Also known as the Ark of Jehovah and the Ark of the Testimony. The Ark of the Covenant was an oblong chest or box made of wood overlaid with gold. It was the oldest and most sacred of the religious symbols of the Israelites. The Mercy Seat which formed its covering was regarded as the earthly dwelling place of Jehovah (Ex. 25: 22). Upon the completion of the tabernacle, the ark was placed in the Holy of Holies, the most holy place in the structure (1 Kgs. 8: 1-8).

Moses made the ark at God's command, Ex. 25. The children of Levi were charged to take care of the ark, Num. 3: 15, 31. The ark of the covenant went before them, Num. 10: 33. Take this book of the law, and put it in the ark of the covenant, Deut. 31: 24-26. The waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant, Josh. 3: 13-17; 4: 1-7. Priests took the ark of the covenant in conquering Jericho, Josh. 6: 6-20. Philistines captured the ark of God, 1 Sam. 5. The Lord blessed the house of Obed-edom because of the ark of God, 2 Sam. 6: 11-12. Uzza was slain by the Lord when he disobediently attempted to steady the ark, 1 Chr. 13: 9-12 (D&C 85: 8). Build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant, 1 Chr. 22: 19. The contents of the ark of the covenant are described, Heb. 9: 4.