The Ark of the Covenant (of the Testimony)
In the middle of the Holy of Holies of the Jerusalem Temple, under the wings of the cherubim, stood the Ark of the Covenant (1 Kin. 6:19; 1 Kin. 8:6; 2 Chr. 5:7), together with the poles for carrying it (1 Kin. 8:7; 2 Chr. 5:9; Ex. 25:15).
The Body
Its dimensions are 2.5 × 1.5 cubits, height 1.5 cubits (Ex. 25:10). It is made of acacia (shittim) wood (Ex. 25:10). Inside and out it is overlaid with gold, and on top it has a molding of gold (Ex. 25:11).
The Rings
At each of the lower corners of the Ark a golden ring is fastened for carrying the Ark (Ex. 25:14), 4 rings in all (Ex. 25:12).
The Poles
Two poles of acacia wood are inserted into the rings (Ex. 25:13). The poles are overlaid with gold (Ex. 25:13). The poles must never be taken from the Ark (Ex. 25:15).
The Lid (the Mercy Seat)
Its dimensions are 2.5 × 1.5 cubits (like the Ark), and it is made of pure gold (Ex. 25:17).
The Cherubim
On the lid of the Ark two statues of cherubim are made of gold (Ex. 25:18). One cherub at one end of the lid, and the other at the other end (Ex. 25:19), facing one another, toward the lid (Ex. 25:20). Their wings are raised upward and cover the lid (Ex. 25:20).
Contents
In the Ark lay the 2 stone tablets of the Covenant, which the prophet Moses put there (1 Kin. 8:9; 2 Chr. 5:10), the manna (Ex. 16:32-34) and Aaron’s blossoming almond rod (Num. 17:8-11)
God Speaks Above the Ark
God manifestly reveals Himself and speaks above the lid of the Ark, between the two cherubim (Ex. 25:22).