The Ark of the Covenant is a sacred object symbolizing God’s presence among His people. During the Israelites’ wanderings in the wilderness, the Ark was placed in the tabernacle, a moveable sanctuary. Later, it was housed in the temple built by Solomon.
The Ark was located behind the curtain in the Holy of Holies. It was crafted from acacia wood and measured two and a half cubits long, one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high (approximately 3.75 feet long, 2.25 feet wide, and 2.25 feet high). It had four gold rings at its feet for the Levites to carry it using poles (Exodus 25:10-16). The Ark’s cover, known as the Mercy Seat, was made of pure gold, and it was there that God’s presence was believed to dwell, between the cherubim.
According to Hebrews 9:4, inside the Ark were three significant items: a jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the two tablets of the Law (the Ten Commandments). However, by the time the Ark was placed in Solomon’s temple, 1 Kings 8:9 notes that it only contained the stone tablets of the Law. This suggests that at some point, the jar of manna and Aaron’s staff were no longer inside the Ark.
In the Old Testament, the high priest alone was permitted to enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. He would sprinkle the blood of a sacrifice on the Mercy Seat to atone for his sins and the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:2). Unlawful contact with the Ark or improper handling resulted in severe consequences, including death (1 Chronicles 13:10).
In the New Testament, through the sacrificial work of Jesus – the ultimate High Priest – believers are redeemed once and for all. This act of redemption allows all who believe in Him to approach the throne of grace with confidence, symbolically entering the Holy of Holies and drawing near to God (Hebrews 10:19-22).
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