Ark of the Covenant

Holy Land Revealed

The Ark of the Covenant, an iconic symbol of divine presence and power in the Judeo-Christian tradition, is an enigmatic relic steeped in history and mystery. Revered and shrouded in awe, it holds a special place in the hearts of believers and continues to capture the imagination of scholars and seekers alike.


Ark of the Covenant
In This Photo: Moses and Joshua bowing before the Ark (c. 1900) by James Tissot

The Ark has been the subject of many theories and legends, and it continues to capture the imagination of people around the world. The Ark of the Covenant is first mentioned in the Bible in Exodus. According to the biblical account, God instructed Moses to build the Ark as a container for the tablets of the law.



The Ark was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, and it had a cover known as the mercy seat, which was also made of gold. Two cherubim, or angelic figures, were placed on the mercy seat, facing each other.


Ark of the Covenant - Joshua
In This Photo: Joshua Passing the River Jordan With the Ark of the Covenant by Benjamin West, 1800

Ark of the Covenant Wonders in the Desert

The Israelites carried the Ark during their wanderings in the desert. It was placed in the inner sanctum of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that the Israelites used for worship. Later, when the Israelites settled in the Promised Land, the Ark was housed in the Temple in Jerusalem. The Ark is said to have had great power and significance for the Israelites.



Furthermore, it was believed to be a physical manifestation of God’s presence and used in many religious rituals and ceremonies. According to the biblical account, the Ark was also used in battle and was said to have brought victory to the Israelites against their enemies.


Ark-of-the-Covenant-church-in-Axum-Ethiopia
In This Photo: The Chapel of the Tablet at the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Axum Allegedly Houses the Original Ark of the Covenant.
Credit: Adam Cohn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Where is the Ark Now?

Over the centuries, the fate of the Ark has been the subject of much speculation and debate. According to the biblical account, the Philistines captured the Ark during a battle and then returned it to the Israelites. However, some scholars believe that the Ark may have been destroyed or lost during one of the many wars and invasions in the region.



In popular culture, the Ark has been the subject of many stories and legends, including the idea that it possesses supernatural powers, such as the ability to destroy armies or bring about miraculous events. In the Indiana Jones movie “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” the Ark is depicted as a powerful artifact that can melt the faces of those who look upon it.



Despite its mysterious past and uncertain fate, the Ark of the Covenant symbolizes faith and inspiration for many people. It represents the idea that God is present among us and that we can find hope and strength in our faith. Whether it is a real object or simply a legend, the Ark continues to capture the imagination of people worldwide, and it remains an enduring symbol of faith and hope.

arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

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