Chapter 37—The Ark of God
The ark of God was a sacred chest, made to be the depository
of the ten commandments, which law was the representative of God
himself. This ark was considered the glory and strength of Israel. The
token of Divine presence abode upon it day and night. The priests
who ministered before it were sacredly consecrated to the holy office.
They wore a breast-plate bordered with precious stones of different
materials, the same as compose the twelve foundations of the city
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of God. Within the border were the names of the twelve tribes of
Israel, graven on precious stones set in gold. This was a very rich and
beautiful work, suspended from the shoulders of the priests, covering
the breast.
At the right and left of the breast-plate were set two larger stones,
which shone with great brilliancy. When difficult matters were brought
to the judges, which they could not decide, they were referred to the
priests, and they inquired of God, who answered them. If in favor, and
if he would grant them success, a halo of light and glory especially
rested upon the precious stone at the right. If against, a vapor or cloud
seemed to settle upon the precious stone at the left hand. When they
inquired of God in regard to going to battle, the precious stone at the
right, when circled with light, said, Go and prosper. The stone at the
left, when shadowed with a cloud, said, Thou shalt not go, thou shalt
not prosper.
When the high priest entered within the most holy once a year, and
ministered before the ark in the awful presence of God, he inquired,
and God often answered him with an audible voice. When the Lord
did not answer by a voice, he let the sacred beams of light and glory
rest upon the cherubim upon the right of the ark, in approbation or
favor. If their requests were refused, a cloud rested upon the cherubim
at the left.
Four heavenly angels always accompanied the ark of God in all
its journeyings, to guard it from all danger, and to fulfill any mission
required of them in connection with the ark. Jesus the Son of God,
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