The Tabernacle of DavidSýnishorn

History of the Ark of the Covenant

The Ark of the Covenant served as a tangible symbol of God's presence. Carried by Moses through the desert, it played a pivotal role as Joshua led Israel into the promised land, parting the waters of the Jordan River with the Ark at the forefront.

The tabernacle of Moses was destined to be the focal point in the Holy of Holies of the forthcoming temple—built, destroyed, and now embodied in the body of Christ according to Paul's insights in 1 Corinthians, both on a collective and individual level.

In 1 Samuel 4, the Philistines captured the Ark, revealing a misguided attempt by the Israelites to wield it as a "secret weapon" in battle for guaranteed victory—a plan that disastrously backfired. This serves as a stark reminder that God cannot be manipulated for our plans without true partnership with Him.

The Philistines, confronting the living God, witnessed their idols falling and an outbreak of illness. Acknowledging the divine nature of the Ark, they hastened to return it to Israel to quell the plague. Notably, the Lord's response was severe, claiming the lives of seventy men who dared to gaze into the Ark (1 Samuel 6:19). The Ark made its way to the town of Kiriath Jearim, where it stayed for 20 years. "During that time all Israel mourned because it seemed the Lord had abandoned them” (1 Samuel 7:2 NLT). However, it was Israel that had abandoned their God.

During this time, Israel, lacking a king, implored the prophet Samuel for one, despite God's warning that their request stemmed from a rejection of Him as their King. God foresaw the pitfalls of human monarchy, predicting oppression and enslavement, but the people insisted, desiring to emulate other nations, deeming God insufficient.

This demand for a king sets the stage for tomorrow's exploration into the life of Saul and how God responds to Israel's fervent request.