The ark of the covenant is mentioned seventeen times in Joshua 3—4. This wooden chest (overlaid on the inside and outside with gold) was the most holy physical possession of Israel. It symbolized God's presence (Exodus 25:22; Numbers 7:89; Numbers 10:35–36) with the space between the winged cherubim representing the royal throne from which the Lord reigned (1 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 6:2; Psalm 99:1).1 The ark itself contained three symbols of Israel’s relationship with God: (1) the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, (2) Aaron’s rod, and (3) a jar of manna (Exodus 25:16, Exodus 25:21; Exodus 40:20; Hebrews 9:4).2 The ark was to be carried by Levites on special poles, and no one was permitted to touch it (Exodus 25:12–13; Exodus 37:3–5; Numbers 4:4–15).
3 and commanded the people, “As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place and follow it.