What Is the Ark of the Covenant?

The Bible's answer

The ark of the covenant was sacred chest made by the ancient Israelites according to the command and design of God.  It housed and protected "the Testimony,"  the Ten Commandments written on two stone tablets. -Exodus 25:8-10, 16; 31:18. 

Construction.  The Ark measured 2.5 cubits long, 1.5 cubits wide, and 1.5 cubits high ( 111 x 67 x 67 cm 44 x 26 x 26 in).  It was built of acacia wood and was overlaid inside and out with gold, with an artistic border. Its cove, made of solid gold, featured two golden cherubs, one at each end.  They faced each other with their faces toward the cover and their wings extending upward, overshadowing the cover. The Ark had four rings of cast gold above its feet. Acacia-wood poles overlaid with gold were put through the  rings and were used for carrying the Ark. -Exodus 25:10-21; 37:6-9. 

Location.  The Ark was initially kept in the Most Holy compartment of the tabernacle, a transportable ten of worship that was made at the same time as the Ark.  The Most Holy was screened  off from the view of the priests and the people.  (Exodus 40:3, 21) Only the high priests could enter this compartment, one day each year on Atonement Day, and see the Ark.  (Leviticus 16:2; Hebrews 9:7)  Later, the Ark was moved to the Most Holy in Solomon's temple. -1 Kings 6:14, 19. 

Purpose.   The Ark was an archive for sacred items that would remind the Israelites of the covenant, or agreement, that God made with them at Mount Sinai. It also played a key role in the Atonement Day ceremony. -Leviticus 16:3, 13-17. 

Next time: What Is the Ark of the Covenant?/The Bible's answer -Contents

From the jw.org publications