The ark may have been more than “a representation of the presence of God.” See, e.g., 1 Samuel 5:3-4; 6:19-20; 2 Samuel 6:7. Moreover, if it is only a useless piece of furniture, how do you explain its presence in Revelation 11:19?
That is not the ark of the "old law" covenant. It is referring to the New Covenant. I am basing this fact in Hebrews 9 & 10. Hebrews explains the differentiation between the dead old covenant, which was a figure of the true, & the living new covenant. In fact, Hebrews is the great explainer of the New Covenant & the elimination of the old law covenant. This fact also precludes the possibility of a reestablished covenant of law for the state of Israel.
What was the purpose of the ark of the old covenant? It was the physical representation of the true holy of holies where God resigns. The fascination with the ark, the holy grail, the shroud of turin, etc is all superstitious nonsense. It is a preoccupation with physical items which hold no power in the true spiritual realm. I hope everyone here understands the spiritual immaturity in placing any eternal value on these religious trinkets. I would highly recommend that you read Hebrews 8-10 & examine your beliefs in light of these chapters.
In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old.
Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. (Heb 8:13)
But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but
by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Heb 9:11-12)
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands,
which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (Heb 9:24)
Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (Heb 10:18-20)
We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. (Heb 13:10)
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
(Heb 13:20)