Daily Bible Devotion - THE ARK OF THE COVENANT — FROM THE OLD COVENANT TO THE NEW COVENANT IN CHRIST
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THE ARK OF THE COVENANT — FROM THE OLD COVENANT TO THE NEW COVENANT IN CHRIST
10. November 2026
Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi
Theme: ONE MEMBER, ONE SOUL
Subtheme: MONTH OF ANSWERED PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVING
Bible Reading: Hebrews 9:1-15
Please take your time to read this devotion and underline the Bible verses in your Bible as you go along. Allow about 30 minutes to read the devotion and Scriptures thoughtfully, reflecting on what God is teaching you through His Word.
INTRODUCTION
Before we proceed to the next chapter in our journey through 1 Samuel, where the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD is mentioned, I believe it is important that we first understand what the Ark was, what it represented, and its significance in Israel’s relationship with God.
The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle. God instructed Moses to construct it as part of the covenant arrangement He established with Israel (Exodus 25:10–22).
Under the Old Covenant, the Ark was the appointed sacred sign of God’s presence among His people. God declared in Exodus 25:22 (NKJV):
“And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat…”
It was kept in the Most Holy Place, separated by a veil. Access was restricted, and only the high priest could enter once a year, with sacrificial blood and according to God’s instructions (Leviticus 16:2, 14–15).
The Ark was central to Israel’s worship and covenant identity. It was associated with God’s guidance and presence, victories in Israel’s journey, and the Day of Atonement, when sacrifices were offered for the people’s sins.
Understanding this helps us appreciate why the Ark was so significant. But it also prepares us to understand something greater: Jesus Christ, through whom God established the New Covenant.
1. UNDERSTANDING THE ARK AND ITS COVENANT SIGNIFICANCE
The Ark was constructed from acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. It had a gold mercy seat with two cherubim above it (Exodus 25:10–22).
Hebrews 9:4 identifies three significant items associated with it:
* The tablets of the covenant: God’s commandments and the responsibilities of His people (Deuteronomy 10:1–5).
* The golden pot of manna: A reminder of God’s supernatural provision in the wilderness (Exodus 16:32–34).
* Aaron’s rod that budded: A testimony of God’s appointment of Aaron’s priestly ministry (Numbers 17:1–10).
The Ark therefore reminded Israel of God’s Word, His provision, His authority, and His covenant faithfulness.
It was not God Himself, nor could it contain Him. Rather, it was the sacred sign of His covenant presence among Israel.
2. THE MERCY SEAT AND THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS
One of the most important features of the Ark was the mercy seat. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest entered the Most Holy Place and sprinkled sacrificial blood on and before the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:14–16).
This was part of God’s provision for dealing with the sins of Israel. It demonstrated that approaching a holy God required atonement.
However, Hebrews 10:4 (NKJV) tells us:
“For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.”
The entire sacrificial system pointed towards a greater sacrifice.
3. JESUS CHRIST: THE FULFILLMENT OF THE OLD COVENANT
What the Ark and the Old Covenant represented finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 8:6 (NKJV) declares:
“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.”
Consider these powerful connections:
* The commandments written on stone point to God’s law being written on our hearts (Hebrews 8:10).
* The manna points us to Jesus, the Bread of Life. Jesus declared in John 6:35 (NKJV): “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”
* Aaron’s priestly ministry points to Jesus, our eternal High Priest (Hebrews 7:24–27).
* The sacrifices point to Christ’s once-for-all offering (Hebrews 10:10–14).
* The mercy seat and atonement point to the redemption secured through Christ’s blood (Romans 3:24–25; Hebrews 9:12).
Through Jesus, we no longer depend on an earthly Ark, sanctuary, or repeated animal sacrifices to approach God. He is our High Priest and Mediator.
Hebrews 10:19 (NKJV) declares:
“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus.”
4. WE NOW LIVE UNDER A BETTER COVENANT
Under the Old Covenant, access to the Most Holy Place was restricted. Under the New Covenant, Jesus has opened the way for us to approach the Father.
Hebrews 9:15 (NKJV) says:
“And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant…”
Through Him, we have forgiveness, reconciliation, eternal redemption, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
We are no longer approaching God through an earthly object or an earthly priest. We come to the Father through Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5; Ephesians 2:18).
CONCLUSION
The Ark of the Covenant helps us understand God’s relationship with Israel, but Jesus reveals the fullness of God’s redemptive plan.
The Ark represented God’s covenant presence; Jesus brings us into relationship with the Father. The mercy seat pointed to atonement; Jesus obtained eternal redemption. The earthly priesthood pointed to a greater High Priest; Jesus lives forever to intercede for us.
What was represented through the Old Covenant has found its greater fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Mediator of the New Covenant.
Let us never take for granted the privilege of having access to God through Him.
Ciao. Shalom, shalom! If this devotion has blessed you, please share it, and let’s make Jesus famous!
Rev. Joseph Antwi
BIBLICAL REFERENCES FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. The covenant and the construction of the Ark
* Exodus 19:3–6 — God’s covenant relationship with Israel.
* Exodus 24:3–8 — The covenant confirmed with blood.
* Exodus 25:10–22 — God’s instructions for constructing the Ark.
* Deuteronomy 10:1–5 — The tablets of the covenant.
2. The contents and significance of the Ark
* Exodus 16:32–34 — The golden pot of manna.
* Numbers 17:1–10 — Aaron’s rod that budded.
* Hebrews 9:1–5 — The sanctuary and the Ark.
3. The mercy seat, priesthood, and atonement
* Leviticus 16:1–19 — The Day of Atonement.
* Hebrews 10:1–4 — The limitations of the old sacrifices.
* Romans 3:24–25 — Redemption and propitiation through Christ.
4. Jesus and the New Covenant
* John 1:14 — The Word became flesh.
* John 6:32–35 — Jesus, the Bread of Life.
* Hebrews 7:24–27 — Jesus, our eternal High Priest.
* Hebrews 8:6–13 — Jesus, Mediator of a better covenant.
* Hebrews 9:11–15 — Christ’s blood and eternal redemption.
* Hebrews 10:10–22 — The once-for-all sacrifice and access to God.
* Ephesians 2:18 — Access to the Father through Christ.
* 1 Timothy 2:5 — Jesus, the one Mediator between God and humanity.
Author: Rev. Joseph Antwi
Rev. Joseph Antwi is the District Pastor of the Basel City Churches District. He is passionate about teaching God’s Word, raising young disciples, and empowering believers to live purposefully and impact their generation through Christ.
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Rev. Joseph Antwi has released his first book called; "How to know if he or she is the right one" in which he dives into seven biblical keys to a succesfull relationship.
@revjosephantwi
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