If someone asked you:
“...What does the Ark of the Covenant represent or mean to you?”
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE "ARK OF THE COVENANT"
First it must be acknowledged, these are all very interesting responses to such a question. However, we at the YORWW Congregation actually would respond to this particular question in a very different manner. We would say, the "Ark of the Covenant" actually pictures something very different, something very unique in God's Hidden Purposes, ever since mankind's creation. (See Genesis 3:15.) Yes, we would say the "Ark" becomes a very special "paradigm" of sorts, for the fulfillment of a 6,000-year Great "Mystery" [Greek: mysterion] or "Sacred Secret" of God, as revealed through the book of Revelation, as well as all of the other prophetic books of the bible. -- See Revelation 10:7; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 22:6. |
Let us explain. |
The lid of the Ark of the Covenant was solid gold with two cherubs facing each other on top. And only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy compartment once a year on Atonement Day to apply the sacrificial blood to the lid of the Ark. -- Lev 16:15; Heb 9:11-14, 24-28. |
This is what the Watchtower Society publication called, Insight On The Scriptures has to say about the cover:
Indeed highlighting its great importance, we remember the "Ark of the covenant" was the VERY FIRST PIECE OF FURNITURE that God directed Moses to make for the Tabernacle of worship for the Israelites in the wilderness. Also, it appears the "Ark of the Covenant" was the only piece of furniture that was retained for actual use in Solomon's Magnificent Temple, from the original Tabernacle used by Israel.
To be sure, the removal of the "Ark of the Covenant" from the nation of Israel has proved to be a great mystery over the years. No one knows exactly what happened to it. Curiously, neither did Jehovah give instructions as to making another "Ark of the Covenant" either for the nation after its disappearance from Israel. Nevertheless, its great significance and importance in worship for the nation of Israel can be attested to even by our consideration of the book of Revelation. The book of Revelation again mentions the "Ark" being found, once again. In Revelation 11:19, the "Ark" is shown as being one day, finally found by the spiritual nation of Israel. It is seen again, in the last days, by God's nation of people to be "in the Temple of God," just where it is supposed to be. So the mystery of the "Ark" is one day finally solved for us.
Now, going back, let's enlarge on the hidden significance of the “Day of Atonement” and some of its features, to help us understand more about the mysterious "Ark of the Covenant" and what it means for us today. -- See Leviticus 16th chapter. |
In our study of the scriptures, we begin to see one important factor, that the Mosaic Law really pictured or foreshadowed for us an eternal “earthly rulership” that was embodied in the nation of Israel, starting with the leadership of Moses after receiving the Law of God at Mt. Horeb. At that time, the nation of "Israel" became an earthly government to God, and was promised to stay so forevermore with God, as long as they obeyed Him. To ensure such a situation for earthly Israel, many prophetic promises were made to this effect. One of them had to do with the coming of a "king" who would lead the nation and its righteous government, forevermore. Ezekiel 37:24, 25 says: |
Mount Horeb [aka “Mt. Sinai”] “The Mountain of the True God,” spiritually-speaking “Mt. Zion,” formed in the “wilderness” miraculously, in the “End Times.” The resting-place of Jehovah, Himself...far away from apostasy! -- See Exodus 3:1, Exodus 3:12; Exodus 19:2; 1 Kings 19:8; Isaiah 2:3; Isaiah 41:18-20; Ezekiel 47:1-12; Zechariah 8:3; Zechariah 14:4-11; Hebrews 13:13, 14; Revelation 3:12a; Revelation 22:1, 2. |
And so we can see this grand promise of God to the nation of Israel to have an ETERNAL EARTHLY GOVERNMENT and king, was a big part of the Jewish faith for many, many years. Jehovah's specific promise of eternal rulership upon earth, is shown again for us at Isaiah 9:6, 7, where it states:
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We begin to notice something important from comparing the promises of the old Mosaic Law Covenant and the newer Christian Law Covenant, given by Jesus. Whereas the emphasis in the Mosaic Law was upon an eternal earthly rulership and government, complete with Chief Ruler and King. Whereas, the Christian Law pictures or foreshadows things having to do with a “heavenly rulership” with Jesus as King in the heavens. (Matthew 28:18) There can be no question, but the Greek scriptures clearly places its emphasis upon a heavenly rulership up above, in the presence of God. |
(For more information on this subject see article entitled: "2-Kingdom Concept Examined")
Revelation 15:3 says:
And so we can see a connection that shows, even in our day, many things about what Moses taught, as in his law covenant, must come back to us again, in the last days. To further this point, Malachi 4:4 points out when this promised ‘Elijah’ comes, we will again have to remember the “Law of Moses” for our benefit. |
Now as previously stated, we remember the fact that some of the blood from the sacrifice of the first goat of Leviticus 16, was actually placed on the Ark of the Covenant itself. Now if we think of this in terms of Jesus’ sacrifice of blood, it would have to be his blood that was pictured to have been placed on the "Ark of the Covenant," wouldn't you agree?
So as many currently understand things, the blood of the first goat [which pictured Jesus' blood] was taken behind the inner most part of the temple, behind the curtain and applied to the Ark of the Covenant. What could this mean? Well, if we think about this, we realize that Jehovah was doing this to picture something very important. Yes, couldn't we say the "Ark of the Covenant" itself was being "atoned for," as the MOST HOLIEST PIECE OF FURNITURE IN THE TEMPLE? Isn't that so? So then, we come to realize, the Ark itself, yes, had to be “cleansed” before Jehovah. That is why blood itself was used, to cleanse of it of sin or wipe it clean, as a most holy instrument of God. So based upon this special viewpoint, isn't it true the Ark would have to picture something NOT PERFECT or NOT SIN-FREE in God's eyes? And again, it certainly could not picture Jesus himself, since as many believe, it was his blood itself that was used for actual "atonement," in this particular case. |
Here is an “Atonement Day” scene from ‘days past’ before one of the two (2) goats is sacrificed. The BLOOD FROM THE FIRST GOAT IS APPLIED TO THE LIVE GOAT who is then sent to the wilderness. — See Leviticus 16:7-26 |
So in conclusion, we [YORWW Congregation] believe, yes the "Ark of the Covenant" actually pictures in our modern-day times, A SINFUL DESCENDANT OF ADAM & EVE, A SPECIAL PROPHET OF GOD, INDEED ONE SENT BY GOD to make full spiritual restoration of His people, as His "Servant" with a "covenant." -- Isaiah 42:6; 49:5, 6, 8; Matthew 17:10, 11; Acts 3:20-23 |
Additionally, inside of the "Ark of the Covenant" we remember, was the Mosaic Law itself or 10 Commandments, yes God’s Personal "Law" passed down to Moses. So then, this imperfect, sinful person would picture the revealed, "sacred secret" or "mystery of God," that would be "sent" by both Jehovah God and Jesus Christ, to guide mankind into ALL TRUTH. This person, as a descendant of Adam & Eve, then must also have God’s Law INSIDE OF HIM, specifically God's Mosaic Law, as Malachi 4:4 clearly alludes. We should expect this. Additionally, as the promised "Spirit of Truth," who was to come into the world, he would thus have been appointed to do such by Jehovah God & Jesus Christ, sometime after Jesus would have been glorified by his father. -- See John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:13.
These "living, healing waters," are again spoken of in Ezekiel 47th chapter, where they bring refreshing, healing spiritual restoration to mankind, by way of MIRACULOUS "TREES" [144,000] that "spring up" during such a time. -- Ezekiel 47:1-12; Isaiah 41:18-20; Isaiah 43:19-21; Isaiah 44:1-5; Revelation 14:1-5.
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So now we would like to ask you again the same question we asked above namely...
“What does the Ark of the Covenant represent or mean to you, now?"
Article Written By:
Donald C. Burney |
What is INSIDE…
...the TEN COMMANDMENTS, AARON’S ROD, a golden bowl of MANNA. |
“Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and the ARK OF HIS COVENANT was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.” — Revelation 11:19 ESV |
“...the Truth shall make you Free.” — John 8:32 King James Version |
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