What does the Ark of the Covenant represent in the Bible?

The Ark of the Covenant is a profound symbol in Scripture that represents God's presence, holiness, and mercy. As outlined in Exodus 25, it was constructed according to God's specific instructions, indicating its divine significance. The Ark contained the Ten Commandments, a testimony of God's law, which was covered by the mercy seat, signifying where God would meet His people. This setup foreshadows Christ, who is our mercy seat, fulfilling the law and providing a means for reconciliation between a holy God and sinful humanity. In this way, the Ark symbolizes Jesus Christ as both the lawgiver and the mercy offered through His sacrificial death.