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Christian Symbolism
The definition
and the meaning of the Christian Symbol or Icon
in early religious art forms. A Catholic sign
or icon, such as the Ark of the Covenant, is
an object, character, figure, or color used
to represent abstract ideas or concepts - a
picture that represents an idea. A religious
icon, such as the Ark of the Covenant, is an
image or symbolic representation with sacred
significance. The meanings, origins and ancient
traditions surrounding Christian symbols date
back to early times when the majority of ordinary
people were not able to read or write and printing
was unknown. Many were 'borrowed' or drawn from
early pre-Christian traditions.
The Definition
and Meaning of the Ark of the Covenant as a
Christian Symbol
Catholic Christian
symbolism in art provides a clear graphic illustration
which represents people or items of religious
significance. What is the definition and the
meaning of the Ark of the Covenant Christian
Symbol? The Ark of the Covenant of the Covenant
was a sacred chest where Moses placed the two
tables of stone containing the Ten Commandments.
The Ark was also the name given to a boat built
by Noah (Noah's Ark) to save his family and
animals from the Flood.
Reference to
the Ark of the Covenant in the Bible
The Easton
Bible Dictionary provides the following definition,
meaning and emblem for the Ark of the Covenant
in the Bible.
The
Ark of the Covenant was made of acacia or shittim
wood, a cubit and a half broad and high and
two cubits long, and covered all over with the
purest gold. Its upper surface or lid, the mercy-seat,
was surrounded with a rim of gold; and on each
of the two sides were two gold rings, in which
were placed two gold-covered poles by which
the Ark of the Covenant could be carried (Num.
7:9; 10:21; 4:5,19, 20; 1 Kings 8:3, 6).
Over
the Ark of the Covenant, at the two extremities,
were two cherubim, with their faces turned toward
each other (Lev. 16:2; Num. 7:89). Their outspread
wings over the top of the Ark of the Covenant
formed the throne of God, while the Ark of the
Covenant itself was his footstool (Ex. 25:10-22;
37:1-9).
The
Ark of the Covenant was deposited in the "holy
of holies," and was so placed that one end of
the poles by which it was carried touched the
veil which separated the two apartments of the
tabernacle (1 Kings 8:8).
During
the journeys of the Israelites the Ark of the
Covenant was carried by the priests in advance
of the host (Num. 4:5, 6; 10:33-36; Ps. 68:1;
132:8).
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