Now that Israel had entered into covenant with God He ordered Moses to prepare a portable tent so He could travel with the nation and dwell in their midst. But the tabernacle was not to be a normal tent. God designed it down to the smallest detail so it would teach His people essential spiritual lessons. In all there would be seven major pieces of furniture and each symbolized a truth about God, and the most important of these symbols was the Ark of the Covenant. Other objects in the complex would explain what God would do for His people and how they could draw near to Him, but the Ark with its mercy seat explained the heart of God Himself. Today we’ll look at this beautiful acacia-wood box and the gold plate resting on top of it and listen to its message. Then to confirm that we’ve interpreted these symbols correctly we’ll hear God describe Himself in His own words, first to Moses and then through His Son Jesus Christ. Then finally we’ll ask the question: What effect do these truths have on us personally as believers.