Ark of the Covenant

Edward D. Andrews
Jun 10
6 min read

The Ark of the Covenant was the central and most sacred object in Israel’s worship under the Law given through Moses. It served not only as a container for the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments but also as a physical symbol of Jehovah’s presence and covenant with His people. Made at God’s command and according to His precise instructions, the Ark was located in the Most Holy of the tabernacle and later Solomon’s temple, occupying the highest place in Israelite religious life. Its role in worship, guidance, and judgment—and its eventual disappearance—all illustrate the unfolding of divine purpose through the ages.

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Terminology and Significance

The Ark is referred to by more than twenty titles in Scripture. Among the most prominent are “the ark of the covenant” (Hebrew: ’arohn hab·berith; Greek: kibōtos tēs diathēkēs) and “the ark of the testimony” (Exodus 25:22; Hebrews 9:4). These terms underscore its dual function: as the physical repository of God’s Law (the testimony) and as the tangible sign of the covenant between Jehovah and Israel. These titles are not stylistic variations but express theological reality—this was the place where Jehovah revealed His will and met with His people.

Construction and Design

The Ark was the first item detailed to Moses when he was instructed to build the tabernacle (Exodus 25:10–22), signifying its primacy. Made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, the Ark measured 2.5 cubits long, 1.5 cubits wide, and 1.5 cubits high (approximately 111 × 67 × 67 cm or 44 × 26 × 26 inches). The lid, called the propitiatory cover or mercy seat, was made entirely of solid gold and featured two cherubs facing each other with wings outstretched over the Ark, symbolizing the majesty and presence of Jehovah.

The Ark had four rings for poles used to transport it. These poles, also of gold-covered acacia wood, were never to be removed, underscoring the sanctity of the object and the need to avoid direct contact (Exodus 25:12–15; Numbers 4:15). Even its feet were shaped in a way that gave it an elevated, lifelike stance, as if in readiness to move—symbolic of God’s dynamic guidance of His people.

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Inauguration and Role in Worship

Bezalel and skilled craftsmen constructed the Ark with exactness, using materials offered by the people (Exodus 35:10–12; 37:1–9). Once completed, Moses placed the tablets of the Law into the Ark (Deuteronomy 10:1–5). Other items—such as the golden jar of manna and Aaron’s budding rod—were also temporarily placed in the Ark (Hebrews 9:4), but by the time Solomon’s temple was built, only the tablets remained (1 Kings 8:9).

The Ark was kept hidden in the Most Holy Place, behind the inner curtain of the tabernacle, and was never to be looked upon by unauthorized persons. Only the high priest entered the Most Holy once a year on the Day of Atonement, and even then, not to gaze upon the Ark but to offer blood for atonement (Leviticus 16:2, 15–17; Hebrews 9:7). The Ark thus symbolized Jehovah’s presence in a guarded and holy way, consistent with His holiness and the limitations of sinful man.

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Symbol of God’s Presence and Power

Jehovah declared that He would meet with Moses “from above the cover, from between the two cherubs” (Exodus 25:22; Numbers 7:89). The Ark was not a magic object, but the place from which Jehovah communicated His will. It signified His enthronement over Israel (1 Samuel 4:4; 1 Chronicles 28:18).

The Ark’s presence signaled divine guidance. It went before the Israelites in their journey through the wilderness (Numbers 10:33, 34) and played a key role in the miraculous parting of the Jordan River (Joshua 3:1–17). During the conquest of Jericho, it was part of the daily procession around the city (Joshua 6:3–13). The Ark’s absence in other campaigns, when Jehovah was not with them, resulted in defeat (Numbers 14:44, 45).

When the Philistines captured the Ark due to Israel’s presumption, they quickly learned its sacred power. The statue of Dagon was shattered before it, and the Philistine cities suffered severe plagues until they returned it with gifts (1 Samuel 5:1–12; 6:1–12). The Ark’s presence brought both blessing and judgment, depending on how it was treated and the spiritual state of the people.

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Respect for the Ark and Warnings Against Presumption

Respect for the Ark was not optional. When Uzzah touched the Ark in a well-meaning attempt to steady it—violating the divine command not to touch it—he was immediately struck dead (2 Samuel 6:6–7). Likewise, when the people of Beth-shemesh looked upon the Ark in violation of the law, a great number were struck down (1 Samuel 6:19–21). These incidents confirmed that reverence for God’s commands is not a formality but a matter of life and death.

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The Ark’s Locations Through Time

After the wilderness period, the Ark was first housed in Shiloh (Joshua 18:1; 1 Samuel 3:3). It was temporarily moved during battles, eventually captured by the Philistines, and later returned to Israel. It spent years in Kiriath-jearim (1 Samuel 7:1–2) before King David attempted to bring it to Jerusalem. His first attempt failed due to improper transport, but later he ensured it was carried correctly by Levites (1 Chronicles 15:2, 15). It remained in a tent until Solomon placed it in the Most Holy of the temple (1 Kings 8:1–11).

The last historical reference to the Ark appears in the days of King Josiah, who ordered it returned to the temple (2 Chronicles 35:3). Its fate afterward is unknown. It is not listed among the items taken to Babylon, nor was it replaced in the rebuilt temple under Zerubbabel (2 Kings 25:13–17; Ezra 1:7–11). Jeremiah prophesied that the time would come when the Ark would no longer be missed, and Jerusalem would be called Jehovah’s throne—pointing to a spiritual transformation in worship (Jeremiah 3:16–17).

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Spiritual Fulfillment and Symbolism

The Ark foreshadowed the presence and rule of Jehovah through His Son, Jesus Christ. In the heavenly vision of Revelation, the “ark of his covenant” appears in the heavenly sanctuary, symbolizing that Jehovah was again ruling through the Messianic Kingdom (Revelation 11:15, 19). The mercy seat foreshadowed the atoning work of Christ, who now serves as High Priest in the true heavenly temple (Hebrews 9:11–12, 24).

Thus, the Ark was not an object of worship but a temporary symbol of Jehovah’s covenantal relationship with Israel and His dwelling among them. With the coming of Christ and the inauguration of the new covenant, the role of the literal Ark ceased, replaced by the superior reality it pointed to: God’s direct rule through His Son and the indwelling of His Word among His people.

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Conclusion

The Ark of the Covenant was a magnificent, holy object—designed by Jehovah and built to represent His covenant, authority, and presence. It testified to divine holiness, mercy, and justice. While it disappeared from view before the Christian era, its deeper significance endures in the person of Jesus Christ and in the new covenant established through His blood. Followers of Christ today do not seek physical relics but honor Jehovah through reverent worship, obedience to His Word, and recognition of His reigning King.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).