When Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai in what scholars believe to be 1400 B.C., he also received instructions for building the Ark in which they were to be contained. Exodus 25:1 to 25:22 gives the specifications. They detail everything from the materials to be used — acacia wood, gold, silver and brass, onyx stones, linen, ram's hide and goat's hair — to the precise dimensions of two and a half cubits in length, a cubit and a half in height and width. In terms of modern measurement, a cubit was about 18 inches. The specifications also included the two gold cherubs that decorated the ends of the "mercy seat" atop the Ark, from which God would communicate with Moses. These manifestations were said to take the form of a glowing cloud, sparking between the outstretched wings of the cherubim.


Priests kneel before the Ark.

The Hebrews left Sinai bearing the Holy Ark and began their desert wandering. It was believed that the Ark was literally God's presence on Earth and that it served as a focal point for their worship. They looked to it for guidance and wisdom— breaking camp and continuing their journey in accordance with its advice.


The Old Testament describes the Israelites carrying the Ark before them during their desert wanderings.

But the power of the Ark could not be taken for granted.

Unearthly Powers >>