Ark of the Covenant

The Ark of the Covenant was a chest of acacia wood, roughly 1.1 × 0.7 × 0.7 metres, overlaid inside and out with pure gold and topped by the mercy seat — a solid gold lid flanked by two cherubim with outstretched wings. Inside it Moses placed the two stone tablets of the Law; later a golden jar of manna and Aaron's rod that budded were added (Hebrews 9:4). It was the most holy object in Israel's worship, carried by the Levites on gold-plated poles and never to be touched directly. The Ark led Israel across the Jordan, brought down the walls of Jericho, and was eventually installed in Solomon's Temple. Above its mercy seat the LORD spoke with Moses, and on the Day of Atonement the high priest sprinkled sacrificial blood there — a yearly picture of the once-for-all atonement Jesus would accomplish at the cross.