Ark of the Covenant

The ark was an atonement-centered object that resided in the tabernacle, the temple of Solomon (see 1 Kgs. 8:1–8), and the temple in heaven (see Rev. 11:19). Anciently, the ark was the most holy piece of furniture. It was housed behind the veil (see Ex. 40:21; Num. 4:4–6) in the most holy space (Holy of Holies).

God commanded Moses to construct the ark, and He provided him with detailed instructions for its construction (Ex. 25:1, 10–22). It was made of acacia wood, which was overlaid with gold; its measurements were two and a half cubits long and one and a half cubits high and broad (length, 45"; width 27"; height 27") (see Ex. 37:1–2). The mercy seat and cherubs were made of pure gold (see Ex. 25:17–19). Two cherubs (guardians of sacred space) rested over the ark (see Ex. 25:19–20).

Ark of the covenant with two cherubs.

The ark was a formidable instrument; it brought blessings to believers (see Josh. 3–4; 1 Sam. 7:1; 2 Sam. 6:2–17) and cursings to unbelievers (see Josh. 6; 1 Sam. 5:1–7; 6:19–20). On one occasion, its presence blessed Obed-edom and his family (see 2 Sam. 6:11–12); on another occasion, the powerful ark was deadly to those who trespassed God’s commandments regarding it (see 1 Sam. 6:19). The ark was also a place of prayer and revelation, to both the Lord’s prophets and His high priests (see Ex. 25:22; Num. 7:89; Jdg. 20:27–28; see also entry, “Mercy Seat [Throne of Atonement]”).

The ark of the covenant housed three items: the rod of Aaron that budded with almond buds and blossoms, the golden container with manna, and the tablets of stone with the Ten Commandments (see Heb. 9:4); all three items are symbols of Jesus Christ.

Three items in the ark: Aaron’s rod, tablets of the Ten Commandments, container of manna.

The rod of Aaron has two direct connections to the ancient temple: (1) Moses placed Aaron’s rod in the Holy of Holies and there (overnight!) it miraculously budded, blossomed, and yielded almonds; (2) As a “token” (Num. 17:10) and powerful symbol, the rod of Aaron was stored in the ark of the covenant (see Heb. 9:4). The primary symbolism of the rod pointed to Jesus Christ—the Hebrew sha-ked (almond, almond tree) has a special meaning that suggests the Resurrection; sha-ked denotes “to wake up early,” and the almond tree is “so called from its early waking out of winter’s sleep.”24 In Israel, the almond tree buds and blossoms early in the season. As an almond tree, Aaron’s rod calls to mind Jesus Christ, who was the first to awaken at the Resurrection.

Manna, or “bread from heaven” (Ex. 16:4), served as a type and shadow of Jesus Christ. In the context of the miraculous feeding of bread and fish to five thousand people, Jesus taught, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven” (John 6:51).

The Lord gave Moses two stone tablets, on which were inscribed the Ten Commandments (see Ex. 31:18). The tablets call to mind Christ, who is the Lawgiver (Isa. 33:22; D&C 45:59), the Word of God (Rev. 19:13), and the Stone (Jacob 4:15; D&C 50:44).