Ark of the Old Covenant - What's the Point?

[Guardian]

Other than being a foreshadow to Mary, why did God have the Israelites make the Ark of the Covenant?

I know that it was used in liturgical worship, was led out into battle, etc. But why did God have them even make it? What point was God trying to get across by having the Israelites tout around a sacred box? Try to answer this question with the mindframe of a Jew.

Thanks.

 

[NotWorthy]

I think it was God showing the people what happens when you follow Him into battle (be it battles for the promised land, or the spiritual battles we fight each and every day).

I think for Christians it also shows God’s attempt to co-exist with us, although in an imperfect form, due to Adam’s sin and then the whole Calf-Gate incident. The perfection of this co-existing only comes in the New Covenant when God dwells in our souls after receiving the Sacraments.

 

[Guardian]

Thanks for the reply NotWorthy.

Do you know the explanation the Jews give on why God made Moses put in the specific three items in the Ark (Hebrews 9:4)?

 

[Fidelis]

Other than being a foreshadow to Mary, why did God have the Israelites make the Ark of the Covenant?

I know that it was used in liturgical worship, was led out into battle, etc. But why did God have them even make it? What point was God trying to get across by having the Israelites tout around a sacred box? Try to answer this question with the mindframe of a Jew.

Thanks.

Also, it was a sign that God would be present in a special way to his chosen people.

 

[Pax]

Pagans would bring their talismans into battle with them. The Ark was a sacred object that had upon it the “mercy seat.” It was upon the mercy seat that the spirit of God would come and God would speak to Moses. The Jews were often weak in their faith and would fall into paganism. It was important for the Jews to see that everything associated with the true God was more powerful than anything associated with pagan idols.

God vanquished the pagan enemies. God has always used signs with his people. The Ark of the Covenant is one of those signs. Even the enemies of the Israelites quickly learned that the God of the Jews and His Ark of the Covenant were the most powerful force they had ever faced. Their talismans were like tinker toys before the God of Israel.

 

[Franciscan]

Guardian you made a reference to Hebrew’s ch 9. So if you read Heb 8-9 you can see why (from a Christian point of view) the ark existed.
Its purpose was to serve as an earthly replica of God’s throne in Heaven: God on His throne surrounded by angels.
The High Priest went into the holy of holies once year to offer the main atonement offering (bull’s blood) directly to God on the throne(ark).
From a Christian point of view this is to prefigure Christ taking his blood offering to the Father in Heaven (the real Holy of Holies).
He passed the veil(broke the barrier of sin) and entered into Heaven: Ascension.