The Ark of the Covenant contained two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them. It also contained Aaron’s priestly rod and a pot of manna. The Ark was called the glory of Israel. It was created according to the pattern given to Moses by God when the Israelites were encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai.
Hebrews 9:4 – having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.
The Ark of the Covenant was placed within the Tent of Meeting. The Tent of Meeting was a transportable temple. It was temporarily used by the Israelites in the wilderness, before Solomon built the initial temple. This Tent was also called the Tabernacle.
In the days of King David, he wished to build a home for the Ark of the covenant. God however, denied King David’s request. God told King David, through the prophet Nathan, that David’s son, Solomon would be the one who would build the Temple. This was because David had shed too much blood.
King Solomon constructed the Temple of God. The Ark of the covenant was kept in the Holy of Holies (the most sacred room within the Temple).
Hebrews 9:1-5 – Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. 2 For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place, 4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. 5 Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
During the Babylonian time of exile in 586 B.C., the ark of the covenant disappeared without a trace.
Jeremiah 3:16 – And when you have multiplied and been fruitful in the land, in those days, declares the Lord, they shall no more say, “The ark of the covenant of the Lord.” It shall not come to mind or be remembered or missed; it shall not be made again.
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