424. HEB 9:4. CHRIST TYPIFIED BY THE ARK OF THE COVENANT

Heb_9:4. Christ Typified By The Ark Of The Covenant

"The ark of the covenant."’97Heb_9:4.

It is manifest that most of the furniture as well as the services of the tabernacle were of a typical character. Of these the ark of the covenant deserves to occupy a prominent place. We shall see in a variety of striking instances, how it distinctly pointed to Jesus, the substance of all the shadows connected with the ceremonial of the Mosaic economy. For a description of the ark read Exo_25:10-17. Notice,

I. The Ark typified the Dignity and Purity of Christ’s Person

The ark was made of incorruptible wood, was overlaid with pure gold; and had crowns of gold wrought round about it, Here is distinctly pointed out to us, (1) The holiness and incorruptibility of Christ’s human nature. That holy thing conceived of the virgin. That which God had decreed should not be left in the sepulchre, and see corruption, Act_2:27. (2) The divinity of Jesus is represented by the fine gold. For not only did he possess human nature in its sinless condition, but he also had in connection with that, the divine nature of the Father. For in him dwelt "all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (3) The encircling golden crowns typified the regal glory of Jesus. As King of kings and Lori of lords. And as these crowns encircled the ark, so they exhibited the eternity of Christ’s authority and kingly power. We may just add here, that the shape of the ark might point out the perfection and completeness of Christ’s person and work.

II. The Contents of the Ark typified the Fulness and Work of Christ.

1. In it were the two tables of the law.

In Jesus these laws were embodied. He had them in his heart. He exemplified them in their fullest extent. "He magnified the law and made it honorable."

2. In it was the golden pot of manna. So in Jesus is the bread of life. He is the heavenly manna. "His flesh is meat indeed." He is the soul’s satisfying portion. In him is treasured up provision for a starving world.

3. In it was Aaron’s rod that budded.

Typifying Christ’s exalted and abiding priesthood. A priest forever. His priestly office will only terminate when the Mediatorial kingdom shall be delivered up to the Father, 1Co_15:24.

III. The Achievements of the Ark typified the Victories of Christ.

1. The ark opened a passage through Jordan to the promised land So by Christ a way has been opened through the grave to the heavenly Canaan. He has gone forth before his people to prepare for then: mansions of bliss and glory, Joh_14:1-3.

2. By the ark’s compassing the walls of Jericho they were thrown down.

So Jesus by his divine power spoiled the powers of darkness, and he shall finally overthrow all the bulwarks of Satan’s empire, and shall obtain a universal conquest over all his enemies. Wherever Christ is present in his preached gospel, there Satan’s kingdom falls as lightning from heaven.

3 The presence of the ark broke the idol Dagon to pieces.

So shall the Saviour cast down all the idols of the heathen, and he alone shall receive the worship and homage of all the nations of the earth. Then shall be sung with universal gladness and delight, "The kingdoms," &c., Rev_11:15.

IV. The Movements of the Ark typified the Progress and Consummation of Christ’s Kingdom.

The ark was possessed by the Israelites, then it was in the hands of the Philistines, and finally it was laid up in Solomon’s temple. Thus Christ was first preached to the Jews; the gospel kingdom was first set up among them, afterwards it was extended to the Gentiles; and when consummated, it shall consist of all nations, and kindreds, and tongues, and people, in the heavenly temple, there to be permanently glorious forever and ever.

The ark has long since perished with all that appertained to the first and second temples. Jesus is the imperishable ark, who abideth forever. The ark was destructive to the Philistines, and the men of Beth-shemesh perished for looking into it. Christ our gracious ark is acceptable to all, and the vilest are invited to approach freely, that they may not perish but have everlasting life

APPLICATION

Learn,

1. The privilege you possess in having Christ the true ark with you. In it you have treasured up a fulness of all spiritual blessings.

2. With believing reverence draw rear to it, and receive mercy, enjoy fellowship with God, and obtain grace to help you in every time of need.

3. Despisers of Christ must inevitably perish.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS