The ark of the covenant

Samuel worshipped and lived in the presence of the Ark of the covenant -

A symbol God's living, manifest presence, a symbol of God's glory, where the Shekinah -the 'shining forth', the manifestation of a holy light would reside from in between the cherubim. A place from which His voice speaks and whispers to our hearts - to Samuel, to moses.

A symbol of His Holy Justice and mercy - As a symbol of Justice - God's Holiness demands the sin of man be judged. The rejection and breaking of God's law, leadership (staff) and the rejection of God's word (manna)is atoned for or judged.

As a symbol of Mercy -It also demands that man be saved by a perfect atoning sacrifice. By the blood of an unblemished lamb.

It was a symbol of Christ Himself, arcacia wood - humanity, overlaid with god- divinity, keeping the word of Christ, the leadership under God and the relied fully on God's word (manna) feeding on God.

It was a symbol of the Fear of God for those without reverence for His holy presence were struck dead, thinking themselves familiar with God, they intruded into that for which they had no right to be looking into thinking it to be a common box. Uzzah died when David moved from a precise obedience unto God's word.

David loved the ark, it was something to be drawing close to, he spent his days worshipping before the ark.

Ray Steadman on the ark of God:
http://www.pbc.org/files/messages/3032/0213.html