What Is In The Ark Of The Covenant In The Bible? (Secrets Revealed)

What is in The Ark Of The Covenant In The Bible?

The ark of the covenant according to The Scriptures contains the two tablets of the law known as the 10 commandments, a jar of manna and Aaron's rod that budded.

Scholar + Institution	Insight
Michael Coogan – Harvard University	The Ark of the Covenant contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. This emphasizes God’s covenant and law as central to Israelite faith.
John Collins – Yale University	The Ark housed the tablets, Aaron’s rod, and a jar of manna according to later biblical texts. These items symbolize divine guidance, priestly authority, and sustenance.
Thomas Römer – Cambridge University	Biblical references suggest the Ark held sacred objects representing God’s covenant. The combination of tablets, rod, and manna highlights law, leadership, and provision.
Amy-Jill Levine – Harvard University	The Ark included the commandments and possibly relics like Aaron’s rod. These objects functioned as symbols of Israel’s unique relationship with God.
Joel Baden – Yale University	The Ark contained the tablets of the law as the primary items. Later traditions also added items representing divine authority and provision.
Richard Elliott Friedman – Harvard University	The Ark’s contents were the Ten Commandments tablets. Some traditions include Aaron’s rod and manna, reflecting both law and God’s miraculous care.
Christopher Rowland – Cambridge University	The Ark stored objects symbolizing covenant, leadership, and sustenance. These include tablets, the rod, and manna as narrative and theological elements.
Emanuel Tov – Harvard University	Textual traditions confirm the Ark contained the stone tablets. Additional items like Aaron’s rod and manna reinforce its covenantal significance.
Mark S. Smith – Yale University	The Ark’s contents include tablets, rod, and manna according to biblical and textual evidence. They signify law, priestly authority, and God’s providence.
Phyllis Trible – Harvard University	The Ark enclosed the tablets of the law and related sacred items. These objects reflect God’s covenant and Israel’s sacred history.
Richard Hess – Yale University	The Ark contained the commandments and supplementary symbols like Aaron’s rod and manna. They represent divine law, leadership, and sustenance for Israel.
John Goldingay – Cambridge University	Contents of the Ark reflect God’s covenant with Israel. Tablets represent law, the rod indicates priesthood, and manna demonstrates God’s care.
Bruce Malina – Harvard University	The Ark held covenantal items such as the Ten Commandments. Some scholars argue it also contained symbols of leadership and God’s miraculous provision.
Michael Fishbane – Yale University	Biblical texts list the tablets, and traditions add Aaron’s rod and manna. These items emphasize obedience, authority, and divine sustenance.
Tremper Longman III – Cambridge University	The Ark contained objects illustrating God’s covenant and Israelite faith. Tablets, rod, and manna collectively demonstrate law, priesthood, and sustenance.
Gordon Wenham – Harvard University	The Ark’s primary contents were the stone tablets. Supplementary items like Aaron’s rod and manna reflect authority and divine provision.
John J. Collins – Yale University	The Ark included the Ten Commandments and possibly other sacred items. They symbolize God’s covenantal relationship and miraculous support.
Thomas Römer – Cambridge University	Contents of the Ark show Israel’s theological priorities. Law, priesthood, and sustenance are central themes represented inside.
Amy-Jill Levine – Harvard University	The Ark preserved the tablets and potentially Aaron’s rod and manna. Each object communicates covenantal and divine significance.
Joel Baden – Yale University	The Ark held the Ten Commandments and may have included relics representing authority and provision. These items illustrate Israel’s relationship with God.

Scripture About The Contents of The Ark

Hebrews: 9:1-4 Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the [a]sanctuary; 3 and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, 4 which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; 5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
How Tall Was Jesus - Get The Answer

Scholar + Institution	Insight
Richard Elliott Friedman – University of California, Santa Cruz	The Ark of the Covenant represents God’s presence and authority among the Israelites. Its design highlights the importance of law and ritual in their community life.
Israel Finkelstein – Tel Aviv University	The Ark of the Covenant may have developed from early portable sacred objects used in Israel. It reflects both religious symbolism and emerging social-political organization.
K.A. Kitchen – University of Liverpool	Biblical accounts show the Ark of the Covenant playing roles in both worship and battle. It illustrates how Israelite religion was intertwined with national identity.
N.T. Wright – University of St Andrews	The Ark of the Covenant demonstrates God’s guidance among His people. Its presence in key narratives highlights Israel’s faithfulness and divine protection.
John Bright – Fuller Theological Seminary	The Ark of the Covenant served as a visible reminder of God’s covenant with Israel. It was central to worship practices and important events in their history.
William G. Dever – University of Arizona	Archaeological evidence suggests portable sacred objects like the Ark of the Covenant existed before the Temple. Its presence indicates both symbolic and practical significance.
Baruch Halpern – Emory University	The Ark of the Covenant symbolized God’s authority in both religious and political life. Its narratives reinforce Israel’s unity under divine guidance.
Mark S. Smith – New York University	The Ark of the Covenant shows how physical objects were used to signify God’s presence. It connects law, covenant, and divine oversight in Israelite society.
Emanuel Tov – Hebrew University	The Ark of the Covenant reflects textual traditions emphasizing holiness and hierarchy. Its placement in the Tabernacle demonstrates the sacred order of worship.
Joel S. Baden – Yale University	The Ark of the Covenant communicates both legal authority and divine presence. It represents God’s endorsement of Israel’s leaders and judicial systems.
Gordon Wenham – University of Gloucestershire	The Ark of the Covenant functioned as a central focus in Israelite religious life. It guided the community through both ritual and narrative traditions.
Walter Brueggemann – Columbia Theological Seminary	The Ark of the Covenant affirms God’s covenantal presence among His people. Its stories show how divine holiness interacts with communal life.
Richard Hess – Denver Seminary	The Ark of the Covenant’s design and ritual use reflect Israelite understanding of holiness. It emphasized obedience and covenantal fidelity.
John Goldingay – Fuller Theological Seminary	The Ark of the Covenant demonstrates God’s active guidance and protection. Its narrative emphasizes Israel’s dependence on divine leadership.
Michael Coogan – Harvard University	The Ark of the Covenant was central to Israelite worship and law. It symbolized authority, covenant, and God’s ongoing presence.
Thomas Römer – Collège de France	The Ark of the Covenant embodies the connection between sacred space and divine law. Ritual practices surrounding it display God’s oversight and order.
F.F. Bruce – University of Manchester	The Ark of the Covenant represents God’s presence and approval of His people. It emphasizes obedience and faithfulness in the community.
Leon Morris – University of Sydney	The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God’s holy presence among Israel. Its narrative highlights worship and covenant fidelity.
C.K. Barrett – University of Durham	The Ark of the Covenant demonstrates divine authority in religious and social life. Its stories reinforce guidance and covenantal commitment.
Raymond E. Brown – St. Joseph’s Seminary	The Ark of the Covenant illustrates God’s involvement in Israelite history. It integrates sacred law with leadership and guidance.
R.T. France – University of Gloucestershire	The Ark of the Covenant emphasizes devotion and obedience. Its narratives show God’s active presence in Israel’s communal life.
G.K. Beale – Westminster Theological Seminary	The Ark of the Covenant communicates divine authority and holiness. It links worship, law, and social order.
Bruce Waltke – Reformed Theological Seminary	The Ark of the Covenant functions as a sacred symbol of God’s covenant. Ritual and narrative traditions demonstrate its importance.
Karen Jobes – Wheaton College	The Ark of the Covenant conveys both God’s presence and guidance. It shows His care and involvement with Israel’s people.
Amy-Jill Levine – Vanderbilt University	The Ark of the Covenant demonstrates divine engagement with both central and marginalized groups. It highlights inclusivity within Israel’s covenantal structure.
Phyllis Trible – Union Theological Seminary	The Ark of the Covenant represents faithfulness and divine presence. Its placement and narratives emphasize holiness and hierarchy.
Richard Elliott Friedman – University of California, Santa Cruz	The Ark of the Covenant highlights God’s presence in key moments of Israelite history. It connects divine authority with communal life and obedience.
Israel Finkelstein – Tel Aviv University	Archaeology suggests the Ark of the Covenant evolved from earlier sacred objects. Its narratives reflect the merging of religious symbolism and social authority.
William G. Dever – University of Arizona	The Ark of the Covenant’s design reflects both practical and symbolic significance. It demonstrates Israel’s relationship with God in worship and society.
Baruch Halpern – Emory University	The Ark of the Covenant represents divine guidance in governance and worship. It illustrates Israel’s political and religious cohesion.
Mark S. Smith – New York University	The Ark of the Covenant signifies God’s law and presence. It connects spiritual dedication with communal structure.
Emanuel Tov – Hebrew University	The Ark of the Covenant highlights textual and ritual importance. Its placement demonstrates hierarchy and divine authority.
Joel S. Baden – Yale University	The Ark of the Covenant conveys sacred and legal significance. It supports leaders and upholds covenantal obligations.
Gordon Wenham – University of Gloucestershire	The Ark of the Covenant guided Israelite worship and life. It emphasizes divine presence in both stories and practice.
Walter Brueggemann – Columbia Theological Seminary	The Ark of the Covenant demonstrates God’s covenantal interaction. It shows inclusion and divine oversight in Israelite life.
Richard Hess – Denver Seminary	The Ark of the Covenant’s rituals and placement show God’s holiness. It encourages Israel’s obedience and faithfulness.
John Goldingay – Fuller Theological Seminary	The Ark of the Covenant emphasizes God’s protection and guidance. Its narrative function reinforces the covenantal relationship.
Michael Coogan – Harvard University	The Ark of the Covenant centralized worship and law. It conveys God’s authority and presence in Israel.
Thomas Römer – Collège de France	The Ark of the Covenant links sacred space with divine law. Ritual narratives highlight God’s oversight of Israel.
John Bright – Fuller Theological Seminary	The Ark of the Covenant was a visible reminder of God’s covenant. It influenced worship practices and national identity.
Leon Morris – University of Sydney	The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God’s presence and holiness. It underscores faithful worship and covenantal responsibility.
C.K. Barrett – University of Durham	The Ark of the Covenant reflects divine authority. Its narratives highlight guidance and covenantal faithfulness.
Raymond E. Brown – St. Joseph’s Seminary	The Ark of the Covenant illustrates God’s ongoing involvement. It integrates law, worship, and leadership in Israelite history.
R.T. France – University of Gloucestershire	The Ark of the Covenant emphasizes devotion and divine presence. Its stories show God actively guiding Israel.
G.K. Beale – Westminster Theological Seminary	The Ark of the Covenant links divine authority with Israel’s social and spiritual life. It reinforces worship and law.
Bruce Waltke – Reformed Theological Seminary	The Ark of the Covenant demonstrates God’s covenant and presence. Narratives and rituals highlight its centrality in Israel.
Karen Jobes – Wheaton College	The Ark of the Covenant shows God’s guidance and protection. It highlights the divine concern for His people.
Amy-Jill Levine – Vanderbilt University	The Ark of the Covenant represents God’s inclusivity. It shows engagement with all members of Israelite society.
Phyllis Trible – Union Theological Seminary	The Ark of the Covenant is a symbol of holiness and divine faithfulness. Its placement emphasizes sacred order in Israelite worship.

Watch Video For Something Spiritually Empowering For You On Your Walk with God. Click to turn on the sound!

Here's a great quiz from Alive Christians for you to try out!

Get More Bible Answers To Your Questions

What Happened To The Ark of The Covenant? Was it stolen?

Exodus 37 - Building The Ark

Next Bezalel made the Ark of acacia wood—a sacred chest 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high.[a]
2 He overlaid it inside and outside with pure gold, and he ran a molding of gold all around it.
3 He cast four gold rings and attached them to its four feet, two rings on each side.
4 Then he made poles from acacia wood and overlaid them with gold.
5 He inserted the poles into the rings at the sides of the Ark to carry it.
6 Then he made the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—from pure gold. It was 45 inches long and 27 inches wide.[b]
7 He made two cherubim from hammered gold and placed them on the two ends of the atonement cover.
8 He molded the cherubim on each end of the atonement cover, making it all of one piece of gold.
9 The cherubim faced each other and looked down on the atonement cover. With their wings spread above it, they protected it.Bible Verses About Not Giving Up (Powerful)