THE ARK OF THE TESTIMONY (Ex 25.10-22)
There are at least six distinct titles for the Ark given in the Old Testament. The most frequently used are:
The Ark of the Testimony (Ex 25.22)
The Ark of the Covenant (Num 10.33)
The Ark of the Lord (Jehovah) (Josh 3.13)
The Ark of God (1 Sam 3.3).
The titles
The Holy Ark (2 Chr 35.3), and
The Ark of Thy Strength (2 Chr 6.41; Ps 132.8; see also 78.61),
are used in the instances given.
It should also be noted that name "The ark of the God of Israel" was used by the Philistines to refer to the Ark when it was in their possession as recorded in 1 Samuel 5 and 6.
The title "Ark of the Testimony" (Ex 25.22) had singular reference to wilderness conditions. It was throughout Israel’s journeys that the entire company was to be a witness and testimony to the presence of Almighty God in their midst, His presence being symbolised by the Tabernacle and more particularly the Ark of the Testimony on which the glory of God rested. The noun "testimony" had reference in the first instance to the Ark itself, but also embraced that which was put into the Ark - the "two tables (tablets) of stone" on which the finger of God had written the ten words (commandments), the "golden pot that had manna" and "Aaron’s rod that budded" (Heb 9.4). All spoke in testimony of God’s goodness and mercy, and were designed to be a constant reminder to the children of Israel of His faithfulness in government, His daily material provision for them, and the priestly service available to them throughout their wilderness journey. In the spiritual realm, these same provisions are available to the saints of God today.
In this day of God’s grace, the Lord Jesus is the "Ark of the Testimony" in the saints, for our life is hid with Christ in God. Thus, God in His mercy has committed to us, not the law, but the word of reconciliation, the word of life. This should be our testimony, declaring that the entire matter of sin has been eternally settled through the shed blood, the death, and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The Apostle Paul’s ministry was to testify to the gospel of the grace of God and to boast in the message he delighted to give in the power of the Holy Spirit. It should also be our delight to be a testimony of God’s saving grace and to preach the gospel message whenever opportunity arises.
Israel could not be born again through the Law, neither can anyone today be saved through the Law, for it was, and is, the ministration of death and condemnation (2 Cor 3.7). Paul tells us, "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Rom 8.3-4). Peter tells us that one is "born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" (1 Pet 1.23). The Lord help us to be faithful to the word in testimony.
The Golden Pot of Manna
The golden pot of manna in the Ark of the Testimony was witness to God’s rich supply for Israel throughout their wilderness journey. The provision for the saints of God today is spiritual and infinitely more precious; not only is it Christ Himself (Jn 6.32-35), but also the "Word of God" which is able to sustain us and build us up upon our most holy faith (Jude v.20). Sadly, Israel first wearied of the highly nutritious manna, then they misused it in its preparation for consumption (Num 11.6,8), and finally they loathed the light bread (Num 21.5). May the Lord preserve us from ever tiring, misusing, or rejecting His precious Word. May His Word ever be a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path, that we may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Aaron’s Rod that Budded
Finally, in this article, we come to "Aaron’s rod that budded" as recorded in Numbers 17.8. In the previous chapter we have the record of Korah and others of the tribe of Levi, together with Dathan and Abiram of the tribe of Reuben, as well as 250 princes, aspiring to the priesthood to which they had no right; they were also jealous of the authority exercised by Moses. Moses was guided by the Lord on how to deal with the rebellion and judge the apostates. The twelve almond rods (one for each tribe) were taken from a living almond tree. As soon as they were cut off, severed from the source of life, they would be designated as dead rods. After one day in the "tabernacle of witness", Aaron’s rod budded, blossomed, and yielded almonds. The remaining eleven rods were taken up as lifeless, thus confirming God’s anointed man as high priest over the house of Israel. Aaron’s rod that budded was placed in the Ark of the Testimony as a poignant reminder to the Children of Israel of how God would deal with those who seek to usurp a position not given them of God. For the remainder of Israel’s journey through the wilderness, they did not again question God’s appointed priests.
So what did Aaron’s rod signify? The common Hebrew name for almond is shaqed which comes from a root meaning, life out of death, resurrection, to be awake, alert and watching (see Jer 1.11-12). Aaron’s rod was a wonderful picture of the Lord Jesus Christ. The swelling buds on the rod would have spoken of the first thirty years of our Lord’s life on earth: developing buds full of all the potential of glory and fruitfulness for God soon to be revealed. At the age of thirty years, and for the following 3 years, the bud burst open to reveal the beauty, fragrance, and glory of the flowers; a lovely picture of that blessed person, as John puts it: "(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" (Jn 1.14). After 3 years the flowers fall, and the Lord is cut off (see Dan 9.26); He goes into death and after three days is raised by the glory of the Father to "become the firstfruits of them that slept". This is the almond fruit that speaks of resurrection (1 Cor 15.20). So, just as Aaron was confirmed High Priest of the people, God has confirmed the Lord Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest who ever lives to intercede for us, the redeemed.
Throughout our Lord’s testimony on earth, He was marked by many caring, tender, and priestly acts, but He had no standing as a priest. Our Lord’s High Priestly service commenced when He sat Himself down "on the right hand of the Majesty on high" (Heb 1.3). A unique privilege is now the portion of all the redeemed, for we can daily avail ourselves of the High Priestly office of the Lord Jesus in full assurance of faith that He is not indifferent to our infirmities. Sometimes trials, disappointments, and afflictions cast a dark shadow over our lives, yet we know that our blessed Saviour is ever ready with sympathy and love to comfort, cheer, and strengthen us along our pilgrim way (Heb 4.15).
To be continued.
