The Temple Institute: In-Depth Temple Study: The Contents of the Ark of the Covenant
 
The Contents of the Ark of the Covenant: Uses

Inside the Ark were the Tablets of the Covenant, and the Torah Scroll written by Moses was alongside them. The Divine Presence and the spirit of prophesy that dwelled among Israel manifested itself through the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies. 

Contents:   Part I,    Part II,    Part III,    Part IV,    Part V,    Part VI,    Part VII