The Ark of His Strength

The Old Testament narratives offer instruction, comfort and hope to Christians today. However, much of what happened hundreds of years ago in biblical history points to the Christ who had not yet come. For instance, the sacrificial system with its strict regulations points to the Perfect Lamb of God slain on a cross for our redemption. The lives of many Old Testament heroes of the faith depict in small ways the life of the Messiah that they waited for in faith.

Today’s reading is Psalm 132:8, “Arise, O Lord, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength.”

This Psalm seems to celebrate the time when David brought the ark of God and His tabernacle to Jerusalem. While the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, they worshiped in a smaller tent-tabernacle. Then, after they settled in the promised land, Solomon built a larger structure that also represented the presence of the Lord with His people, certainly in a larger way. The furnishings and interior of that second place of worship changed, became much more magnificent, more in keeping with their arrival in the land God had promised them.

But the “ark of His strength” did not change. Unlike what was depicted in the movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark, God was not contained in the ark. It was a special box-like object that represented His changeless character, realities that are as true today as they were in the wilderness and in the promised land.

The ark was made according to specific dimensions and materials. It was covered with gold to show great value, and fitted with rings and staves so it could be moved about without actually touching it. This is another reminder of His unapproachable holiness but also of His presence with His people. The top was a “mercy seat” that pointed to His willingness to accept and forgive them.

The ark was placed in the most holy place in their tabernacle and eventually in the same ‘Holy of Holies’ in the temple. Over it were figures of two gold angels, their wingtips touching as they ‘guarded’ the ark. It was also anointed with sacred oil, sanctified by the people, and protected as a symbol of God’s presence and glory.

This important part of Old Testament worship was also called the Ark of the Covenant. A covenant is an agreement between two parties; God and man. The ark represented God’s promises to those who trust and obey Him, promises that find their complete fullfilment in Christ.

Besides the significance of the “mercy seat” the ark contained three more objects that are also symbolic. The first was the pot of manna. God fed manna to His people in the wilderness. Later, Jesus said that bread eventually failed but, “I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”

The second was Aaron’s “rod that budded.” At one point, the people rebelled against the priestly leadership of Aaron and a test was offered. All leaders were given a rod and each rod was placed in the tabernacle. The next day, Aaron’s rod had not only sprouted, but budded, produced blossoms and ripe almonds, proving God’s choice. Aaron is gone, but if anyone has any doubt that Jesus remains as our High Priest before God, we can look at what happened when He was put to death. He rose to life, and that resurrection proves God’s declaration that He is our High Priest forever.

The third item was the tablets of stone, the commandments of God. These represent the holiness and righteousness of His character and the old covenant made with Moses concerning law. If anyone could keep this covenant, they would live. However, no one can. We "fall short of the glory of God." The commandments show us that we need a Savior, one who can offer forgiveness for our sin and failure, but also someone who can be for us what we cannot be for ourselves. Jesus is that person. He identified with us in all points, but is without sin. He kept perfectly that Law that no one else could keep. Now, the Law-giver on the throne has become the Law-keeper in our hearts!

These things are the strength of God represented by the ark. He is merciful, yet holy and unapproachable. He gave us a priest who stands between us and Himself, representing Him to us and us to Himself. That High Priest, Jesus Christ, offered His life on our behalf, an offering accepted by God and proven by His glorious resurrection. Now Jesus “ever lives to intercede for us” as our eternal High Priest.

Jesus is also our manna, the One who supplies all our needs. He takes care of us, gives us what we need to follow Him, and loves us “even as the Father loved Him.”

The movie version ended with the ark stored in a vast vault in some obscure location. It is not true. The ark disappeared. That’s a good thing considering our tendency to worship all sorts of stuff. Beside, someone might build a shrine and charge admission, and this wonderful piece of history would make a few people rich instead of pointing to Jesus and another kind of riches.

In the new covenant with God, we can experience “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that we through His poverty might become rich.” The old ark of God is gone, but Jesus remains forever as the ark of His strength.