"Now, therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people.  And let them make a sanctuary that I may dwell among after the pattern of the Tabernacle and of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it."

The Ark of the Covenants was the most important piece of furniture in the tabernacle.  It was also the most sacred and held in the highest reference by the people of Israel.  It was a small chest made of acacia wood, 2 1/2 cubits long, and 1 1/2 cubits wide and deep.  The generally accepted measurements of the cubit was 18 inches, therefore the Ark was 45 inches by 27 inches by 27 inches.

It was overlaid with gold within and without and around the top was a crown and molding or band wrought in gold.  On each side at the corners were two rings of gold through which were wooden staves, also covered with gold by which the Ark was carried.

On the mercy seat on top at each end stood cherubims facing inward and spreading their wings over the center.  Between these two cherubims shone the shekinah, the visible evidence of God's presence.  Within the Ark were placed the Tables of the Law according to the book of Exodus:

"Thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the Ark and in the Ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee."

As the tabernacle was moved from place to place there was no permanent seat for the Ark.  When the holy temple was finally completed and dedicated, and the Ark was seated in the Holy of Holies, God again manifested His presence.

"When Solomon made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and sacrifices and the Glory of the Lord filled the House."