Introduction
Most studies on the tabernacle begin with the outside court and proceed inward to finish with the Ark. We have chosen to follow Biblical order and begin with the Ark which was the most sacred object of the Old Covenant (Exodus 25:10-22, 37:1-9). Really the entire tabernacle was built around the Ark where God's presence was manifested.1. A Description Of The Ark
A. The Ark was a box or chest made of what we would know today as acacia wood. It was 2 ½ cubits long and 1½ cubits high and broad. Within and without it was overlaid with pure gold. At the top was a crown or cornice of gold. There was a golden ring at each of the corners near the bottom. Wooden staves overlaid with gold passed through these rings and were used to carry the Ark in an elevated fashion.
B. On top of the Ark was a golden lid known as the "mercy seat." Once a year on the great day of atonement the blood of a sacrifice was sprinkled on this by the great high priest.
C. At each end of the mercy seat was a golden cherub. The two cherubims had their wings spread with their faces toward the mercy seat. Above the mercy seat and between the cherubims was the Shekinah glory of God (Psalm 80:1, 99:1). The Ark was the only piece of furniture in the Holy of Holies.2. The Ark's Importance
The Ark was the center and heart of the tabernacle. It preceded Israel in their marches (Numbers 10:33 & 35) and was even superstitiously revered at times (I Samuel 4). Even as it was carried it was to be covered from view (Numbers 4:5-6). No one was to touch the Ark (Numbers 4:15) which transgression was visited with death (I Samuel 6:19-20, II Samuel 6:6-7). The Ark was the only piece of furniture used in both the tabernacle and Solomon's Temple. The others being replaced by new ones. As already noted the account of the tabernacle begins with the Ark (Exodus 25:10-22). Why did the Ark have such an important position:A.The Ark was the place where God dwelt among His people and communed with them (Exodus 25:22, I Samuel 4:4).
B.The Ark and its Mercy Seat were a wonderful type of Jesus Christ and His atoning death.3. The History Of The Ark
From the time of Moses until the captivity of Babylon the Ark was a central part of Israel's worship. It was in the tabernacle for over five hundred years and then in Solomon's Temple. Many times it is mentioned in connection with important events in Israel’s history (Joshua 3 & 6, I Samuel 4-6 etc). The Ark disappeared when Babylon conquered Judah and we have no record of what became of it.4. The Symbolism Of The Ark
There is no question but that the Ark was a figure of spiritual things as was the entire tabernacle (Hebrews 9:8-9). It was a type or pattern of things in Heaven (Hebrews 9:23, Revelation 11:19). Let us contemplate some of the particular aspects of this symbolism:
A. The Wood - The shittim wood used in the construction of the Ark has always been viewed as a type of Christ's human nature (John 1:14). It points to the condescension of Christ in coming in the form of a man (Isaiah 53:2).
B. The Gold - The Ark was overlaid with gold inside and out. This has always been seen as a type of Christ’s divine nature (John 1:1). The wood and the gold united in one Ark reveal the two natures of Christ united in one person (I Timothy 3:16).
C. The Ark's Contents - In Hebrews 9:4 the contents of the Ark are listed. There is a symbolic significance associated with each of these items:
(1) The stone tables of the law received by Moses on Mt. Sinai were placed in the Ark and gave it the name "Ark of the Covenant." This pointed to Christ as the one who not only kept the law but had it in His heart (Psalm 40:7-8, Galatians 4:4). In Christ the law was fully honored while at the same time mercy was made possible (Psalm 85:10).
(2) Aaron's rod that budded was placed in the Ark. A careful reading of Numbers 16 & 17 will show that this rod was a symbol and proof of priestly authority. In the Ark it signified that Christ was the great high priest of God's choosing.
(3) A pot of manna was kept in the Ark. This not only reminded Israel of God's provision for them but also pointed to Christ as the bread of life (Exodus 16:32-34, John 6:48-51).
D. The Golden Crown - The crown or cornice on the Ark called attention to the kingship of Christ. As a priest after the order of Melchizedek our Saviour is both priest and king (Hebrews 7:1 & 17). Some have referred to the Ark as God’s throne on earth.
E. The Mercy Seat - The Mercy Seat was the solid gold lid that set on the Ark. The Hebrew word translated "Mercy Seat" means propitiatory or the place where propitiation is made. To propitiate means to pacify or conciliate an angry party. God was angry with us as sinners but Christ became our propitiation or mercy seat (Romans 3:25, I John 4:10).
Once a year the great high priest would enter the Holy of Holies and sprinkle the blood of sacrifices on the Mercy Seat (Leviticus 16:1-15). This was a foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work (Hebrews 9:1-8, 12, 24). His blood enables the Father to forgive our sins (Ephesians 1:7). The publican in Luke 18:13 prayed for mercy. The Greek word translated "merciful" could be translated propitious or mercy seat.
F. The Golden Cherubim - The cherubim overlooking the Mercy Seat reveal the interest that the angels have in the saving work of Christ (I Peter 1:12, Ephesians 3:10). Note: Some have used the cherubim to justify the use of idols and images in worship. They forget that while there were images of cherubims there were no images of God.
G. The Pillar - The Shekinah glory that hovered over the Mercy Seat was a manifestation of God's glory (Psalm 80:1 & 99:1). God met with His people through the mediation of Jesus Christ (I Timothy 2:5). He dwelt with Israel at the place where the blood was sprinkled. The entire tabernacle revealed God dwelling with His people through Christ (John 1:14).=================
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