Post by synchronicity on Oct 20, 2008 5:02:06 GMT 10
Ark of the Covenant
The LORD said to Moses:
Speak to the people of Israel
And let them make me a Sanctuary
that I may dwell in their midst.
According to all that I show you
concerning the pattern of the tabernacle,
and of all its furniture, so you shall make it.
The Holy Bible, Old Testament, Exodus 25
The LORD said to Moses:
Speak to the people of Israel
And let them make me a Sanctuary
that I may dwell in their midst.
According to all that I show you
concerning the pattern of the tabernacle,
and of all its furniture, so you shall make it.
The Holy Bible, Old Testament, Exodus 25
The Ark of the Covenant is, perhaps, the most sacred object mentioned in the Bible. It is said to have contained the stone tablets upon which the Ten Commandments were inscribed by the hand of God. Ancient folk legends also state that the Ark contained Aaron’s budding staff and a golden bowl filled with manna.
The Ark of the Covenant was where God manifested His presence on earth. The Ark went ahead of the Israelites wherever they traveled. Not only was it the center of worship when it resided in the tabernacle, but the Ark also protected the Israelites in battle, supernaturally defeating any adversaries that came before them (Joshua 6:3-4). The Israelites also went to the Ark to seek God's guidance and wisdom for the nation (Numbers 7:89, Exodus 25:22).
But, the Ark of the Covenant is also one of the most frightening artifacts described in all of Biblical history. A golden box with the power to strike men dead, to the ancient Hebrews, the Ark was both a divine manifestation and a talisman so powerful that they carried it with them into battle — a weapon of God. To their enemies, it was a treasure to be coveted — but once captured, a terrible punishment. It came to occupy the most revered spot in Jerusalem, the Holy of Holies at the Temple of Solomon, and then it mysteriously disappeared.
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Link to the full article: www.geocities.com/stlaasr2003/article-5-2003.doc