Wood, Gold, History and Mystery

The biblical Ark of the Covenant as described in Exodus was crafted by Bezaleel under the direction of Moses. It was an oblong chest of acacia wood, covered with gold plating. Two golden cherubim crowned its top and faced downward toward the place where the presence of God was believed to dwell. The ark had rings on each corner through which poles were inserted to carry the Covenant wherever the Jews traveled.

The ark is believed to have contained the stone tablets on which God inscribed for Moses the Ten Commandments.

The history of the ark parallels much of the history of the Jews. It was carried by the sons of Levi on the wilderness wanderings; was borne over the Jordan by the priests; was carried during the fall of Jericho; was deposited at Shiloh; was captured by the Philistines; was finally brought to Jerusalem by David. It later vanished, inspiring a centuries-long search.