Ark of the Covenant: One of Israel’s Most Captivating Mysteries

In Israel, the location of the Ark of the Covenant remains one of history’s most captivating mysteries. The quest for it even served as the starting point for the renowned Indiana Jones movie franchise. Various theories attempt to explain the disappearance of the Ark in Israel, but nobody can say with certainty where it is. What is clear, however, is the biblical account shedding light on the Ark of the Covenant in Israel.

What Is the Ark of the Covenant?

The Ark of the Covenant is the vessel that carried the Ten Commandments. On Mount Sinai, as Moses ascended, God provided precise instructions on the appearance and construction materials for the sacred vessel, as detailed in Exodus 25:10-22.

“Have them make an ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. Overlay it with pure gold, both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other. Then make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry it. The poles are to remain in the rings of this ark; they are not to be removed. Then put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law, which I will give you.

“Make an atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law that I will give you. There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.”

The ark was a representation of His presence. Its divine power was so intense that touching it proved deadly. Once stolen by the Philistines, the Ark became a source of chaos which led them to return it, with offerings, to alleviate the plagues it brought upon them (1 Samuel 6). However, since the 6th century B.C., the ark has vanished and its location remains a mystery.

Ark of the Covenant Locations in Israel

Although the current whereabouts of the Ark of the Covenant remain unknown, the Bible provides insight into its historical locations. Continue reading below to learn about four sites in Israel associated with the Ark of the Covenant, which you can explore, today!

Exploring Ark of the Covenant Sites:

Jericho

Jericho is located in the Jordan Valley, with the Jordan River to the east and Jerusalem to the west. According to Joshua 6:1-27, the Israelites circled the city of Jericho carrying the Ark of the Covenant once a day for six days and then on the seventh day marched seven times and then, with a great shout, made the walls come tumbling down.

Photos displaying archaeology excavation during the 1930’s.

Shiloh

For nearly 400 years, the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle resided at Shiloh, which is in what is now referred to as the West Bank. This is where Hannah said her prayer for a child and where that child, Samuel served and learned under the High Priest, Eli. Samuel then became a prophet, leader and was a Kingmaker of Saul and David.

Today, Shiloh is one of the most prolific archeological sites in Israel. There is a fantastic visitors center there and you can see where the Tabernacle and Ark of the Covenant resided. You can even walk in dwellings that were used during this time. There is one dwelling that was quite large and to the Tabernacle, and was storage centre for the Tabernacle.

Could this have been the dwelling of the High Priest and where Samuel heard God speak to him? You will have to visit and consider that question for yourself!

Temple Mount

After the period of Shiloh, King Solomon, the offspring of King David, constructed a temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, a significant location associated with the Ark of the Covenant. In this sacred space, the Ark of the Covenant resided within the Holy of Holies, a permanent representation of the earlier Tabernacle. It remained there until its mysterious disappearance. Speculation persists that it might be concealed somewhere on the Mount, yet the constraints imposed by the Islamic faith make any exploration impossible.

You can explore the Temple Mount, wander by the Western Wall, and venture into the underground tunnels to draw near to the Holy of Holies, where the Ark and the divine presence once resided!

Jordan River

The Jordan River is very important to the Judeo-Christian history for a variety of reasons. This includes being at the location where the Israelites passed over to enter the Promised Land. In Joshua 3 it mentions that they camped out before crossing the river. Aaron told those carrying the ark to cross ahead of everyone else. When they came to cross the river, waters stopped upstream and they were able to cross the river on dry land.

Today, you can visit the Ark of the Covenant location around the Jordan River. This area holds importance not only as the site of Jesus’ baptism, but also as the place where Elijah was taken up to heaven.

While the specific location of the Ark of the Covenant remains unknown, the Jordan River region is rich with biblical history, making it a compelling destination for those seeking to connect with these profound stories.

We look forward to planning a tour for you to enjoy the entire history of the Jewish people! Contact us today to plan your Christian Holy Land Tour!