The answer is: Two cherubim

Exo 25:18

The Ark of the Covenant is one of the most fascinating symbols in the Bible, drenched in meaning and mystery! Found in Exodus 25, this sacred vessel housed the stone tablets of the law, but it was what rested above that truly captured imaginations: the two cherubim. These majestic beings were crafted from pure gold and faced each other with their wings stretched over the mercy seat—the very spot where divine encounters were thought to happen.

Cherubim are often mistaken for cute little baby angels, but in the Bible, they carry a powerful and awe-inspiring presence. Often associated with God's holiness and majesty, they remind the Israelites that the space surrounding the Ark wasn't your run-of-the-mill location. It was seen as the throne of God.

Interestingly, cherubim also appear throughout Bible history in notable scenes—like at the Garden of Eden, where they guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24). And speaking of heavenly encounters, when the Ark was present, it symbolizes God's promise, covenant, and relationship with His chosen people.

This all comes together during significant moments, such as during withdrawal from Egyptian oppression and entering the Promised Land, where the Ark led the way and declared God’s presence among His people. It's safe to say that the physical sense of the Ark and its cherubim emboldened many with the assurance of the divine guiding their journey! How exciting it is to delve into these layered interpretations and theological depths!