THE MYSTERIOUS MESSAGE OF THE ARK

Could it be possible that God in His intricate ways has tucked away a package of mystery on the pages of our Bible relating to the translation of the Body of Christ? Might He have wrapped it in the Old Testament stories of the Ark of the Covenant, and tied it up neatly to await its discovery in the end days? Indeed the layerings and shadow typing of the Word have yielded many such findings to those who would dig into the Book God gave us, but this seems to be of major import to confirm the split Rapture theory we have written about.

Because much of the layering of the Word is revealed through the proper names used in the passages which contain the messages, it may be helpful to make a reference list of the proper nouns in the passages which relate to the Ark, along with their Hebrew meanings before we begin piecing together this mysterious message.

The first mention of the word "Ark" in the Bible is in reference to the boat built by Noah (which means "rest; comfort; comforter; to move; motion"). The Ark was built to provide a vessel which would "move" them to safety in relative "rest" and "comfort" while Earth was being judged below them. It was a vessel which was built to specification in order to house those humans and animals appointed by God so their lives would be spared. The passage which tells of Noah's Ark is found in Genesis 6:13-8:19. Nowhere in this passage do we see that Noah had to go out and round up the passengers for the Ark. In fact, extraBiblical sources indicate that he did not have to do so, but rather that the passengers were sent to him. The mention of this Ark is not limited to these pages. It is found also in the New Testament. Hebrews 11:7 maintains that Noah prepared the Ark to the "saving of his house". Noah is a type of Yeshua. Maybe Yeshua wants to save "His house" in like manner. Maybe, just maybe, He has designed an Ark for that exact purpose. Maybe we were told of it through the intricate and explicit shadow typing of the His Word. We are told in Matthew 24:38 and Luke 17:27 that we will find much the same pattern in the end days (our days) that we read of in Genesis. Perhaps the "saving" of His "house" prior to the Tribulation will be accomplished in like manner. We will also discuss shortly who His "house" would be. It is interesting that the reference to Noah in I Peter 3:20 mentions that eight "souls" were saved in conjunction with this deliverance. Now we know this was eight people, as our Genesis passage spells out exactly who they are. The term "souls" may, however, not have been accidental. It may point to something we need to understand. This will unfold as we progress.

The next reference to "Ark" is found in Exodus 2:1-10. Again it is a vessel of salvation - the saving of the life of Moses (which means "saved out of the water, drawn out, drawn forth, a son"). As an infant, he was put in an Ark and floated upon the water until he was found, rescued and nurtured. Had he not been put in the Ark to be saved in such manner, he would have faced certain death.

The third reference to "Ark" is the Ark of the Covenant. Teachings today focus on its spiritual significance due to the Mercy Seat which sits atop the Ark, but it may be that highly significant shadow typing related to this vessel has long been overlooked. Just as the first two references to "Ark" were vessels of deliverance, maybe this one is too. Maybe there is a mystery about this Ark which is not commonly taught. The Hebrew word used for Noah's "Ark" and Moses' "Ark" was "teba", whereas the Hebrew word used for the "Ark" of the Covenant was "ron". The definitions of these two Hebrew words are virtually identical However, "ron" has the distinction of having an extra meaning, i.e. "coffin". Does it not seem strange that such a word would be used in conjunction with something of such holiness as the Ark of the covenant? Now the word "coffin" may superficially sound a bit morbid because of the association we place upon it today, but if we look at it closely, a coffin is a place where a body is put to rest in safety and security while in transition from death to life. Now, let us closely examine the Biblical concept of "death". Let's pause in our study to look at Enoch. Hebrews 11:5 states:

5) By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Hebrews 11:5

Then in verse 13, we read:

13) These ALL DIED in faith ....

Hebrews 11:13

The "these ALL" included the list of which Enoch was a part in verse 5. Verse 5 indicates that Enoch did NOT SEE DEATH, and verse 13 indicates that he DIED. We see here that in order for verse 5 to be valid, the term "died" in verse 13 must be figurative. Enoch's translation was a "type of" death, though the body did not die. This "type of death" merely translated his living body from one state of existence directly into another. This "type of death" does not entail death to the body. Maybe the Ark of the Covenant is the vessel wherein living bodies are also translated from one state of existence directly into another, a coffin of sorts, but not for the dead - a coffin for the living! Now we should note here that in Genesis 50:26, Joseph (being a type of "church") was placed in a "coffin" (same Hebrew word as our Ark of the Covenant) when he died. This is the only time this word was used in this manner. This extraordinary usage shouts to the prefiguring of the "church" being put in the Ark for the transition from death to life, OR from life to life, dependent upon the timing for the transport for EACH individual who composes the "body of Christ"! In II Kings 2:11, a chariot of fire transported Elijah. The "cart" which was made to transport the Ark of the Covenant in I Samuel 6:7-8 is "gala" in the Hebrew, and can also be translated "chariot". Maybe there is an intentional interplay of words here that is meant to be understood by the one who has "eyes to see" and "ears to hear". Let's check this out a bit further!

The chronology of the Ark of the Covenant is briefly as follows: The Ark is made, along with the portable Tabernacle, and the other implements to be placed within the Tabernacle. It was then transported before the people in the Wilderness journey, taken across the Jordan river, and carried before the Israelites as they marched around the walls of Jericho at the takeover of the city. Shortly thereafter it fell into the hands of the Philistines. The Ark was then returned to the Israelites at Beth-shemesh, and taken to the house of Abinadab in Kirjath-jearim. It is moved from there to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite, then to the City of David to the place prepared for it by David. Solomon then built the Temple to house the Ark, and it was placed in the Temple.

The typology of the Ark of the Covenant is at least twofold. In the primary sense it typifies Yeshua. This study deals with a secondary layering. In both the primary and secondary layerings, the ordering of the events do not necessarily follow the exact chronology of the Biblical excerpts of the Ark, but I believe that the validity of both typologies is unquestionable. The presentation of the information to follow will be ordered in the manner which will enable you to see first the significance of the details of the Ark, then glimpse the unfolding of this secondary though very important typology, which will reveal a very special type of Ark, a place of safety and transport mechanism for the "true church", the saints. These saints would be those who have presented their bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God" which was their "reasonable service" unto Him; those who refused to be "conformed to this world" but allowed themselves to be "transformed" by the "renewing" of their "minds", that they might prove what is that "good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:1-2). Indeed this secondary layering is akin in many ways to the primary, as the "true" body of Christ is to be conformed to the very image of Yeshua of whom the primary designates. In other segments, we present the concept of the split "Rapture". (I use this term only because it is taught so extensively within Christendom, though I don't believe that the first "catching up" will be in the form normally taught.) This will be explained as we proceed. It is anticipated that the transport of the "First Fruits" Harvest will occur prior to the onset of the time of Tribulation (most likely in the Spring, with a high probability at Pentecost), and that the "Ingathering" Harvest will be taken home toward the end of the time of Tribulation (most likely in the Fall, with a high probability at Feast of Trumpets). We have written that the five wise virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 represent the First Fruits, which are "caught up" and the door was closed. The other five who were left, however do not represent the rest of the "church". These five virgins too were watching and waiting, but were not quite ready. Sadly, most of the "church" today is not even watching and waiting, and are not even a part of this ten virgin group! The five virgins who were awake, were aware that the First Fruits had been taken, and they were pleading for the door to reopen so as to allow them to enter also, but it would not. These five then are aware of their situation, and obey the instructions to flee to a place provided by God for them to ride out the time ahead per Revelation 12:6. Those of the "church" today who were not watching and waiting (not a part of this group of ten virgins) will not know to flee, and will have to deal with the Tribulation head-on, and most who do not die from the quirks of nature to be unleashed at that time or the plagues, etc., will probably be martyred or will believe the lie spoken of in II Thessalonians 2:11-12 that they might be "damned" because they had not received "the love of the truth".

Now the Ark represents both the vessel of transport for the "First Fruits" Harvest, and ALSO the place of safety for those who obey the Biblical mandate to flee to the place prepared by God until the "Ingathering" Harvest. There is a reason the Word speaks of two other Arks, for there are two Arks prepared for the saving of God's House. One is represented by Noah's Ark, and the other by Moses' Ark. This will become evident as we continue. The two Arks are interwoven in the typology of the Ark of the Covenant under one picture, though they remain very separate in their roles. Let's look now at the Book of Exodus, and get some details which relate to the construction of these two Arks, presented here as one.

The instructions for assembling the Ark are found in Exodus 25:10-40:21, and they are very precise. In 25:10-15 we see that the Ark is to be made of shittim (acacia) wood: 2-1/2 cubits long, 1-1/2 cubits wide, and 1-1/2 cubits high. Numbers are highly significant in Biblical typology. Because we are dealing with two Arks here, the total of these two wooden structures would be 5 cubits in length and 3 cubits in width and height. We would note that three is the number which relates to divinity and manifestation. Five is the number of grace. These two Arks are the manifestation of divine grace to the true body of Christ which has been seeking Him - watching and waiting for the call to go home. The shittim (acacia) wood itself is significant. Biblically, the term "wood" symbolizes "humanity". The Septuagint translates this particular type of wood as "incorruptible" wood. It is also said to be imperishable. We would note that those who are transported in flesh and blood bodies within these vessels will not know the death of their bodies, thus their bodies will not perish or see corruption.

It was to be overlaid with pure gold, within and without, having a crown of gold round about. It is interesting that the gold (which represents divinity) totally surrounds the wood, denoting divine protection of their humanity, and is linked with crowns of gold, which we are told will reward those who have diligently served the Lord.

Four rings were to be cast for it, one for each corner, and staves were to be made to be put in the rings to transport the Ark. The number "four" represents creation, and Isaiah 11:12 and Revelation refer to the "four corners of the earth". These four golden rings, one at each corner would symbolize the elect of the creation of humanity as assembled from all four corners of Earth into the Ark.

The staves were also to be made of shittim wood and overlaid with gold. The word "staves" is "bad" in the Hebrew, and one of the meanings is "member". Again we see that these staves are made of shittim (acacia) wood, and covered with gold. Representing the security of each member associated with the "Ark". Throughout the journey the staves were to remain firmly attached to the rings, and were never to be removed until the Ark came to its final resting place. Even at times of temporal rest, the staves were to remain with the Ark. Again we see that the security of the members is preserved throughout the transition, and that the "members" are not allowed to leave the Ark until it reaches its final destination of rest.

Exodus 25:16 of this chapter says that God would provide Moses with the testimony to put in the Ark. Now we understand that as it related to the Ark which was made in the days of Moses, this "testimony" was the Ten Commandments as found written upon the two tables of stone. Yet, it is significant here that the Word does not say the "commandments", It says the "testimony"! Testimony implies more than a written list of laws. It implies a representation of the fulfillment of such! This would apply to Yeshua Himself, but also to those who have kept His Word, who have not denied His name (Revelation 3:8). Revelation 12:17 links those who "have the testimony of Jesus Christ" to those who have kept His commandments. Thus it is very appropriate that the tables of stone would represent those who would ultimately be placed within the vessel typified in these passages.

Exodus 25:17-22 tells of the mercy seat which will be put upon the top of the Ark. It is to be of pure gold in equal surface dimensions to the surface of the Ark. It will cover the top of the Ark, and be held in place by the golden crown which reaches up above the top of the Ark. Two Cherubim of gold were to grace the mercy seat, one at each end. Their wings were to stretch forth to cover the seat, and their faces were to face one another over the seat. Moses was to meet with God here, between the two Cherubim, above the mercy seat of the Ark of the testimony.

The significance of the mercy seat is awesome. I believe that the Ark of the Covenant has actually been found, and I believe the report is accurate that the blood of Yeshua was upon it. Ron Wyatt was an archaeologist who proclaims that he found the Ark of the Covenant. He explains that he found it under Yeshua's true crucifixion site. He further attests that when the earthquake rent the rocks, the blood spilled by the Roman soldier's spear dripped down onto the mercy seat of the Ark, sealing the atonement for the redemption of man, and that he has seen this blood. He claims that this Ark is presently under angelic guard. He has gone on home to be with the Lord, but before his departure, he stated that he knew he would be accountable to God momentarily for his insistence that his findings were what he claimed them to be, and he emphatically retained the testimony that they were. Jim Pinkowski, a brother in Christ, has posted Ron Wyatt's photo of the Ark. He has also drawn a depiction of this Ark. Both can be found at his web site at pinkoski.com. Further information regarding Mr. Wyatt's findings are posted on anchorstone.com. Bill Fry, a personal friend and coworker of Mr. Wyatt has carried on his work, and hosts this web site. If you can spare a moment to visit both of these interesting sites, it would be a moment well spent!

We know that the blood of animals which was sprinkled upon the mercy seat was a shadow of the blood which would be shed by Yeshua, the Lamb of God. Imagine though the sovereign act of God to engineer the Ark to be located where Yeshua's blood would fall upon it! This mercy seat was the place where God and man would come together, for God would speak to Moses above the mercy seat (Numbers 7:89 & 8:1). The breach between God and man would be pacified only by the blood of an acceptable sacrifice. The overcovering of the protecting Cherubim was contingent upon the blood of sacrifice upon the seat of mercy which would cover the contents of the Ark. The mercy seat of solid gold represents divinity, and divine judgment could only be pacified by an acceptable blood sacrifice, for there is no remission of sin without blood (Hebrews 9:22).

On page 203 of Gleanings in Exodus, a book authored by Arthur W. Pink, we read: "Divine righteousness requires that His (God's) law should be obeyed, and that its penalty should be enforced where its precepts have been broken. Divine mercy could not be exercised at the expense of justice ...." Then on page 204 of this book, he continues by saying: "In Psalms and in Ezekiel the Cherubim come before us in connection with judicial acts, with Divine interference in judgment, and this gives a striking significance to their place here on the Mercy-seat ...." As Believers, we are to apply the blood of Christ to our lives, as the Hebrew people had to apply the blood of the Lamb to the door posts and lentils of their doors. Those who are within the Ark are there because they have done so. The blood of the Lamb was found properly applied to their souls and bodies, so they were allowed within the Ark which would be covered with the evidence of the atoning blood covering of the mercy seat, which in turn justifies the angelic covering which would protect the inhabitants.

In Exodus 26:33-34 we see that the mercy seat is to be upon the Ark of the testimony and the Ark is to be placed in the most holy place behind the veil. It was to be the only article found within that part of the Temple. Even as the covering in I Corinthians 11 may indicate a type of separation between the one who wears it and the ways of the world, this veil seems to symbolize a separation of the Ark from those things on the other side of the veil which lack the same level of holiness. In fact, we see in Numbers 4:5-6 that when the Ark was moved, this veil of covering was to be placed directly over the Ark per Numbers 4:5-6, just as women of the "faith" are to wear it directly upon their heads to testify to their obedience to Scriptural mandates. This veil was then covered with the skins of badgers and a cloth "wholly of blue". Arthur Pink points to the skins of badgers as being "comely" as compared to the skins of other animals, symbolic of the comeliness of Yeshua as mentioned in Isaiah 53:2 and the Bride of Christ as seen in Song of Solomon 5:2, as representative of the inhabitants of the Ark. Again we would draw from the same book by Arthur Pink, stating, "Blue is the colour of heaven and is ever employed for the setting forth of celestial things." This is a rather poignant statement, as within the framework of our study, we will see that the Ark is to be "set forth" as a "celestial thing"!

Back in Exodus again, we find in 30:25-26 that before the journey of the Ark was to be anointed with a holy anointing oil. As "Believers" we are to be under the anointing of the oil of the Holy Spirit. Indeed the 10 virgins are dealing with that very concept. The vessels of the wise are filled with the oil, but those of the other five are not. However, even this latter five are awake and aware. They understand what they are to do, and go about doing it. Again, we must understand that the balance of the end times Laodicean "church" is not even represented here at all.

In Exodus 31:1-7 we see that Bezaleel (which means "in the shadow of God; under God's shadow"), the son of Uri (which means "light of Jehovah; enlightened; fiery; burning; my furnace; my light"), the son of Hur (which means "cavern; noble; splendor; white") of the tribe of Judah (which means "the LORD be praised") and Aholiab (which means "Tabernacle of my father; her father's tent; tent of the father"), the son of Ahisamach (which means "brother of support") of the tribe of Dan (which means "judging; judge; he that judges") were given special wisdom, understanding and knowledge relative to the workmanship which would be needed to construct the Ark and the other Temple implements. Thus we see that the wisdom of God was poured out upon those marked by enlightenment, nobility, praise, being of the Father's Tabernacle, support and judgment. It was these qualities which were desirable to God relative to the production of the vessel which would provide the saving transport of His House. The people were to contribute their gold and other materials to the building of the Ark per 35:1-5. Then in 37:1-5 we find that the construction was completed per specification. The tabernacle and the Ark of the covenant, along with the other implements were presented to Moses in 39:33-43, and God approved of the work which the children of Israel had performed.

Aaron (which means "light; shining light; mountain of strength; enlightened; very high; teaching to shine") is mentioned in Leviticus 16:1-2. He was priest to the people. However, the Ark was so sacred to God, that even with this title and these attributes, he was warned here when and how he was to approach the Ark, and informed that failure to comply to the mandates could be deadly.

In Exodus 40:1-5 Moses was told to set up the tabernacle of the tent on the first month and the first day and to put the Ark of the testimony in the tabernacle, and to cover the Ark with the veil. Could this be significant? (ExtraBiblical sources indicate that the angel of God first came to transport Enoch to the heavenlies on the first day of the first month). Psalm 141:2 links the incense before God as being the prayers of His people. It is interesting that the altar of incense was not mentioned with the furnishings of the Tabernacle as first mentioned in Exodus 25 and 26. It was not mentioned until later in Exodus. The introduction of this article comes directly after the consecration of Aaron as priest. The Levitical priesthood, of which Aaron was a part, was composed only of men. It was in accordance with the "letter of the law". The Melchisedekian priesthood, of which Yeshua was a part, was in accordance with the "spirit of the law", and thus was to be composed of both male and female, as under the spirit, there is no male or female per Galatians 3:28. As Believers (male and female alike), we are to be kings and priests to God, and we are to pray always (without ceasing) to be "accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man" per Luke 21:36. The altar of gold for the incense was to be put before the Ark of the testimony, and the hanging of the veil to the Holy of Holies. Maybe the prayers of the true "saints" to be accounted "worthy" are answered, and they are consecrated to be priests to Him, and placed within the Ark in order to "escape all these things that shall come to pass". The altar of incense is placed before the Ark, symbolic of their path to deliverance.

Lest we doubt whether the Ark was all God intended it to be, the Bible tells us in 40:20-21 we see that Moses did exactly as the Lord had commanded. This tells us that the completion of the Ark which God has designed for our transport will be accomplished precisely to His specification for the completion of His purpose.

During their wilderness wonderings, Numbers 10:33-36 tells us that the Ark was to go before the people. This is where we begin to see the symbolism of the two Arks being discerned. The First Fruits Ark will go forth before the balance of the people of God. It will transport those which will be waved before God as a First Fruits wave offering by our High Priest, Yeshua.

It appears that the Ark of Noah was the typology for the First Fruits Ark. When Noah's Ark came to rest, they disembarked onto dry ground. The type of ground beneath him was different than it had been before. When the Ark of the Covenant crossed the Jordan River, it is significant that the Bible says that the priests took the Ark across before the people on dry ground. When the feet of the priests bearing the Ark in Joshua 3:3-17 touched the Jordan River, it parted. In Joshua 4:1-9 we read of stones which signify the twelve tribes of Israel being taken from the Jordan. The symbolism of these stones is disclosed. They represent the twelve tribes which will be here on the land during the time of Jacob's trouble. I believe there are two groups of 144,000 in the Book of Revelation. The first group is found in chapter seven, and is composed of the twelve tribes of Israel. They are sealed and remain here during the time of Jacob's trouble. It appears that these first twelve stones are symbolic of this group. However, there is also a second group of 144,000 which is found in chapter 14, and they are the "redeemed" who have followed the Lamb wherever He went. Back now to our Joshua passage, we read that Joshua (which means the Lord of salvation) symbolically placed another twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan where the priests stood bearing up the Ark. The Word then tells us that these stones are still there, but mysteriously, the meaning and significance of THESE twelve stones is NOT disclosed. Maybe this is the very spot that the First Fruits Ark will be taken up into the heavens, filled with Believers who follow in the footsteps of the 12 disciples.

Let's look for a moment at the wording here. Joshua 4:15-18 relates the instructions to the priest to bring the Ark "UP out of Jordan", and they took the Ark "UP" out of the midst of Jordan (being the spot marked today by the twelve stones placed there by Joshua). We note also that the Ark went before the people when they compassed Jericho and initiated the falling of the wall - whereby Rahab was saved or redeemed before the Tribulation of the city in Joshua 6:1-27. The inhabitants of the First Fruits Ark will be allowed to step out of the Ark onto dry land (compared to the turbulence of the water which has prevailed), and enjoy the protection of the calmness provided there. Conversely, Moses' Ark represents the Ingathering Ark. Moses was protected by his Ark of infancy in order to lead his people through the wilderness as an adult. Revelations 12:6 says that the woman fled into the wilderness where she was cared for by God, for she and the REMNANT (those which still remain here) of her seed which KEPT THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD and HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST are being persecuted. She is taken to this place of security and provision by two wings of a great eagle, which we shall discuss shortly. It was Moses who traversed the wilderness, thus it is his Ark which symbolizes the Ingathering Ark. This Ark will house those who are awake and aware of their need to flee and faithful to do so after the departure of the First Fruits Ark.

As in our Exodus passage, Deuteronomy 10:1-5 tells us that the tablets of stone containing the Ten Commandments were put in the Ark. Per Deuteronomy 31:24-26 refers to it as "Moses' Book of the Law". Again, we see relevance to those who would be within the Ark as being sensitive to and in compliance with the intents of God as put forth in the writing on these stone tablets! We would refer here to Hebrews 9:4 where we see a reference to the Ark of the Covenant. It is interesting to note that this passage differs from those of the Old Testament. I Kings 8:9, for instance, says that ONLY the two tables of stone were in the Ark. Whereas our Hebrews passage says that it contained the golden pot of manna (spoken of in Exodus 16:32) and Aaron's rod that budded (as found in Numbers 17:6-13) as well as the tables of stone. The time periods for these two references differ, thus, what was there at one time was not there the other. However, this inconsistency also points to the two Arks, the First Fruits Ark, and the Ingathering Ark.

Referring to the Hebrews passage, the manna would be representative of the nourishment and provision of God, a type of bread of life, symbolic of Yeshua and His Word. In our day, we are to feast upon the Manna of His Word, and adhere to its teaching, embracing the very heart of God as found therein. It also contained Aaron's rod that budded. Numbers 17:8 said that it brought forth buds, bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. The buds would represent growth, the white blossoms would be symbolic that the scarlet stain of sin had become white as snow through proper application of the blood of Yeshua, and the almonds would be the fruit of the Spirit born through our yieldedness to Him. The Almond tree is the first tree to bloom, a type of First Fruits. Holman's Bible Dictionary states: "The early blossom meant for Jeremiah that the almond watched for Spring and gave the prophet a word-play on the almond and his task to watch." This wording is very intriguing, as the First Fruits will be watching and waiting, and we anticipate their being taken home in the Spring.

Our consecration as priests in the eye of God would be contingent upon the manner in which He views our response to His Word (the manna). Have we fully consumed (embraced and lived by) it, or have we complained about it as the majority of the Hebrew people complained about their steady diet of manna? Those who have embraced it to the pleasing of God will bud with the fruit of the Spirit, ripened unto harvest, and will be consecrated as priests, and allowed to enter the First Fruits Ark. The tribe of Levi (which means "adhesion; joined; to be joined; to cleave to; to lend or borrow; associate; a companion") was made to be "joined to" the Ark by being given the task of bearing it up in Deuteronomy 10:8. This being joined or cleaved to is very intimate in the Hebrew, and would indicate a being a part of. We see here the typology of the Melchisedekian priesthood (male and female alike) as being one with or a part of the Ark.

Just as the manna was to be preserved in the Ark, the Word of God will be preserved in this Ark. God has promised the preservation of His Word, but Amos 8:11 indicates that the day will come when there will be a "famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord." It could be that in the days of Tribulation, the Word of the Lord will virtually disappear from Earth, and the preservation of it will be in the First Fruits Ark.

Thus it will be the First Fruits Ark will contain the manna (Word of God) and the budded rod of Aaron (proof of the consecration of the saints who were found to be worthy to escape all these things ...), as well as the testimony (the saints themselves, which contain the Testimony of God, as professed by their very lives).

The Ingathering Ark will contain only saints who have attained at last the acceptable Testimony of God. It is likely that the souls of those who are slain during the Tribulation Period will be sent to this Ark, as well as those who have escaped into this Ark with their bodies intact. Revelation 6:9 says:

9) And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and FOR THE TESTIMONY WHICH THEY HELD:

Revelation 6:9

The altar could easily be the mercy seat of the Ark upon which the blood had been applied.

Numbers 3:30-31 tells us that among those who would minister to the Ark were Elizaphan (which means "God hides; i.e., defends him; whom God protects; God is protector; God has concealed"). He is the son of Uzziel (which means "strength of God; power of God; God is strong; god my strength; strength; power") of the Kohathites (which means "descendants of Kohath - assembly; congregation; to gather or collect together"). Though those in charge of the Ark will change throughout the study, the names of each would be significant as they relate to the foreshadowing of the Arks. We see that something will be assembled or collected together - a CONGREGATION of sorts, and will be HIDDEN or CONCEALED within this Ark, then it will be defended by God, protected by His strength and power.

I Chronicles 13:3-14 relates the taking of the Ark by David. David (which means "beloved") and his men went from Shihor (which means "very black; turbid") of Egypt (which means "oppressors") unto "the entering of" Hemath (which means "enclosure of wrath; defense; fortress; join together; furious") to Baalah (which means "mistress; lady; possessing; my master") or Kirjath-jearim (which means 1] "sacred groves for Baal worship" 2] "dividing line between Benjamin and Judah"). We are told here that it belongs to Judah (which means "the LORD be praised"). This would be the First Fruits Ark. It is being taken from the darkness of oppression (the world) unto the gate between fury and defensive fortress with the connotation of joining together. The joining together would be the boundary line of Benjamin (a type of First Fruits) and Judah (a type of Yeshua). The Benjamite First Fruits would enter or be joined into the land of Judah (Yeshua). This land is the land of His lady or mistress (virgins) who were possessed by their Master (Yeshua via the Holy Spirit).

This same passage tells us that Uzza (which means "strength") and Ahio (which means "his brother") drove the cart out of the house of Abinadab (which means "source of liberality"). I Samuel 7:1-2 tells us that the Ark had been here in this house of liberality (worldliness) for 20 years, a derivative of 2000 years, which would symbolize the "church age" from the time of Yeshua to the taking home of the First Fruits. The cart was being driven by two beings of strength.

When they arrive at the threshing floor of Chidon (which means "great destruction; javelin; dart"), Uzza is killed. It is often said that when the saints are being taken home, the fury of hell will try to prevent the venture. Maybe that is what occurs here. The Ark will be attacked by javelins and darts and great destruction. Only the true saints within this Ark were worthy of protection from these fiery darts due to their consistent application of their shields of faith (Ephesians 6:16). The place which marks this spot is called Perez-Uzza (which means 1] "breach of Uzza" 2] "breaking through with strength"). Many have questioned the death of Uzza, as he was only trying to protect the Ark. In the surface text, the implication is that Uzza should have taken more precautions to secure the Ark and prevent the problem, and he was struck down by God for his failure to do so which resulted in his touching of the sacred Ark (the breach of Uzza). We see here though a beautiful shadow typing which resulted from this surface text death of Uzza. Whereas the breach occurred in the superficial text, the shadowing points to success in the future transport of the Ark. Thus we see that in the future reference to the Ark of First Fruits, this spot where contention occurs is successfully crossed, as the secondary meaning for Perez-Uzza is "breaking through with strength".

As a result of Uzza's death, David became afraid and changed his mind regarding the destination. He left the Ark in the house of Obed-edom (which means "Gentile - servant of the earth") the Gittite (which means "inhabitant of Gath - wine press") for 3 months. Now this is highly significant in reference to the First Fruits Ark, for it is not meant that the queen should be taken directly to the king without being prepared to go before him. In the Book of Esther, all of the fairest maids of the land were gathered together and taken to the house of women where their purification was completed. This was to be accomplished prior to being presented to the king.

We see here that the Ark is taken to the house of a Gentile servant of the earth who has a winepress. Here any final purification will occur prior to the presentation to the king. Let us hope that any pressing which has to occur to those who have arrived will be minimal in order to accomplish the stated goal.

We are to be about the process of purification BEFORE being taken there, so this process should not be too lengthy. We are told that this process takes three months. In Esther 2:12 they are allotted a full year. Maybe the implication is that the inhabitants of the First Fruits Ark will have an exceptional degree of purity.

The parallel passage for this text is found in II Samuel 6:2-11. Uzza is spelled Uzzah in this passage, but it reads much like the I Chronicles text.

I believe that Yeshua has maintained his flesh and blood body intact. This seems to be verified in Acts 2:31, stating that his flesh would not see corruption. Now if flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of Heaven (where the Father resides for eternity), and Yeshua now sits at the right hand of the Father, it would mean that the Father would have to have relocated temporarily to another realm of the heavenlies where he sits on a temporal throne with his beloved Son Yeshua at his right hand. This was shadowed by the temporal throne upon the mercy seat where He met and communed with man (Moses). Because this is a temporal throne, there will be a Tabernacle there to house it, rather than the permanent Temple which will be in the Father's Kingdom. In I Chronicles 15:1, David (a type of King) prepares a place for the Ark in the city of David. The Biblical city of David seems to refer to an outlying area related to Jerusalem, or a type of Jerusalem. Just as this temporal Tabernacle will house the Ark in the city of David in this passage, the spiritual Tabernacle will have been prepared by Yeshua to house the First Fruits Ark when it arrives at the city of the King (in the heavenlies near the New Jerusalem).

In I Chronicles 15:11-12, we find that David asks that Zadok (which means "just; righteous; upright; justified"), Abiathar (which means "plenty; father of plenty; excellent father; father of superfluity; abound; that which is left"), Uriel (which means "a light of flame of God: God is my light or fire; fire of god"), Asaiah (which means "made of Jehovah; Jehovah has made; Jehovah is doer"), Joel (which means "God; the Lord is God; Jehovah is might; Jehovah is God"), Shemaiah (which means "heard of the Lord; Jehovah has heard; Jehovah is fame; obeys the Lord"), Eliel (which means "to whom God is God; to whom God is strength; God is God"), and Amminadab (which means "my people are liberal or princely; my people are willing; my kinsman is generous") be sanctified to take the Ark to the place which he had prepared. Thus we see that the qualities and/or professions of those who transport the First Fruits Ark from the winepress of purification to the temporal Tabernacle of the King in His city are as follows: righteousness; excellence, flame of God, made of Jehovah, Jehovah is might, obeys the Lord, one whose God is strength, one of princely people. These traits are admirable indeed, and verse 14 of this chapter of Chronicles verifies that the sanctification was accomplished.

In what appears to be a Psalm written by David (a type of Yeshua), Psalm 132:8-14 relates a call for the Ark to rise with the Lord into the Lord's place of rest, where the fruit of His body will be set upon the throne, this fruit being those children who had kept his covenant and his testimony. They will be waved before the Father as the First Fruits offering of the Wheat Harvest which had been planted by Yeshua when he was here. They will now be allowed to sit with Yeshua upon the throne, for Revelation 3:21 says:

21) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Revelation 3:21

Meanwhile, in our surface text, II Samuel 6:12, David has seen that the house of Obed-edom was blessed by the Ark, and he decides to move it into the City of David. The Ark is then moved in I Chronicles 15:15 to the place which had been prepared by David. II Samuel 6:13-19 describes the transfer of the Ark. When they had gone but six paces they offered sacrifices, and David (a type of Yeshua) was dressed in a linen ephod (designating priestly garments). (He is seen here as our High Priest in preparation for the wave offering of the First Fruits before the Father.) Amidst SHOUTING and the SOUND OF THE TRUMP, the Ark was brought UP to the city of David. It was set in the place prepared for it in the midst of the tabernacle, at which time and a burnt offering and a peace offering were made before the Lord. Strongs Exhaustive Concordance tells us a bit about the different types of offerings in the back of the book. In relation to these offerings, it says that a burnt offering is a voluntary act of worship in atonement for unintentional sin in general; an expression of devotion, commitment, and complete surrender to God. A peace offering is also a voluntary act of worship, marked by thanksgiving and fellowship. It includes a communal meal. These are attributes of the holiness of the saints who are waved at the First Fruits offering via the atoning blood of Yeshua, and verses 18 and 19 tell us that at the completion of the offerings there was a communion meal of sorts with the bread and wine, where all of Israel was served, men and women alike.

Again we find that there is a parallel passage in I Chronicles 15:23-16:37. We have a bit more detail in this passage, and we find that the door keepers to the Ark were Berechiah (which means "whom Jehovah has blessed; Jehovah is blessing; bending the knee"), Elkanah (which means "God has redeemed; possession of God; to acquire; God hath created; God is jealous"), Obed-edom (which means "Gentile - servant of the earth"), and Jehiah (which means "he lives of the Lord; by the mercy of Jehovah; Jehovah lives; God is living"). Thus we see that the combined traits of these doorkeepers of the First Fruits Ark at this juncture of the transition are one who bends the knee, Gentile servant of the earth, mercy of Jehovah (Jehovah can be the Father or the Son - here it is the Son) who acknowledges that Jehovah lives. The traits of the doorkeepers are identical to the traits of those who are found within. They are blessed Gentile servants of the earth whom God has possessed and then redeemed because they have acknowledged their belief that Yeshua lives, they have bowed their knee to Him, thus, receiving His mercy. The Levites minister before the Ark, thank God, and blow the trumpets continually, and Asaph (which means "collector; to collect together; to draw up; to gather up the rear; he that removed reproach") and his brethren were left with the Ark to minister to it. Thus are all of those in the First Fruits Ark collected together, gathered up, and drawn up to have their reproach removed once and for all. This occurs at the sustained blowing of the trumpets as in Exodus 19 at Pentecost.

Though the Ark now resides in the City of David, it is still a temporary home, as we find that Uriah laments in I Kings 2:25 that it is still in a tent (i.e. the tabernacle). Now here we have an interesting lapse of information regarding the Ark. Though there is much struggling and turmoil with Israel, the Ark is not mentioned. The reader is left wondering where it is. Our last reference as to its location was in I Chronicles 15:37 when it was with David in the City of David in the tent. Then it is not mentioned again until II Samuel 15:24-29 where we are told that Zadok (which means "just; righteous; upright; justified") and Abiathar ( which means "plenty; father of plenty; excellent father; father of superfluity; abound; that which is left") carried the Ark back into Jerusalem. There is no parallel passage for this entry in the Book of Chronicles. Again, the significance here is awesome. While the time of Jacob's trouble is occurring in Earth below, this First Fruits Ark is absent from the picture there. It is securely residing in the heavenly Tabernacle.

In I Samuel 3:1-21 we read that the sight of Eli (which means "foster son; adopted of the Lord; my ascension; my God; elevated") waxed dim, and he could not see. Then we see that the lamp of God went out in the Temple of the Lord where the Ark of God was located (symbolic of the departure of the glory of God from Israel, and the trauma to come in the next few verses), at which time Samuel (which means offering of God) heard the voice of God, and the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh (which means rest; safety; security).

Continuing the passage in the next chapter, we see that Israel tries to use the Ark for gain in I Samuel 4:3-22 , and the Philistines (which means wanderer; rolled in dust; wallowing) take it. What a horrific picture. The Ark here represents the "church" at large, after the departure of the First Fruits Ark. Because many are so asleep that they do not know to seek the safety of the Ingathering Ark, they are not gathered to board it until the end of the Tribulation during the Ingathering Harvest. The typology of the Ark at this point in time addresses those who have not yet boarded this Ark provided for the safety and provision by God for those who head for the wilderness as the Word instructs them to do. We will refer to those who neglect to board this Ark as the Laodicean Ark. It will soon be combined with and comprise a portion of the Ingathering Ark. In this passage of I Samuel we see that the Laodicean Ark is being used for gain by Israel herself - the leaders of the Church are merchandising the elect within her own ranks. The apostasy is rampant, and it is judged by God. This Laodicean Ark is given over to the serpent as pictured by the Ark being given to the Philistines (who wallow in the dust as Genesis tells us the serpent is destined to do)! As this occurred, some thirty thousand Israelites (type of elect of the Laodicean church) were killed, and among them were the two sons of Eli. Their names were Hophni (which means "fighter; little fist") and Phinehas (which means serpent's mouth). Those who caused quarreling and slander within the "church" were judged at this time as well, and listed among the casualties. Eli (symbolic of the priests or shepherds of the "church") had failed to bring up his sons (flock) to honor God properly, and he himself was very overweight, displaying a lack of temperance. Meanwhile a man by the name of Benjamin (which means son of the right hand) came to Shiloh with his clothes rent and earth upon his head. Benjamin was sent to tell Eli and others of the plight of Israel and the Ark. When Eli was told of the Ark of God and his sons, he fell from his seat, broke his neck, and died. Verses 21-22 tell of the birth of the child named Ichabod lament the departure of God's glory, for you see the First Fruits Ark was gone, and with it the glory of God had departed, and the remaining Ark was given over to evil for a time.

This evil is further symbolized in another passage of I Samuel. The Laodicean Ark is now taken from Eben-ezer (which means "stone of help; the Lord helped us") to Ashdod (which means "strong fortified place"; only used in a bad sense to oppress; to act violently; friend to fire). It is here for seven months per I Samuel 6:1. This is the taking of this Ark from the help of the Lord and putting it into the hands of oppression and violence, where it would remain for seven months, which could mean seven years as relates to the projected term of the Tribulation. While the Laodicean Ark is in the hands of the Philistines, it is put before their god, Dagon, which is part man and part fish (symbolic of the form of Christianity of the end days which has been apostatized by man). I Samuel 5:1-6:21 relates how this apostate Christian god would ultimately have to bow before the Ark, and his head and the palms of his hands (significant of the two places where the mark of the beast are received) were "cut off upon the threshold".

During this time the Philistines were enduring plagues. Discerning that these plagues were administered by the God who presided over the Ark, they deemed it necessary to return the Ark, sending with it trespass offerings to show that they realized that the judgment of God was warranted, and they were seeking His forgiveness. These offerings were for the towns of Ashdod (which means "strong, fortified place; only used in a bad sense to oppress; to act violently; friend to fire"), Gaza (which means "strong; fortified"), Askelon (which means "migration; the fire of shame; contempt"), Gath (which means "winepress"), and Ekron (which means "uprooting; emigration"). These offerings may be the factor which allows for the forgiveness for a portion of the nation of Islam.

Ultimately, all of those of the Laodicean Ark who had been spewed out by God to endure the Tribulation were received aboard the Ingathering Ark. Their souls were received aboard it when their bodies perished, or those still remaining at the time of the Ingathering Harvest were changed in the twinkling of an eye (per I Corinthians 15:52) to board the Ingathering Ark. This Ark was then taken up into the heavenlies. We find this in I Samuel 6:13. The Ark arrived in Beth-shemesh (which means "house of the light of the sun") during the Wheat Harvest. We read here that they lifted UP their eyes during the Wheat Harvest and saw the Ark. The Feast of Trumpets designates the Ingathering Wheat Harvest, so this correlates with the teaching that the Ingathering Harvest Ark will be taken UP at that time. The cart came into the field of Joshua (a type of Christ) the Beth-shemite, and was placed on the stone of Abel (which means "breath; vanity; vapor; fading away; mourning; a meadow"). This Ark had been violated, and it was noted by the name of the stone on which it was placed, meaning mourning. Just as Abel had been slain by Cain, the Ark was placed on a stone which bore Abel's name. Then in I Samuel 6:19-21 we read that Joshua (which means "the Lord of salvation") slaughtered 50,070 people because they had "looked into" the Ark. "Looked into" as used here would indicate, that many within the Ark would have been slain, prompting the slaughter of those who had committed this atrocity. This correlates with the earlier inference that the souls of those who were slain resided within this Ark. The Ingathering Harvest which put all aboard the Ingathering Ark and took it home is found in Revelation 14:14-16 when the angel reaps the harvest. The slaughter of the 50,070 can be found in the next four verses when a second angel reaps the harvest of the grape and throws them into the winepress, and the blood reaches the bridles of the horses.

Now we have a change of scenery. In the following context, it appears that the role of David switches from that of Yeshua, to that of the Father, and Solomon (which means "peaceable; peace; his peace; peaceableness") becomes the Son (Yeshua). Such transition frequently occurs within Biblical typology. David (as the Father) now instructs Solomon (as the Son) to build a house for the Lord to house the Ark and the holy vessels of God. We find this in I Chronicles 22:19. King Solomon (as Yeshua, our High Priest) offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings and made a feast before the Ark in I Kings 3:15. Then a few chapters later in I Kings 6:19 he prepared the oracle within the House of God upon which the Ark was to be set. It was in the seventh month (seventh year of the Tribulation?) that I Kings 8:1-9 tells us that the Ark (which contained only the two tablets of stone put there by Moses - thus being the Ingathering Ark) was set upon the oracle of the House of God. The parallel version of this found in II Chronicles 5:2-8 tells us that the elders of Israel and the Levites took UP the Ark from the City of David to place it on the Oracle of the House of the Lord. The wings of the Cherubim cover the Ark. Revelation 11:19 indicates that the 7th (last) trump has just blown, and the Ark has been seen in the Temple, and it appears that a judgment is about to take place.

After the judgment occurs, it is time for Yeshua to bring his saints in the Ark back to Jerusalem to set up His Millennial reign. Again we look at II Samuel 15:24-29 where we are told that Zadok (which means "just; righteous; upright; justified") and Abiathar (which means "plenty; father of plenty; excellent father; father of superfluity; abound; that which is left") carried the Ark back into Jerusalem. Thus the traits of those who bring the Ark back to Jerusalem are again righteous and excellence. However, since Yeshua's House is all together now, one Ark has sufficed to return all of the Believers to Jerusalem. We would note that one of the traits of Abiathar which indicates the inclusion of those who had been in the Ingathering Ark is "that which is left", as these were left behind when the First Fruits Ark was taken.

Changing the scene one final time, we find in II Chronicles 6:41 a prayer of Solomon which reads much as the Psalm 132 prayer which is presumed to have been by David. Solomon (as a type of Yeshua) prays for God (the Father) to arise to his final resting place (the Father's Kingdom), and to also have His Ark arise to His resting place, where God's priests might be clothed with salvation and His saints could rejoice in goodness. This would indicate that the Ark is about to be put in the permanent Temple for the Father's Kingdom. The priests within will be clothed with Yeshua's salvation, and the saints within will rejoice in goodness. Solomon heralds God in II Chronicles 6:10-11 and states that the House of God has been built which contains the Ark, "wherein is the covenant of the Lord, that he made with the children of Israel". This too would indicate that all of the children upon whom the covenant abides are within the Ark. This apparently occurred on Passover, as related in II Chronicles 35:1-3. Then in II Chronicles 8:11 we see that Solomon won't let Pharoah's daughter reside with the holiness of the Ark, indicating a sanctity of those which are within the Ark which will be upheld at this time by the Son Himself.

Jeremiah 3:16-18 has some interesting words relating to the Ark. It says:

16) And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the Lord, they shall say no more, The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more. 17) At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the Lord, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart. 18) In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.

Jeremiah 3:16-18

Once people get to the Father's Kingdom, the Ark will no longer be needed for transport. The celestial bodies of that age will not require transport assistance!

Before closing our study, it would be beneficial to cover one more concept. In more than one passage which refer to the Cherubim which cover the Ark, we find some mysterious wording. The Chronicles 5:2-8 passage is an example. Here it says that "the Cherubim spread forth their wings" and cover the Ark. Now the Cherubim of the Ark as we saw it constructed in Exodus were made of gold. Their wings were stretched forth when they were made, so their wings would always be in the same position. Because this text said they "spread forth" their wings as though it was a literal physical movement at that moment, it is one of a number of indications that there is a hidden reference here to an actual future event in the heavenlies where a literal Cherubim would do just that! Ezekiel speaks of the wheels within wheels as it relates to the wings of the Cherubim. They were associated with fire and a whirlwind here, reminiscent of the manner in which Elijah was taken into the heavens per II Kings 2:11. ExtraBiblical renderings indicate that Enoch was taken up in a similar manner. We would recall that at one point the Ark was put upon a cart for transport. Maybe the two Cherubim who are poised above the Mercy Seat are the two beings who who will transport the Ark or drive the cart (chariot), their wings being the chariot. We might want to consider that the Cherubim have four faces, one of which is like an ox, and another which is a an eagle. Whereas we are told in I Samuel 6:7 that two kine (oxen) drove the cart, perhaps this symbolized the moving of the spiritual Ark by the two Cherubim which overspread the Ark with their wings (or wheels, i.e. chariots), as denoting their faces of oxen. Perhaps it was a Cherubim that provided the wings (chariot) to transport the woman of Revelation 12 who desired to flee to the place of safety in the Ingathering Ark, this time denoting the Cherubim face of the eagle.

Perhaps we should start to view the transfer of the First Fruits to the heavenly realm in a different manner than the "Rapture" teachings that are so common today. Perhaps the manner in which we are taken to the First Fruits Ark is by Cherubim, and the manner in which the Ark is propelled is also by Cherubim. So what if we are approached by an angel, and told that it is time to go? Should we believe Him? The Bible warns us sternly to test all spirits, and gives us a sure means to validate whether or not the spirit is of God. I John 4:2 says:

2) Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: EVERY spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.

I John 4:2

Conversely, the next verse continues by saying:

3) And every spirit that CONFESSETH NOT that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is in the world.

I John 4:3

I pray now on behalf of all who read this, that the Lord would be faithful to instruct any angels who come for his chosen ones to confess that which He has mandated in I John 4:2 as our verification that they are of God. I pray also that no angel of God who comes for His chosen ones would fail to do so. If he does not, then he must be prompted to do so. Even those angels who are not allowed to CONFESS that Yeshua has come in the flesh may be allowed to REPEAT those words, so we should not instruct them with the wording, but rather just ask for their confession regarding Yeshua. If an angel should then fail to confess this truth, we must order them away under the name and blood of Yeshua. To go with a fallen angel who poses as an angel of God could be worse than any nightmare imaginable. SO Beloved, if an angel should come for you, be sure to test the angel, and "watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man" (Luke 21:36).


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