What Is the Ark of the Convenant?-The Bible's answer

Contents.  The stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments were the first items placed in the Ark.  (Exodus 40:20) A golden jar of manna and "Aaron's rod that budded" were later added.  (Hebrews 9:4; Exodus 16:33, 34; Numbers 17:10)  Evidently, the jar and rod were removed at some point, because they were not in the Ark when it was moved into the temple. -1 Kings 8:9.

Transport.   The Ark was to be carried by the Levites on their shoulders by means of the acacia-wood poles. (Numbers 7:9; 1 Chronicles 15:15) The poles remained attached to the Ark at all times, so the Levites never had to touch the Ark.  (Exodus 25:12-16)  "The screening curtain" that separated the Holy and Most Holy was used to cover the Ark while it was being carried. -Numbers 4:5, 6.

Symbolism.  The Ark was associated with God's presence.  For example, the cloud that appeared over the Ark in the Most Holy and at Israelite encampments was a sign of Jehovah's presence and blessing.  (Leviticus 16:2; Numbers 10:33-36) Also, the Bible says that Jehovah "[sat] enthroned above the cherubs," referring to the two cherubs on the Ark's cover.  (1 Samuel 4:4; Psalm 80:1) Thus, thee cherubs were "the representation of the chariot" of Jehovah. (1 Chronicles 28:18)  Because of what the Ark symbolized, King David could write that Jehovah was "dwelling in Zion" after the Ark was moved there. 

Designations.   The Bible uses a variety of terms for that sacred chest, including "the ark of the Testimony," "the ark of the covenant," "the Ark of Jehovah," and "the Ark of your [Jehovah's] strength." -Numbers 7:89; Joshua 3:6, 13; 2 Chronicles 6:41.  

The cover of the Ark was called "the propitiatory cover," or "the mercy seat."  (1 Chronicles 28:11; King James Version) This term refers to the special function of the cover on the Day of Atonement, when the high priest of Israel would spatter the book of sacrificed animals toward and before the cover.  These actions of the high priest  made propitiation for, or covered , sins  "in behalf of himself and his house and in behalf of the entire congregation of Israel." -Leviticus 16:14-17.  

Next time: What Is the Ark of the Covenant?/ The Bible's answer -Does the ark of the covenant exist today?

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