Exodus 25:11
And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about. And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.
The ark was a chest of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold on its inner and outer surfaces and finished with a crown of gold around its top rim. Its cover was the mercy seat of solid gold, with a cherub at each end with outspread wings raised on high and faces turned toward each other looking down upon it, above which rested the bright glory of God's dwelling place. It was made as the depository to hold the two tables of stone inscribed by God himself, and for this reason is called the ark of God's testament, of the covenant, or of the testimony. The law within represented God himself, so the ark was the symbol of His presence among His people, regarded as their glory and strength with the sign of His presence upon it day and night in the cloud of glory between the cherubim. The earthly ark so made was the pattern of the true ark in heaven, seen as of the finest gold within and without with a crown-like border, where Jesus stands before the mercy seat in the work of atonement and intercession.
Construction and Setting
The ark was a chest of acacia wood, elsewhere described as precious wood, overlaid with pure gold on both its inner and outer surfaces and finished with a crown, molding, or ornamented border of gold around its top rim. The same overlay within and without with a gold crown around its top is seen again in the heavenly sanctuary, where the ark appears covered with the finest or purest gold on its top and sides. Its cover forms the mercy seat of solid gold, with a cherub at each end whose wings are spread out over it and raised on high touching each other above. Their faces are turned toward each other looking downward to the ark, and above is an exceeding bright glory like a throne where God dwells, the divine presence manifested in the cloud of glory between the cherubim.
It stood in the most holy place, the holy of holies of the wilderness tabernacle built in the time of Moses, the second apartment beyond the inner or second veil. There the symbolic service of atonement and intercession centered, beneath the mercy seat and cherubim. The specifications for it were given by God in Christ to Moses on the mount as a divine pattern with special directions. They came after the law had been given at Sinai and belong to the details of Israel's obligations in service.
They came after the covenant was promised and ratified with blood, when Moses rose up with Joshua to receive the tables of stone, the law and commandments. During that delay the people grew discontented in unbelief. When the finished work was made, it was examined until every part agreed with the pattern. Paul repeated these building chapters word by word to his fellow workers while working quickly and skillfully with his hands at tentmaking, for his own benefit and theirs.
The earthly ark so made was the pattern of the true ark in heaven. The heavenly ark is seen as of the finest gold within and without with a crown-like border of most beautiful work of fine gold representing crowns on its top and sides. Jesus stands before it at the mercy seat.
Covenant Meaning and Application
The ark was made as a depository to hold the two tables of stone on which God Himself inscribed the Ten Commandments with His own finger. It was a chest made to contain those stone tablets of God's law, holding God's testimony in the ten commandments. In the heavenly sanctuary the ark likewise contains the tables of stone with the ten commandments within the second veil. For this reason it is called the ark of God's testament, or the ark of the covenant, or the ark of the testimony. The ten commandments were God's covenant and the basis of the covenant made between God and Israel.
The law within represented God Himself, and the ark symbolized God's presence among His people. It was regarded as Israel's glory and strength, with the sign of His presence remaining upon it day and night. That divine presence was manifested in the cloud of glory between the cherubim above the mercy seat of solid gold forming its cover, with a cherub at each end. Its mercy seat and cherubim belong to the heavenly sanctuary and to the great day of atonement. There the symbolic service of atonement and intercession centered beyond the inner veil, and there Jesus stands and ministers before the ark at the mercy seat.
Supreme honor is to be given to God, for the skill and genius and wisdom brought into the work of building were His gift to be used for His glory. The building specifications Christ gave to Moses show preaching the gospel with the hands by intelligent labor. They give an example in diligence and thoroughness, in being diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, and in educating believers in unity. The ark of God thus exemplifies something sacred that must be jealously guarded from intrusion and curious investigation.