Useful Bible Studies > Revelation Commentary > chapter 11
Revelation 11:19 contains the only mention in the Book of Revelation of the ark of the covenant. The ark was the most sacred object in the most holy room of God’s temple (God’s house) in Jerusalem. However, the ark in Revelation 11:19 was not at the temple in Jerusalem, but in heaven. Hebrews 8:5 explains that the temple in Jerusalem and its contents were copies of the real ones in heaven. Therefore, Revelation 11:19 is the only mention in the Bible of the real ark of the covenant, which is in heaven.
So, it is an extremely important event when God’s temple in heaven opens to show the real ark of the covenant. It happens at an extremely important time in the Book of Revelation. The seventh angel (special servant of God) has just sounded his trumpet (loud musical instrument). Its purpose was to declare the start of Christ’s rule over the world (11:15). Now there can be no further delay (10:6-7). God will now act in judgement to destroy the power of his enemies (11:17-18). This is a very sacred and serious moment.
This is the only time in the whole Bible when God shows that most sacred object, the ark of the covenant in heaven. The ark is a box. It contains evidence of the covenant (God’s promises that establish his relationship with his people). So, God is acting with the most severe and serious judgements - but he has not forgotten his promises. Rather, he acts in this manner because of his promises. He has promised to defeat every evil power (1 Corinthians 15:24-26) so he must act in judgement against them. He has promised to establish the perfect rule of Christ, and the proper time has, at last, come. That is why at this time, God shows the ark, the evidence of his promises.
Next part: The woman whose dress is the sun (Revelation 12:1-2)
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© 2016, Keith Simons.