel ministered before the Ark

   2.    • Captured by the Philistines in battle (1 Samuel 4:11)

      1.      - Resulted in the death of Eli and his sons

   3.    • Caused plagues among the Philistines (1 Samuel 5:1-12)

      1.      - Moved between several Philistine cities, causing trouble in each

   4.    • Returned to Israel after seven months (1 Samuel 6:1-21)

      1.      - Sent back on a cart with gold offerings

   5.    • Arrived at Beth Shemesh, causing a deadly judgment (1 Samuel 6:19-20)

      1.      - Many killed for looking into the Ark

5. Time in Kiriath-Jearim (circa 1100-1000 BCE)

   1.    • Moved to Kiriath-Jearim after the Beth Shemesh incident (1 Samuel 7:1-2)

      1.      - Placed in the house of Abinadab

   2.    • Remained there for about 20 years

      1.      - Samuel led a spiritual revival during this time

   3.    • Largely neglected during Saul's reign (1 Chronicles 13:3)

6. David's Reign (circa 1010-970 BCE)

   1.    • First attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:1-11)

      1.      - Uzzah died after touching the Ark, halting the procession

   2.    • Successful transfer to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:12-19)

      1.      - Moved with great celebration and sacrifices

   3.    • Placed in a special tent in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:17)

      1.      - Became the center of worship in the capital

7. Solomon's Temple (circa 970-586 BCE)

   1.    • Transferred from the tent to the newly built Temple (1 Kings 8:1-11)

      1.      - Placed in the Holy of Holies

   2.    • Ceremony marked by sacrifices and the manifestation of God's glory

   3.    • Mentioned during Temple worship and national events

8. Later History and Disappearance

   1.    • Possibly moved or hidden during times of apostasy

      1.      - King Manasseh may have removed it (2 Chronicles 33:7)

   2.    • Last mentioned during King Josiah's reign (2 Chronicles 35:3)

      1.      - Josiah ordered its return to the Temple

   3.    • Fate after Josiah is unknown

      1.      - Not mentioned in lists of items taken by Babylonians

      2.      - Various theories about its fate, including:

         1.        * Destroyed during the Babylonian conquest (586 BCE)

         2.        * Hidden by priests before the Temple's destruction

         3.        * Taken to Egypt by Jewish refugees (Jeremiah 43:6-7)

         4.        * Supernaturally removed to safekeep God's covenant

The Ark's presence, movement, and eventually its absence played a crucial role in shaping Israel's religious and national identity throughout these periods.

Impact & Significance

1. Religious
   • Central to Israelite worship and national identity
   • Symbol of God's covenant with Israel
   • Focus of major festivals and rituals

2. Military
   • Seen as a source of divine protection in battle (1 Samuel 4:3)

3. Political
   • Legitimized political and religious authority

4. Cultural
   • Inspired numerous works of art, literature, and film
   • Subject of ongoing archaeological and historical research

5. Theological
   • Represents God's presence and guidance
   • Foreshadows Christ as the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity