Ark

a chest, coffer, or large vessel. For an account of the ark constructed by Noah, which saved himself and family from the deluge and landed them at Mt. Ararat, the reader is referred to the biblical account contained in the sixth chapter of Genesis.

The name "Noah's Ark" is given to a toy boat and a collection of wooden people and animals, representing the company that went aboard the ark at the time of the flood.

The ark of the covenant was a sacred chest of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, which was kept in the holiest place of the Jewish tabernacle, and, when completed, of the temple. It contained the tables of stone on which were written the ten commandments. It was provided with rings through which staves might be thrust to carry it, and was surmounted by two winged cherubim. The high priest alone was permitted to come face to face with the ark in its secret chamber. In time of war, it was carried to the battle field. During the stormy times attendant on the captivity of Israel, the ark was lost, doubtless forever.

See Solomon