by Neema Joshua | 2 September 2019 08:46 am09
Answer: Shalom! Normally, we know that a chest or a box is used to keep certain things — money, jewelry, clothes, treasures, even bodies. For example, the Bible says when Joseph died, his body was placed in a coffin (Genesis 50:26). Likewise, there were chests for offerings, sometimes called treasury boxes, used specifically for storing offerings (Mark 12:41).
In the same way, there were other chests for different valuables. Now, when we turn to the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament, its very name reveals that it contained something related to a covenant. The Bible tells us that inside the Ark, which Moses was instructed to make, there were three sacred items:
The tablets of the Ten Commandments – written by the very hand of God (Exodus 25:16; Deuteronomy 10:1–5).
The golden jar of manna – heavenly bread that sustained Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16:32–34).
Aaron’s rod that budded – a symbol of God’s chosen priesthood and miraculous power (Numbers 17:8–10).
“Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover.” (Hebrews 9:3–5, NIV)
Each of these items carried profound meaning for Israel:
Aaron’s Rod reminded Israel of God’s power of deliverance. By a rod, God struck Egypt with plagues until Pharaoh released His people (Exodus 7:10–12). The budding of the rod also confirmed God’s chosen authority (Numbers 17:10). In the New Testament, this foreshadows the Cross, through which Christ struck Satan and set us free from slavery to sin (Colossians 2:14–15).
The Ten Commandments represented God’s holy law, the covenant requirements Israel was to obey. In the New Covenant, God writes His law not on tablets of stone but on our hearts:
“This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” (Hebrews 10:16, cf. Jeremiah 31:33).
The Manna symbolized God’s spiritual provision. Jesus Himself explained its deeper meaning:
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” (John 6:51).
Just as Israel survived on manna in the wilderness, so believers are sustained by Christ, the Bread of Life.
The Ark in the New Covenant
Everything in the Old Testament was a shadow pointing to a greater spiritual reality fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 10:1; Colossians 2:17). The Ark of the Covenant represented God’s presence among His people. In the New Covenant, that presence is not confined to a golden box but revealed through Christ Himself and preserved in God’s Word, the Holy Scriptures.
The Rod → The Cross of Christ (victory over sin and Satan).
The Commandments → God’s Word and instructions for holy living.
The Manna → Spiritual nourishment through Christ and the Holy Spirit.
All three are preserved for us in one ark today — the Holy Bible.
Just as the Ark went with Israel wherever they traveled, so the Word of God must remain with every believer. A Christian who lives apart from Scripture shows that they have not truly entered into the covenant sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…” (Colossians 3:16).
Conclusion
The Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament foreshadowed the New Covenant realities in Christ. Today, through the Bible, the Cross, God’s commandments, and the Bread of Life, we carry God’s covenant within us. Without the Word, there can be no true covenant fellowship with God.
Be blessed.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2019/09/02/55074/
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