The Ark of the Covenant: A Divine Connection
Today, I want to share some insights about the Ark of the Covenant, a topic that holds profound significance for many believers, including myself. This sacred artifact is not just a historical relic but a powerful symbol of God’s presence and covenant with His people.
What is the Ark of the Covenant?
The Ark of the Covenant is described in the Bible as a gold-covered wooden chest that held the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s rod, and a pot of manna. It was constructed under the precise instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25:10-22). The Ark of the Covenant was a physical manifestation of God’s covenant with Israel and His promise to dwell among His people.
Interesting Facts About the Ark
God’s Design: The Ark of the Covenant was designed by God Himself. He provided Moses with detailed instructions on how to build it, emphasizing its sacred nature (Exodus 25:10-22).
The Mercy Seat: The top of the Ark of the Covenant, known as the Mercy Seat, was flanked by two cherubim with outstretched wings. This was considered the throne of God, where He would meet and communicate with Moses (Exodus 25:22).
Miraculous Power: The Ark of the Covenant was associated with several miracles. For instance, when the priests carrying the Ark stepped into the Jordan River, the waters parted, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground (Joshua 3:14-17).
A Symbol of God’s Presence: The Ark of the Covenant was carried by the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert and played a crucial role in their victories in battles. It was a constant reminder of God’s presence and guidance (Numbers 10:33-36).
Strict Handling Instructions: The Ark of the Covenant was to be carried using poles inserted through rings on its sides. Touching the Ark directly was forbidden and could result in death, as seen in the case of Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
Scriptures Highlighting the Ark
Exodus 25:10-22: This passage details the construction of the Ark of the Covenant and its components. It emphasizes the meticulous care and reverence required in its creation, reflecting its sacred nature.
Joshua 3:14-17: This scripture recounts the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. As the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the river, the waters parted, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This event demonstrated God’s power and His guidance for His people.
1 Samuel 4:3-11: This passage describes a time when the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines due to Israel’s disobedience. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and reverence towards God.
2 Samuel 6:12-15: Here, we see King David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem with great celebration and worship. This event signifies the joy and reverence associated with God’s presence.
Hebrews 9:4: This New Testament reference highlights the contents of the Ark of the Covenant, including the golden pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.
The Ark and Our Faith
For us today, the Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God’s enduring promise and His desire to dwell among His people. It reminds us of the importance of obedience, reverence, and faithfulness in our relationship with God. As we reflect on the Ark of the Covenant, let us seek to draw closer to Jehovah, trusting in His guidance and provision.
In conclusion, the Ark of the Covenant is a powerful testament to God’s covenant with His people. It serves as a reminder of His presence, power, and the importance of living a life of faith and obedience. May we all strive to honor God in our lives, just as the Israelites were called to do.
The Ark of the Covenant appears 46 times in the Bible.
Ark of the Covenant is highlighted in all scriptures below:
1 Samuel 6:19 And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the Lord, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the Lord had smitten many of the people with a great slaughter.
Numbers 10:33 And they departed from the mount of the Lord three days’ journey: and the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them in the three days’ journey, to search out a resting place for them.
Numbers 14:44 But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and Moses, departed not out of the camp.
Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.
Deuteronomy 31:9 And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and unto all the elders of Israel.
Deuteronomy 31:25 That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying,
Deuteronomy 31:26 Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.
Joshua 3:3 And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.
Joshua 3:6 And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.
Joshua 3:8 And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan.
Joshua 3:11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.
Joshua 3:14 And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;
Joshua 3:17 And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.
Joshua 4:7 Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.
Joshua 4:9 And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.
Joshua 4:18 And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before.
Joshua 6:6 And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord.
Joshua 6:8 And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns passed on before the Lord, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the Lord followed them.
Joshua 8:33 And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel.
Judges 20:27 And the children of Israel enquired of the Lord, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,
1 Samuel 4:3 And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.
1 Samuel 4:4 So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
1 Samuel 4:5 And when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.
2 Samuel 15:24 And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.
1 Kings 3:15 And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.
1 Kings 6:19 And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the Lord.
1 Kings 8:1 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion.
1 Kings 8:6 And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the Lord unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims.
1 Kings 8:9 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
1 Kings 8:21 And I have set there a place for the ark, wherein is the covenant of the Lord, which he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.
1 Chronicles 15:25 So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the house of Obededom with joy.
1 Chronicles 15:26 And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.
1 Chronicles 15:28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.
1 Chronicles 15:29 And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the city of David, that Michal, the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart.
1 Chronicles 16:6 Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.
1 Chronicles 16:37 So he left there before the ark of the covenant of the Lord Asaph and his brethren, to minister before the ark continually, as every day’s work required:
1 Chronicles 17:1 Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord remaineth under curtains.
1 Chronicles 22:19 Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the Lord.
1 Chronicles 28:2 Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:
1 Chronicles 28:18 And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the Lord.
2 Chronicles 5:2 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion.
2 Chronicles 5:7 And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the Lord unto his place, to the oracle of the house, into the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims.
2 Chronicles 5:10 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put therein at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt.
2 Chronicles 6:11 And in it have I put the ark, wherein is the covenant of the Lord, that he made with the children of Israel.
Jeremiah 3:16 And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the Lord, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the Lord: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more.
Hebrews 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
In our journey through life, we often seek guidance and wisdom beyond our own understanding. St. Mykul’s prayer is a beautiful expression of this desire, a heartfelt plea for divine intervention and alignment with Jehovah’s will. It serves as a reminder of the profound connection we can cultivate with the divine, allowing us to become vessels of His wisdom and love.
St. Mykul’s prayer:
“I pray for Jehovah to speak through me all the time, and I pray for Jehovah to remove all my thoughts, and implant His thoughts all the time, as I do not even want my thoughts.”
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