Items in the Ark of the Covenant

[Gideon]

"(The priests) serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” (Heb. 8:5)

"Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat …" (Heb. 9:3-5)

Question for all you Old Testament experts.

There were three holy objects stored in the Ark of the Covenant. They were the manna, Aaron's staff, and the tablets of stone. Now, the epistle to the Hebrews says that these items served as a symbol (shadow) of the real temple which is in heaven.

O.K. here's my question: Exactly what did each of these objects represent? What was the 'type.'? Please limit discussion to the three items in the Ark.

Thoughts appreciated.

Gideon

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

Question for all you Old Testament experts.

There were three holy objects stored in the Ark of the Covenant. They were the manna, Aaron's staff, and the tablets of stone. Now, the epistle to the Hebrews says that these items served as a symbol (shadow) of the real temple which is in heaven.

O.K. here's my question: Exactly what did each of these objects represent? What was the 'type.'? Please limit discussion to the three items in the Ark.

Thoughts appreciated.

Gideon

manna=a further revelation of the manna is in the NT and it's represented by Jesus Himself
Aaron's staff=life coming from death
tablet's of stone=God's government

 

[tz620q]

manna=a further revelation of the manna is in the NT and it's represented by Jesus Himself
Aaron's staff=life coming from death
tablet's of stone=God's government

That is an interesting thought on Aaron's staff. I had not thought of that aspect of it. I have been taught that they all point to Jesus.
Manna from Heaven - In John chapter 6, Christ says that he is the new manna from heaven that will feed his chosen people as they traverse the wilderness.

Aaron's staff - represented the Levitical priesthood. Now Jesus Christ is our new high priest.

Tablet's of stone - represented the Mosaic Law, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Here fulfilled has the meaning of made complete, not made null and void.

What are your thoughts on this take on it?

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

That is an interesting thought on Aaron's staff. I had not thought of that aspect of it. I have been taught that they all point to Jesus.
Manna from Heaven - In John chapter 6, Christ says that he is the new manna from heaven that will feed his chosen people as they traverse the wilderness.

Aaron's staff - represented the Levitical priesthood. Now Jesus Christ is our new high priest.

Tablet's of stone - represented the Mosaic Law, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Here fulfilled has the meaning of made complete, not made null and void.

What are your thoughts on this take on it?

All true of course. Life from death was the qualifier wouldn't you say?

 

[tz620q]

All true of course. Life from death was the qualifier wouldn't you say?

Yes, I have tried to see if there is a correspondence with the Way, the Truth, and the Life; but then I can see the Life as being applied both to Aaron's staff and to the Manna. The Truth could certainly be seen as the Mosaic Law. That leaves the Way as ? I am probably going too far with this; but it is a fun thought exercise. Truly, OT typing can be used in an inexhaustible manner. I think the challenge is to know when to quit.

 

[Gideon]

Thanks everybody. I put this same question on a number of Christian forums and got some interesting answers. I’m pleased to say, most people agreed on the ‘manna’. Aarons staff and the tablets were quite a potpourri though. Anyway, here is a summary of how New Testament folk described the Old Testament symbols:

MANNA – Jesus the Bread of Life from Heaven. (as opposed to temporary sustenance)
Others thought the manna represented: the Eucharist (specifically), God's provision (generally), or the Word of God.

AARONS STAFF – Christ’s Eternal Priesthood. (as opposed to a priesthood that died)
Others thought the staff represented: God's authority (as in ruling with a rod of iron), guidance and comfort, resurrection (from dead wood to life) and the ‘Way.’

TABLETS OF STONE – The Law and Righteousness of God. (in its fullest sense)
Others thought the tablets represented: The New Covenant, God's will, Moses law fulfilled (but not annulled), God's government, the Word of God, the Word made flesh, the ‘Truth.’
​

Ive tried to express the gist of how the majority of replies understand it. Personally, I agree with the bolded statements above, but tell me if you think it can be said better.

Thanks again,
Gideon