Of all the furniture in the Tabernacle of Moses, the Ark of the Covenant was indeed the most important. This was because of the spiritual significance set forth in its wonderful symbolism. There are more references to this piece of furniture than all others. This shows us the importance of this in the mind of God.

The Ark of the Covenant, in all of its history and symbolism was the richest of all symbolism pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ. All that the Ark was to Israel in the OT, Jesus Christ is to His Church in the NT. The history of the Ark is the history of Christ. As the Ark was preeminent in the Tabernacle and Israel, so is Christ in His Church. (Colossians 1:17-19)

In this study we will compare the similarities to the Ark of the Covenant and to Jesus Christ and see how He fulfilled the Tabernacle service.

Note these important facts:

The Ark represented the Throne of God in the earth.

The ARK REPRESENTED THE PRESENCE OF GOD AMONG HIS REDEEMED PEOPLE, ISRAEL.

The Ark represented the Glory of God revealed in Divine order in the camp of the saints.

The Ark represented the Fulness of the Godhead bodily revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Exodus 25:10-22 God gave the instructions to build the Ark at Mt. Sinai. It was a small oblong box, the measurements being 21/2 cubits in length, by 11/2 cubits in width, and 11/2 cubits in height. This speaks of the fact that God's throne has a divine standard about it.

It was made of shittim wood, or, one versions translates it "incorruptible wood." Sometimes called the acacia wood is symbolic of Christ's perfect, sinless and incorruptible humanity. (Psalms 16:10; Luke 1:35; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:5; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 3:8,6:12)

The Ark was overlaid within and without with gold. Gold is generally significant of Deity, or the Divine nature. In the wood and the gold construction we have symbolized the two natures in the one Person of Jesus Christ. It is significant of Deity and Humanity coming together in the new creation. The fulness of the Godhead bodily was in Him. (1Timothy 3:15-16; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:14' Colossians 1:19;2:9)

Around the top of the Ark was a crown of gold. A crown is significant of kingship and this pointed to the truth of Christ kingship. He is crowned with glory and honour (Hebrews 2:9; Revelation 19:11-21)

In the sides of the Ark there were rings, and staves were placed in these for the Ark when being transported. The truth symbolized here is that the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our Ark, has a worldwide ministry to His people. He journeys with the Church in her pilgrimage. The staves would help to keep the Ark balanced. The church must have a balanced presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.