Ark

The word ark in the Bible refers to two distinct objects. (1.) Noah's ark: a large vessel of gopher wood, sealed with pitch, measuring 300 cubits long, 50 cubits broad, and 30 cubits high—an oblong, three-storied floating structure built over 100 years to preserve Noah, his family, and representative animals through the universal flood (Genesis 6:14–7:16). The New Testament holds Noah's completion of the ark as an act of faith (Hebrews 11:7) and Peter uses it as a type of salvation through Christ's resurrection (1 Peter 3:20–21).

(2.) The ark of the covenant: a rectangular chest of acacia wood overlaid with gold, housing the two tablets of the law and surmounted by the mercy seat, where God met with Israel. It led Israel through the wilderness, was carried into battle, and finally housed in the Holy of Holies in Solomon's temple.