The Ark of the Covenant, as described, contained only the two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments when it was placed in the First Temple. However, at an earlier time in the wilderness, Moses had placed additional objects in the same location as the ark, reflecting a broader association with its sacred space.

The Ark of the Covenant, distinct from Noah's ark, is referred to in Hebrew as "aron," which means ark, chest, or coffin. This term, identified as Strong's 727, is used for a container meant for storing nonliving articles, unlike the Hebrew word "tebah" used for Noah's ark. The Ark of the Covenant, associated with Moses who directed its construction, serves a purpose of storage different from that of a floating vessel. In the English language, both structures are called "ark," but their Hebrew terms and connotations clearly distinguish their unique roles and functions.

The Ark of the Covenant is a significant element among the various arks mentioned in the Bible, each serving as a container for protection or preservation. Unlike Noah's ark or the basket that saved Moses, the Ark of the Covenant is translated from a Hebrew word indicating a chest, used for storing precious items. It appears over 200 times in the Old Testament and 20 times in the New Testament, underscoring its importance. This ark, distinct in its specific purpose and design, symbolizes a sacred repository within the broader context of God's covenants and the responsibilities they entail for His people.

The Ark of the Covenant holds a significant place in the history of Israel and its connection to the church of God. Described as a chest, similar to a cedar chest, the Ark measured 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high, using an 18-inch cubit. Its top, or lid, was known as the mercy seat. God spoke the Ten Commandments, wrote them in stone, and gave them to Moses, who then placed them inside the Ark. About 400 years later, during the time of Solomon's Temple construction, the Ark was placed inside the Temple. Upon opening it, only the two tables of stone remained, with no trace of the manna or Aaron's rod that had once been stored there. In a vision described in Revelation 11, at the end of man's rule under satan's influence, the Ark of the Covenant is highlighted. Though the earthly counterpart is not specifically mentioned, it is assumed to still exist with the tables of stone inside. This vision occurs in the context of God's judgments underway and Christ's return. Symbolically, the mercy seat represents God's throne, the place from which He sits and reigns over all creation. It is associated with the throne of grace, signifying the place from which God governs and judges, dispensing both judgment and mercy. The Ark's appearance in this vision underscores its role as the symbolic seat of God's government, with the Ten Commandments as the legal basis of His judgments.

The Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God, and when the Israelites saw it, they all began to shout. Their response was fitting and correct because their divine King was among them. However, God was intensely displeased with Israel during this episode and gave the victory to the Philistines, as the sons of Eli had disgraced the priesthood, and He had largely removed Himself from the nation. The Israelites presumed to bring God into battle with them, trusting in a holy object rather than understanding the principle of reciprocity in their relationship with Him, and His presence brought destruction rather than favor. In another instance, the presence of God was celebrated with shouting, both by the people and by their horns and trumpets. King David had finally followed the correct procedure for moving the Ark, ensuring it was borne by priests with solemn dignity. God's presence evoked a tremendous audible salute from His people.