0.1 Introduction

Introduction.

AMONG the material objects which constituted the appliances of the Levitical system, special prominence was ever given to THE ARK. Its con­struction was the first thing enjoined on Moses, when, on Sinai’s mount, he received ceremonial precepts, and was entrusted with the pattern of whatsoever would be needful for the maintenance of the Jewish worship. According to the author of the book of Cozri, "the ark, with the mercy seat and cherubim, was the foundation, root, heart, and marrow of the whole temple, and all the ritual worship performed therein." It was made, as it were, the central and cardinal point. It was that, for the sake of, and in connection with which all else was appointed. The tabernacle was to shelter it; the veil, to screen it. On it (or beside it) was the blood of the atoning victim to be annually sprinkled; and before it was the sweet incense to be waved. Thither was the voice of prayer directed, and thence were heavenly responses vouchsafed. In the story of the Israelitish wanderings, it occupies a conspicuous place; and in the narrative of Canaan’s conquest, we find it again in the foreground. Con­sistently and continuously is it presented to our view, as an object of deepest importance and significance.

Numerous have been the theories enter­tained concerning its precise intention; and many the speculations as to what it was de­signed to teach, or what it was meant to fore­shadow. Some theologians, for example, have explained it as an emblem of the throne of God in heaven; some, as a figure of heaven itself; some, as an image of Paradise; some, as a memorial of the cherubic banishment of man from Eden; some, as a type of Christ; and others, as a prefigurement of the church. The simplest and most ordinarily received interpretation, and that which seems to meet every requirement alike for critical and practical purposes, is that which regards the ark as having been a material symbol and accom­paniment of God’s residence on earth. It is under this aspect that we propose to trace its interesting and eventful history, each differ­ing phase presenting us with an affirmative answer to the question, "Will God in very deed dwell with men?" and each affording some new illustration of man’s duty as arising out of God’s wondrous condescension.

There may appear to some a lack of typo­logical reference in the ensuing pages. This has resulted in part from a desire to dwell rather on the obvious and primary, than on the hidden and prefigurative teachings of the ark and of its story; as well as in part from a dread of substituting fancy for fact, and mistaking mere analogies for intended adumbrations. It is true, that, in roving through the nursery plantations whence this little plot has gained some valuable stock, it is possible to have overlooked some healthy shoot, which would have taken in a kindly manner to the soil, and might have yielded its produce of refreshing verdure and of wholesome fruit. But, on the other hand, it is unquestionable, that it was needful to be guarded in the selec­tion, now passing by what appeared of doubtful worth, and now pruning what seemed to have budded with undue luxuriance. For exposition, this theme is attended with many difficulties; for meditation, it is replete with stores of valuable thought. Our aim will be, in the main, to deal with the former only so far as shall be needful to subserve the latter, and with the latter, as it naturally flows from the former, thus avoiding profitless speculations on the one hand, and discursive reflections on the other. May the God of the ark, the God of the covenant, manifest Him­self to the writer and to the readers of this volume, as He does not unto the world; and in the study of His dealings with the chosen tribes, may He enable us to discern the foot­steps of that grace wherewith He still visits His people, and tabernacles in the midst of His gospel church.