What is a children's explanation of the Ark of the Covenant?

Answer 1

Moses was the leader of the Jews, hundreds of years before Jesus lived on earth. God gave 10 'commandments' or rules to the people to show them how to live so that they pleased God. These were written on two pieces of stone. Moses' brother Aaron was the most important priest in the land and had a staff ( a long stick used in ceremonies) which he used in some of the Jewish worship. When Moses led the Jews into Israel from where they were once living they travelled for many years and food was scarce, so the people were hungry. God provided a food for the Jews called 'manna' The Ark of the Covenant was a very beautiful box, covered in gold, that was used to hold the two pieces of stone with the 10 commandments on them, Aaron's staff, and some pieces of manna. Because of the history of the Jews, the Jews held these objects to be very important and holy, so the Ark was kept in the Temple at Jerusalem in the most holy part called the 'Holy of Holies' right at the centre of the Temple. When the temple was destroyed the Ark went missing and has never been found, although some people believe that it being held in safe keeping in a church in Ethiopia, in Africa.