The Ark of the Covenant is a powerful symbol of God’s presence and covenant with His people. It holds a special place in biblical history and worship. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about the Ark, its significance, and what it teaches us about God’s holiness and promises.
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What Does The Bible Say About Ark Of The Covenant
Exodus 25:22
There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.
This verse emphasizes the significance of the ark of the covenant as a meeting place with God. It symbolizes His presence among His people and His communication of His will.
It highlights that the ark of the covenant was not only a physical object, but also a spiritual connection between God and His chosen people. It serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, demonstrating His faithfulness and guidance.
Leviticus 16:2
The Lord said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die. For I will appear in the cloud over the atonement cover.”
This verse underscores the sacredness and reverence to be observed in the presence of the ark of the covenant. It teaches that only the high priest, Aaron, could enter the Most Holy Place and only on the Day of Atonement.
It demonstrates the holiness of God’s dwelling place and the need for proper preparation and purity before approaching Him. The ark of the covenant served as a reminder of the Israelites’ need for atonement and their dependence on God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Joshua 3:3
…and commanded the people, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.”
This verse illustrates the leadership role of the ark of the covenant in guiding the Israelites. It signifies the importance of following God’s presence and direction in their journey.
The ark of the covenant served as a visible symbol of God’s presence, leading and protecting His people. It reminds believers of the need to align themselves with God’s will and follow His guidance in their lives.
1 Samuel 4:4
So, the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. And Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
This verse describes the physical relocation and presence of the ark of the covenant in Shiloh during the time of Eli. It signifies the central role of the ark in the religious practices and rituals of the Israelites.
The ark of the covenant represented the dwelling place of God among His people, and its presence symbolized His power, authority, and protection. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites’ commitment to worship and serve the Lord.
2 Samuel 6:2
He and all his men went to Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim on the ark.
This verse recounts the effort and significance of bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem during the reign of David. It highlights the honor and reverence associated with the ark.
David recognized the importance of the ark as a symbol of God’s presence and sought to bring it to the capital city. The ark represented God’s covenant relationship with His people and signified His power and authority over the nation.
1 Kings 8:9
There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites after they came out of Egypt.
This verse points out the contents of the ark of the covenant and their significance. It emphasizes the tablets of the Ten Commandments as a representation of God’s covenantal relationship with Israel.
The ark served as a visual reminder of the Israelites’ commitment to obey God’s law and follow His commandments. It symbolized their need for guidance, righteousness, and adherence to the covenant established at Mount Sinai.
1 Chronicles 15:16
David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their fellow Levites as musicians to make a joyful sound with musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals.
This verse highlights the role of music and worship in relation to the ark of the covenant. It reveals David’s understanding of the power of music in honoring and praising God.
David recognized that the presence of the ark deserved joyful and celebratory worship, accompanied by music and instruments. This verse emphasizes the importance of engaging both the heart and the senses in expressing reverence and adoration to the Lord.
Psalm 132:8
Arise, Lord, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.
This verse serves as a petition for God’s presence and the fulfillment of His promises through the ark of the covenant. It expresses a desire for God to establish His dwelling place among His people.
It reflects the deep longing for God’s presence and the acknowledgment that the ark, as a symbol, represented both His power and His provision. The verse invites God to manifest His glory and reign in the midst of His chosen people.
Psalm 80:1
Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth
This verse calls upon God to reveal His presence and care through the ark of the covenant. It highlights His role as the Shepherd and Protector of Israel.
The imagery of God sitting enthroned between the cherubim evokes the majesty and authority associated with the ark. The psalmist acknowledges God’s leadership and pleads for His guidance and intervention in their lives as a loving and vigilant Shepherd.
Jeremiah 3:16
In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land,” declares the Lord, “people will no longer say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the Lord.’ It will never enter their minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will another one be made.
This verse speaks of a future time when the ark of the covenant will no longer be a focal point of worship. It suggests a shift from a physical representation to a spiritual understanding of God’s presence and relationship.
It highlights the importance of internalizing and cherishing the covenant in one’s heart rather than relying solely on external symbols. The verse speaks to the transformation of worship from outward rituals to a personal and intimate connection with God.
Hebrews 9:4
It contained the gold altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.
This verse describes the contents of the ark of the covenant from a New Testament perspective. It reminds believers of the historical artifacts that represented God’s provision, guidance, and covenant relationship with His people.
The jar of manna, Aaron’s staff, and the stone tablets symbolize God’s sustenance during the wilderness journey, His chosen leadership, and the covenantal commandments. These elements serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness and the expectation of obedience from His people.
2 Chronicles 6:41
Now arise, Lord God, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. May your priests, Lord God, be clothed with salvation, may your faithful people rejoice in your goodness.
This verse echoes the prayer of Solomon upon the dedication of the temple. It expresses a desire for God’s presence to dwell among His people and for the joy and salvation that come with His reign.
The ark of the covenant represented God’s might and authority, and Solomon sought to align the priests and the people with God’s righteousness and goodness. The verse reflects a heartfelt plea for divine blessings and a deep appreciation for God’s faithfulness.
Psalm 99:1
The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake.
This verse proclaims the sovereignty and power of God, enthroned between the cherubim. It elicits a response of reverence and awe from all nations.
The imagery of God being seated between the cherubim on the ark of the covenant signifies His authority and dominion over the entire earth. The verse calls for a recognition of God’s supreme rule and invites a humble reverence in His presence.
Psalm 105:15
“Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”
This verse emphasizes the sanctity and protection associated with the ark of the covenant. It reveals God’s warning against harming His chosen servants.
As the ark housed the tablets of God’s commandments, it represented the anointed ones who served as messengers of God’s will. The verse serves as a reminder to respect and honor those whom God has appointed to speak on His behalf.
Psalm 132:7
Let us go to his dwelling place, let us worship at his footstool
This verse invites believers to approach God’s dwelling place, represented by the ark of the covenant, with a heart of worship. It encourages reverence and adoration at His feet.
It acknowledges the physical presence of the ark as a focal point for worship. The verse emphasizes the act of drawing near to God, recognizing His sovereignty and submitting to His authority in worship and devotion.
2 Chronicles 5:7
The priests then brought the ark of the Lord’s covenant to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, and put it beneath the wings of the cherubim.
This verse recounts the placement of the ark of the covenant in the temple during its dedication. It underscores the importance of the ark as a central focus of the Most Holy Place.
The positioning of the ark beneath the wings of the cherubim signifies God’s presence and protection. It highlights the solemnity and sacredness of the inner sanctuary and the ark’s role as the symbol of God’s covenant with His people.
Exodus 25:16
Then put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law, which I will give you.
This verse provides instructions for placing the tablets of the covenant law inside the ark of the covenant. It emphasizes the significance of God’s commandments in the midst of His people.
The tablets serve as a representation of God’s covenantal relationship, and the ark serves as a repository for their safekeeping. The verse underscores the importance of upholding God’s law and living in accordance with His principles.
Hebrews 9:3-4
Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.
This verse describes the articles in the Most Holy Place, specifically highlighting the ark of the covenant. It emphasizes the sacred objects housed within the ark as reminders of God’s provision, power, and commandments.
The gold jar of manna represents God’s sustenance in the wilderness, Aaron’s staff symbolizes His chosen leadership, and the stone tablets signify the covenantal relationship. The verse underscores the rich symbolism associated with the ark and its contents in pointing to God’s faithfulness.
Psalms 132:14
This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it.
This verse speaks of God’s desire to dwell among His people and establish His eternal rest. It points to the significance of the ark of the covenant as a place of communion.
The ark represents God’s abiding presence and His desire for intimate fellowship with His chosen people. The verse suggests that the location of His presence is linked to His covenant promises and that His resting place becomes a sanctuary for worship and connection with Him.
Exodus 25:22
There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.
This verse underscores the significance of the mercy seat on the ark of the covenant as a place of divine communion. It signifies God’s willingness to meet with His people and provide them with guidance and direction.
The mercy seat, located between the cherubim, serves as the meeting place between God and His chosen ones. The verse highlights the privilege and responsibility of receiving God’s commands and reveals His desire to communicate with His people out of love and grace.
Exodus 25:16
Then put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law, which I will give you.
This verse emphasizes the importance of the tablets of the covenant law in the ark of the covenant. It signifies the centrality of God’s commandments in the relationship between God and His people.
The tablets symbolize God’s holy standards and instructions for righteous living. Placing them in the ark demonstrates their significance as the foundation of the covenant relationship. The verse underscores the need for obedience and reverence for God’s word as a way of honoring the covenant established with His people.
Numbers 10:33
So, they set out from the mountain of the Lord and traveled for three days. The ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them during those three days to find them a place to rest.
This verse depicts the ark of the covenant leading the Israelites in their journey through the wilderness. It signifies God’s guidance and provision for His people.
The ark’s movement before the Israelites indicates God’s active involvement in their lives, leading them toward a place of rest and security. The verse serves as a reminder that God goes ahead of His people, leading and providing for them in their life’s journey.
Psalm 78:23-24
Yet he gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven.
This verse references the raining down of manna from heaven as a provision from God. It connects the provision of manna to the faithfulness of God and His covenant relationship with His people.
As the ark of the covenant carried the jar of manna, this verse highlights God’s sustenance and care for His chosen people. It serves as a testament to His faithfulness in meeting their needs and providing for them in miraculous ways.
Psalms 78:35
They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer.
This verse speaks of the Israelites’ remembrance of God’s faithfulness and redemptive work. It implies a connection with the presence of the ark of the covenant, symbolizing God’s steadfastness and salvation.
As a visual reminder of God’s covenant promises, the ark represented His unchanging nature and His role as their Redeemer. The verse underscores the importance of remembering and acknowledging God’s faithfulness and deliverance.
Lamentations 2:6
He has laid waste his dwelling like a garden; he has destroyed his place of meeting. The Lord has made Zion forget her appointed festivals and her Sabbaths; in his fierce anger, he has spurned both king and priest.
This verse acknowledges the destruction and devastation of the temple, where the ark of the covenant resided. It laments the loss of the sacred gathering place and the inability to observe the religious festivals.
The verse reveals the consequences of Israel’s disobedience and God’s judgment upon His people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and preserving the sacred spaces and practices associated with the ark of the covenant.