From the time of ancient Israel, the Ark of the Covenant was the focal point of Israel's journey in the wilderness and was where God's throne on earth was. This is where His Holy Spirit, the Shekinah, abode on the mercy seat. This ark is a chest for storing the Torah.
The Ark of the Covenant was made of Shittim Wood and was covered entirely of pure gold. The type of lid on this chest, called a Mercy Seat, closes the chest from above. This was also made of pure gold and was held in place by a golden ridge. On top of the mercy seat were two cherubim that were also made of gold. Their wings overshadowed the mercy seat. On each side of the ark was a pole held by golden rings. The dimensions of the ark were 2 ½ cubits long, 1 ½ cubits wide, and 1 ½ cubits high.
Bezaleel ben Uri built the ark as an order from God to Moses. .
The contents of the ark included: the two tables of the laws (The 10 Commandments), Aaron's rod that budded, and the Golden Pot with the "hidden- Manna. The manna is the food sent from God to the children of Israel. He sent this food down to them daily for the 40 years they were in the wilderness on their journey to Canaan. The food was given to the children in such a way that it taught them to develop self-discipline. The Golden pot is round, indicating eternity and gold, indicating of God divine'.
The purpose of the ark was to symbolize God's gifts to the Hebrews so future generations would know how Jehovah got them through the wilderness. It carried around items either from God or that showed his love for them.