Scripture: 2 Samuel 6-9 and I Chronicles 13-17
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn about the importance of the Ark of the Covenant.
- Students will learn the problems of the Ark being taken.
- Students will learn how to build a replica of the Ark.
Guiding Questions: How can students create models of the Ark?
Materials: The materials will be based on the scale models you choose to copy.
Procedure: Teach the story of the Ark’s Return. Explain that God dwelt on the Mercy Seat on the Ark. When the Ark was taken from the Israelites it was extremely upsetting to them because the dwelling place of God was no longer in the Tabernacle. We know God was still with His people, but the symbolism would have been devastating. The tablets with the Ten Commandments were in the Ark. God gave Moses many more laws for the people on Mt Sinai, but the Ten Commandments are the underlying principles that are important to God and were also representative of the other laws and the importance of obeying God’s commands. Manna and Aaron’s budded rod were also in the Ark. Manna reminded the Israelites of the many ways God had taken care of them and God’s love. Aaron’s rod was God’s sign to the people that He wanted Aaron to be the priest. Have students make models of the Ark of the Covenant. Exodus 25:10-22 contains the description. The actual Ark was about 50 inches long, 30 inches wide and 30 inches tall.
Have students draw or create a scale model of the Ark and its contents. You can find scale models online to copy or purchase.
Additional Questions: How can students learn the history of the Ark and its journey?
Supplemental Activities: Have students create a timeline with drawings and labels representing when the Ark was taking and its journey to its return.