Friday, 29th March 2024
To guardian.ng
Search

The Ark Of The Covenant

By S. K. Abiara
14 June 2015   |   2:15 am
THE Ark of the Covenant was the most important piece of furniture in the wilderness tabernacle, which was the tent or meeting place between God and man. The Lord told Moses to build it.  “Make an Ark of acacia wood—a sacred chest 3¾ feet long, 2¼ feet wide and 2¼ feet high. Overlay it inside and…
Abiara-picture

Pastor Abiara, General Evangelist CAC Worldwide.

THE Ark of the Covenant was the most important piece of furniture in the wilderness tabernacle, which was the tent or meeting place between God and man. The Lord told Moses to build it. 

“Make an Ark of acacia wood—a sacred chest 3¾ feet long, 2¼ feet wide and 2¼ feet high. Overlay it inside and outside with pure gold, and put a molding of gold all around it.  

Cast four rings of gold for it, and attach them to its four feet, two rings on each side. 

Make poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. Fit the poles into the rings at the sides of the Ark to carry it. These carrying poles must never be taken from the rings; they are to be left there permanently. When the Ark is finished, place inside it the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you”-Exo.25: 10-16.

The ark was sometimes referred to simply as the ark (Exodus 37:1; Numbers 3:31). At other times it was called the “ark of the covenant” (Numbers 4:5; Joshua 4:16). The Israelites were consequently reminded that the ark’s holiness derived from the holy law of God contained inside it. That name also showed the Israelites that they needed to follow the commands God had given in his “covenant.” Those commands were given by the God of the covenant (or promise).

He had rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt and had promised to be the ever-present God of His people (Exodus 6:6-7). Hence, the ark was most widely known as the “ark of the covenant.” Sometimes that name was extended to “the Ark of the LORD’s covenant” (1 Chronicles 28:18, NLT). At times the ark was called “the Ark of God.” It was a visible sign that the invisible God was dwelling in Israel’s midst.

The ark was dangerous to touch because it was the very symbol of God’s presence. For this reason, God commanded that the ark be placed in the Holy of Holies. It was to be separated from the rest of the tabernacle (and later the temple) by a heavy veil (Exodus 26:31-33; Hebrews 9:3-5). No sinful person could look upon the glory of God above the ark and live (Leviticus 16:2).

According to the Bible, when the Israelites travelled from Matthew Sinai to Canaan, the ark accompanied them in their journey through the desert. It was to be a constant reminder of the holy presence of their God. The methods for wrapping and carrying the sacred objects were carefully described (Numbers 4). God’s relationship with the ark was so close that the ark seemed to be “alive.” It was if it had personal features (Numbers 10:33-36).

The ark clearly played an important role during the desert journey. A group of Israelites rebelled and tried to invade Canaan on their own. Neither the ark nor Moses went with them (Numbers 14:44). The result was defeat at the hands of their enemies (Numbers 14:45).

The ark played a significant role in the crossing of the Jordan (Joshua 3:13-17; Joshua 4:9-10), the conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6:6-11), and the life of the Israelites in their new land (Joshua 8:33; Judges 20:27).

The Ark indeed signifies awe. It was the container of God’s “testimony” and the pledge of His presence.
Prophet Abiara, General Evangelist, CAC Worldwide. skabiaraofciem@yahoo.co.uk

0 Comments