The Ark of the Covenant is mentioned extensively throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 1 Chronicles, and 2 Chronicles. Here's a breakdown:
* Exodus: Describes God's instructions for building the Ark, its materials (acacia wood overlaid with gold), its purpose (to contain the tablets of the Law), and its role in God's presence among the Israelites (Exodus 25:10-22, 37:1-9).
* Numbers: Details the Ark's transportation during the Israelites' wanderings in the desert and the regulations surrounding its handling (Numbers 4:5-20, 10:33-36).
* Deuteronomy: Mentions the Ark's role as a repository for the tablets of the Law and emphasizes its significance as a symbol of God's covenant with Israel (Deuteronomy 10:1-5, 31:26).
* Joshua: Narrates the Ark's central role in the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan River and their conquest of Jericho (Joshua 3:1-17, 6:1-21).
* 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel: Recount the Ark's capture by the Philistines, its subsequent return to Israel, and its eventual placement in Jerusalem by King David (1 Samuel 4:1-7:2, 2 Samuel 6:1-23).
* 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles: Describe the Ark's placement in the Temple built by King Solomon and its importance in the Temple's rituals and ceremonies (1 Kings 8:1-11, 2 Chronicles 5:2-14).
There are also mentions of the Ark in the New Testament, primarily in the Book of Revelation, where it appears in a vision of the heavenly temple (Revelation 11:19). Hebrews 9:4 also refers to the Ark.