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?