Originally posted by VoidSpirit
yes, but you said it is a focal point of worship. that's what idols are. people who worshiped gods using idols didn't really worship the idols. the idols were just focal points with which they could communicate with their gods. this is the same as the description of the ark.
The definition used by the Holy Bible is number 1 and 2 below:
idol (noun)
1. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) a material object, esp a carved image, that is worshipped as a god
2. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) Christianity Judaism any being (other than the one God) to which divine honour is paid
3. a person who is revered, admired, or highly loved
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003
P.S. Therefore, the images on the ark of the covenant or the image of the cross one might wear as a necklace is not considered as idols in Judism and Christianity.