The Ark of the Covenant represented the glory and presence of God to the people of Israel. After finishing the temple, Solomon has the rk brought in to the inner chamber.
After the Israelites were delivered from the hand of the Egyptians and they were waiting to enter the Promised Land, God, through Moses, taught them how to live in their newfound freedom. These principles, summarized in the Ten Commandments, still have a profound impact on the world today.