And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof. An ark, х 'ªrown (H727), from 'aaraah (H717), to collect] - a coffer or chest, in which a collection of valuable things is deposited [Septuagint, kibootos (G2787)] (Hebrews 9:4).
Of shittim wood. It was to be made of common wood-the acacia; and its dimensions, estimating the cubit at 18 inches, are computed to have been 3 feet 9 inches long, 2 feet 3 inches broad, and 2 feet 3 inches high. Similar chests are said to have been borne in the processions of Isis and Osiris. The paintings on the walls of Egyptian tombs exhibit numerous representations of priests bearing sacred arks, the extremities of which appear decorated with small symbolical figures, called sphinxes, resembling the form of the Hebrew cherubim.