What is the importance and significance of the ark of the covenant?

Exodus 37 verses 1-9 record the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. The major theological principle highlighted by the Ark is that of propitiation.

The Ark seems to have been the special assignment of the most gifted. Bezalel himself made this piece of furniture (under the direction of Moses, who had received the plans). If this was not done right, then nothing else mattered—because this was the place of atonement. It was the place of justification. Apart from this, there could be no safe presence of God. Apart from this, nothing outside of the veil would be relevant; none of it would be hopeful. Apart from this, the service of priests would be meaningless. In short, if there was no propitiation there could be no fellowship.

The Ark was located in the Most Holy Place, behind the veil, which itself was embroidered with cherubim, again to serve as a warning to those approaching God. Though it was possibly visible to the people when the tabernacle was taken down for travel, the Ark was accessible only by the high priest, and then only once a year (on the Day of Atonement). Approaching the ark required the blood of atonement. The high priest needed to be impeccably dressed when he approached the Ark.

The Ark served as God’s dwelling place. The Shekinah glory (i.e., the glory cloud) was seen to descend and rest upon the Ark when the tabernacle was finished. The Ark was the place where God could justly dwell with man through His appointed mediator (cf. Numbers 7:89). This was possible because the law of God (trespassed by sinners) was covered by the mercy of God. The throne of judgement became the throne of grace!

So, what does the Ark tell us about God? The cherubim speak of the Ark as God’s throne, which teaches us that He is Governor and Ruler of all. (See 2 Samuel 6:2 and Psalms 80:1 and 99:1 for cherubim associated with God as Ruler.) The Ark further speaks of God as the Lawgiver. After all, it was the Ark of the Covenant. Remember, the tablets containing the Ten Commandments were placed inside the Ark.

Two other significant items were placed within the Ark. First, there was Aaron’s rod—the rod that budded when God confirmed His selection of Moses and Aaron as Israel’s leaders. This spoke of God’s shepherding care of His people. A pot of manna was also placed in the Ark, which spoke of God’s provision for His people.

The Ark highlighted God’s holiness (it could not be approached, could not be touched, except by authorized personnel), but also of God’s mercy (remember, the mercy seat rested on top of the Ark). It highlighted the fact that God had initiated reconciliation with His people. On the Day of Atonement, when the blood of atonement was placed on the mercy seat, “the blood was an expiation: It removed the guilt of Israel’s sin. It was also a propitiation: It turned aside God’s wrath.”

In short, the Ark teaches us that God is Governor, Giver, good, and gracious.

Application Questions:

Even the inside of the ark was covered with gold. This shows that excellence and commitment was to the highest standards. How are you honouring God in your relationships, how you manage money and how you spend your time?

Quote:

God has one destined end for mankind - holiness! His one aim is the production of saints. God is not an eternal blessing-machine for men. He did not come to save men out of pity. He came to save men because He had created them to be holy. - Oswald Chambers

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for reminding me that You have called me to be holy. Help me to live a life separated for You alone. Amen