1 Kings 8:9

Nothing in the ark. This statement, repeated in 2 Chron. 5:10, seems clearly to indicate that there was nothing in the ark itself except the two tables of stone. The items referred to in Heb. 9:4, the pot of manna and Aaron’s rod, were originally commanded to be placed “before the Testimony” (Ex. 16:33, 34; Num. 17:2–10). Some have understood these words to refer to a position in front of the ark. However, the words may mean, before the tables of testimony in the ark (see EW 32). There need be no conflict between these statements for the treasures may have been removed during the troubled history of Israel, and not have been in the ark at this time.

There is something singularly impressive in this special hallowing of the two tables of the law. By being thus placed within the ark, directly above which God was to meet with His people (Ex. 25:22), the law is indissolubly bound together with God Himself. The most sacred place in the Temple was the holy of holies, and its most sacred item was the ark containing the law of God. As God by His very nature is holy and eternal, so likewise is His law. Everything that could possibly be done to impress upon His children the eternal sanctity of His law was done by God in the appointments of His holy Temple.

This law, under the old covenant, was written upon two tables of stone; under the new covenant it is written upon the hearts of the righteous (Jer. 31:31-33).