Touching the Ark of the Covenant
One of the questions that has been thought of by many and even addressed on numerous documentaries is: Does the Ark of the Covenant possess some kind of powerful electrical/energy charge that prevents anyone from touching it?
Some believe that because certain people had with an instant death encounter with the Ark, there must be some kind of supernatural charge or power associated with it. One documentary highlighted a man demonstrating how the Ark could levitate on its own. Of course certain unlikely elements would be necessary to duplicate the controlled environment experiment.
It is true that the Ark was indeed a very special and sacred relic. In fact it was God’s Earthly throne used in the Sanctuary, the law God wrote with His own finger was placed inside. The angels’ wings touching at the rear form a pyramid, a representation of the triune Godhead. Only the high priest had access to It on the day of Atonement. The Ark played a critical role in some of the battles won by Israel, which is one of the reasons a certain mystique developed concerning it. The Ark would take the lead as the children of Israel marched around Jericho, and as many know, on the 7th day, after 7 trips around that last day, with a shout, the walls came tumbling down.
In 1 Chronicles 13 we find recorded an unfortunate encounter with the Ark by a man named Uzza. Many wonder why Uzza was struck down for apparently trying to protect the Ark. First of all, there were very precise instructions for moving the Ark. These had been disregarded. The Ark should have been carried by the Levitical priests. There is however a more relevant reason for Uzza’s death. In 1 Samuel 6 we find another story concerning the Ark. The Philistines captured the Ark holding it hostage for 7 months, during which time God caused many problems for them. I’m surprised it took them 7 months to get the message. They finally loaded it on a new cart and sent it back with gifts etc. There was great rejoicing that day with sacrifices and thanks for the safe return of the Ark, the Philistine lords returned home satisfied the God of heaven accepted their trespass offering of gold, but 50,070 of the Bethshemites were slain by God. Wait a minute, God releases the Philistines and destroys His own people, for looking into the Ark? If that’s it, you say, it seems kind of harsh.
First of all there’s no reference that they covered the Ark when in their possession, which was required when being transported outside the Sanctuary. Only the High priest was to look upon the Ark, and only after a special sacrifice was this possible. We rarely consider the Holiness of God. His glory or presence is as a consuming fire, the Ark is indeed His earthly throne. When Christ returns, the wicked are consumed by the brightness of His glory (2 Thes. 2:8). The second consideration is His Law inside. The Law is a representation of God’s Glory and character. It is as Holy as He, (Rom. 7:12), sin has left humanity vulnerable and unable to exist in God’s presence. The only answer for us is that someone would satisfy the demands of the Law.
Only one human would be capable of this, God Himself, Emmanuel would accomplish this on Calvary, His own blood would be applied to the mercy seat satisfying the demands of the Law. Since this had not occurred during the time of the Ark’s return to Bethshemish, those in its presence would pay the price themselves. The Law demands the death of the sinner, since the price to satisfy the law had not been paid as yet, those looking at or inside or touching were slain. It seems harsh, but simply underscores the Holiness of God and the sinfulness of sin. And it demonstrates the necessity of Christ’s blood on the Mercy Seat. 1 John 5: 8,11 states and this is the RECORD, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. There are three that bear witness in earth, the water, blood, and the Spirit.
We believe the Ark played an essential role 2000+ years ago under Golgotha, as God once again called it into service, to bear the blood of His Son. This would be a necessary aspect of the Atonement process, because the priest must make an application of the blood. Christ as High Priest provided all the elements of the atonement process.
Since the sin price had been paid, and Christ’s blood was applied to the mercy seat for us, that may explain why Ron was able to not only find the Ark, but look inside.
Carlene Singleton
June 7, 2014 @ 5:49 pm
Please have the links to finish articles put back.
Thanks.
Carlene Singleton
June 7, 2014 @ 5:50 pm
There seem to be links missing for the finishing of articles. Can you please put these back?