Devotionals
Bridging Two Arks
Feb
Bridging Two Arks: Exploring the Symbolic Connections Between Noah’s Ark and the Ark of the Covenant
The Bible presents us with two remarkable “arks”: Noah’s Ark, a vessel of salvation during the great Flood, and the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest representing God’s presence among the Israelites. While seemingly disparate in function—one a large, seaworthy vessel and the other a meticulously crafted box—a closer examination reveals intriguing parallels and symbolic connections between these two iconic arks.
The Question of Connection: Boat or Box?
At first glance, the connection between Noah’s Ark and the Ark of the Covenant might not be obvious. One is typically envisioned as a boat, the other as an ornate box. However, the text challenges the traditional image of Noah’s Ark as a ship with a rudder and sails. Instead, it highlights that Noah’s Ark was essentially a floating vessel, lacking any means of human navigation. This aligns it more closely with the function of the Ark of the Covenant—both serving as containers, albeit on vastly different scales.
Genesis 6:14-16 details God’s instructions to Noah, emphasizing the ark’s purpose as a refuge rather than a navigable ship. Similarly, Exodus 25:10-22 outlines the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, focusing on its role as a repository for sacred items.
Striking Similarities: Divine Design and Material Composition
Despite their different purposes, both arks share striking similarities in their construction:
| Feature | Noah’s Ark | Ark of the Covenant |
|---|---|---|
| Divine Blueprint | God provided specific dimensions (Genesis 6:14-16) | God provided specific dimensions (Exodus 25:10-22) |
| Material | Made of gopher wood | Made of acacia wood |
| Covering | Coated with pitch inside and out | Overlaid with pure gold inside and out |
The Significance of Materials: The choice of materials—wood for the structure and a protective coating—is significant. However, the contrast between the pitch used for Noah’s Ark and the gold adorning the Ark of the Covenant warrants further exploration.
Contrasting Coatings: Pitch vs. Gold
The materials used to cover each ark offer a symbolic contrast:
| Feature | Pitch (Noah’s Ark) | Gold (Ark of the Covenant) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Dark, opaque | Brilliant, reflective |
| Value | Common, practical | Precious, valuable |
| Association | Protection from the elements, sin | Divine presence, holiness, purity |
Symbolic Interpretation:
- Pitch: The dark, sticky pitch used to waterproof Noah’s Ark can be seen as a symbol of the sin and corruption that necessitated the Flood (Genesis 6:5-7). It represents the barrier that separated humanity from God. Its practical use in protecting the ark from the waters of judgment underscores the theme of salvation from destruction.
- Gold: The pure gold overlaying the Ark of the Covenant symbolizes the divine holiness, purity, and the unapproachable light of God’s presence (Exodus 25:11). It elevates the Ark beyond a mere object, signifying God’s dwelling among His people, though in a manner requiring reverence and respect.
Deeper Correlations: Transportation, Containment, Protection, and Salvation
Beyond the physical similarities, both arks share deeper thematic connections:
Transportation:
- Noah’s Ark: Transported by God through the floodwaters (Genesis 7:17-18). This signifies God’s sovereign control over the judgment and His active role in preserving life.
- Ark of the Covenant: Transported by the Levites according to God’s instructions (Numbers 4:15). This highlights the active participation of God’s people in maintaining His presence among them.
Containment:
- Noah’s Ark: Served as a vessel for humanity and animal life, preserving them from the Flood (Genesis 6:19-20).
- Ark of the Covenant: Served as a vessel for sacred objects representing God’s covenant with Israel: the tablets of the Law, Aaron’s rod, and a jar of manna (Hebrews 9:4).
Protection:
- Noah’s Ark: Protected its inhabitants from the waters of God’s judgment (Genesis 7:23).
- Ark of the Covenant: While a symbol of God’s presence, it also required careful handling, as direct contact with its holiness could be deadly to those unauthorized (Leviticus 16:2, 2 Samuel 6:6-7). It represented a boundary, protecting the people from the raw power of God’s presence.
Salvation and New Beginnings:
- Noah’s Ark: The Flood represented a “reset,” a return to a pre-creation state followed by a new beginning for humanity (Genesis 9:1-17). The ark symbolized God’s mercy amidst judgment.
- Ark of the Covenant: The tearing of the temple veil at Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51) symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, made possible through Christ’s sacrifice. This event fulfilled the symbolism of the Ark, signifying a new covenant and the release of the Holy Spirit to all believers (Acts 2:1-4). Access to God was no longer mediated through a physical ark or a high priest but through faith in Christ.
Two Arks, One Story of Redemption
While distinct in their physical form and immediate purpose, Noah’s Ark and the Ark of the Covenant are intricately linked in the overarching narrative of God’s redemptive plan. They both speak to themes of judgment, protection, covenant, and ultimately, salvation. Noah’s Ark foreshadows God’s provision for humanity amidst judgment, while the Ark of the Covenant points to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell among His people, a promise realized through Jesus Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. These two arks, separated by time and circumstance, are united in their testament to God’s enduring faithfulness and His desire for a restored relationship with humanity.
