To

learn about the ark of the covenant, we need to look to the authority

of the Bible. We won’t find the right information in movies like

Indiana

Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, or in other stories

or legends.

Some

translations of the Bible call the ark a “chest” so that young

readers won’t confuse it with Noah’s ark, which was huge (Genesis

6:15). Others call the cover “the mercy seat” because God is

described as enthroned there between the cherubim (angels; see

1 Samuel 4:4). Other translations call it “the atonement

cover.” And once a year the high priest would enter the Most Holy

Place and sprinkle blood on the cover of the ark to make atonement

for the people’s sin.

Forgiveness

and mercy were central to God’s relationship with his people. And

to this day Jews celebrate the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), as one

of their most holy days.

In

the ark were the Ten Com­mandments of God’s law. The law shows

us how to honor God with our lives, but we always fall short. So we

need atonement and forgiveness. When Jesus, our ultimate High Priest,

shed his blood for us, he made the ultimate atonement, fulfilling the

requirements of the law “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). God is

indeed forgiving and merciful.

Have

you experienced God’s holiness and mercy in your life?