According to Neville Goddard, the Ark of the Covenant is not a literal, physical chest with supernatural power. Instead, it represents:
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A state of consciousness
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An inner agreement
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Unwavering belief in the power of your own awareness ("I AM") to fulfill its desires.
Let’s break down Neville’s interpretation of the Ark of the Covenant:
1. The "Covenant" as Inner Agreement
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The "Covenant" symbolises the unbreakable agreement between your conscious mind and subconscious mind.
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It’s the point at which you fully believe and accept the reality of your desired state as already accomplished.
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It’s an unwavering conviction that what you imagine and feel as true will manifest in your reality.
2. The "Ark" as the Sacred Space Within
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The Ark represents the sacred, protected space within your consciousness.
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This is the realm of imagination and feeling — the workshop of creation.
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It’s where you dwell in the feeling of your wish fulfilled, undisturbed by doubts or external evidence.
3. The Contents as Aspects of Inner Knowing
The items traditionally inside the Ark — the Tablets of the Law, the Pot of Manna, and Aaron's Rod — symbolise different aspects of inner knowing and power:
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The Tablets of the Law: Represent the unchanging principles of consciousness and the fundamental truth that imagination creates reality. They symbolise the "law" that governs manifestation.
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The Pot of Manna: Symbolises the sustenance and fulfillment that comes from dwelling in the consciousness of your desired state. It’s the inner nourishment that you receive when you truly believe your desire is realised.
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Aaron's Rod that Budded: Represents the inherent creative power within you to bring forth life and manifestation from what seems barren or impossible. It signifies the potency of your desires to manifest into reality.
4. The Mercy Seat (The Covering)
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Represents the point of conscious awareness where God (your "I AM") dwells.
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It’s the place where you consciously affirm and feel the reality of your desired state, and where the "law" of manifestation is administered.
5. The Cherubim
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The Cherubim are symbolic figures guarding the Mercy Seat.
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They represent the focused and unwavering attention you must maintain on your desired state, protecting it from doubt and negativity.
Key Principles:
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Inner Authority: The Ark of the Covenant emphasises the power and authority within your own consciousness. It's not about an external object, but an internal state of knowing.
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Unwavering Belief: The core of the Ark's power lies in unwavering belief and the feeling of the wish fulfilled. When your inner conviction is absolute, the outer world must conform.
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Dwelling in the Desired State: The "Ark" is the mental space where you dwell in the feeling of your desired reality as if it were already true. This consistent inner dwelling activates the law of attraction and brings manifestation into your experience.
In Essence:
Neville Goddard explains the Ark of the Covenant as a powerful metaphor for the sanctity of your own consciousness. It’s about creating an inner sanctuary of conviction where your desires are held as accomplished facts, leading to their manifestation in your outer experience.