It is also called “the Ark of the Testimony,” “the Ark of the Lord,” or “The Ark of God.” This was a chest belonging to the Tabernacle and the temple. It was made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold. Its lid, on which were the two Cherubim made wholly of gold, was called the mercy seat. In the ark were placed the two tables of stone and, afterward, the golden pots holding manna and Aaron’s rods that had budded. In the first journey of the children of Israel from Sinai, the ark of the covenant went before them to search for a resting place. The ark was a visible sign for Israel of the presence of God in the midst of His people. When Solomon built the temple, the ark was brought there. No further mention is made of the ark. It is supposed to have been carried away with the sacred vessels to Babylon and has never been returned. In Revelation 19:19, the ark of God’s covenant is seen in the temple of God in heaven.
