That is, the two tables of stone containing the Ten Commandments (chs. 30:6; 31:18; 32:15, 16). The main purpose of the ark was to serve as a repository for the holy law of God. Because the tables of stone were a transcript of the character and will of God, and were, furthermore, inscribed by God’s own hand, they were honored as the most sacred object in the sanctuary. The latter was therefore called the “tabernacle of testimony” (Ex. 38:21; Num. 9:15; etc.). The law was also known as “the covenant” (Deut. 4:12, 13; 9:9-15), and the ark was therefore commonly called the “ark of the covenant” (Deut. 31:26; Heb. 9:4; etc.).