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 on your Christian tour to Israel.
Exploring Ark of the Covenant Sites:
Jericho
The city frequently referred to as the “City of Palm Trees” in the Bible is Jericho. It is mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in Deuteronomy (34:3) and Judges (1:16, 3:13). Renowned for its lush palm groves, Jericho holds historical significance as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, where its palm trees have symbolized prosperity and renewal throughout history.
Through extensive archaeological excavations, 20 layers of continuous settlement have been uncovered. In 2023, the archaeological site in the heart of the city, Tell es-Sultan (Old Jericho), was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as the ‘oldest fortified city in the world.’
Jericho is extremely significant in the Bible, especially in relation to the Ark of the Covenant. In the Book of Joshua (Joshua 6:1-27), the Israelites, under Joshua’s leadership, were commanded by God to conquer the fortified city of Jericho. As part of God’s plan, the Israelites carried the Ark of the Covenant around the city, marching once a day for six days. On the seventh day, they encircled the city seven times, and after a great shout, the walls of Jericho miraculously fell, allowing the Israelites to capture the city. This event was a pivotal moment in their conquest of Canaan and underscored the Ark’s role as a powerful symbol of God’s presence. Situated in the Jordan Valley, with the Jordan River to the east and Jerusalem to the west, Jericho remains a city of great historical and spiritual significance.
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 archaeological sites in Israel. It features a fantastic visitor center where you can explore the area where the Tabernacle and Ark of the Covenant once resided. You can even walk through dwellings that were used during this time. As part of our Christian tour to Israel, you’ll have the unique opportunity to visit this significant site and walk the grounds yourself, experiencing the rich history firsthand.
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
Following the era of Shiloh, King Solomon, the son of King David, built a temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, a site closely linked to the Ark of the Covenant. Within this sacred temple, the Ark was placed in the Holy of Holies, a permanent replacement for the earlier Tabernacle. The Ark remained there until its mysterious disappearance. Though speculation continues that it may be hidden somewhere on the Mount, the limitations imposed by the Islamic faith make any exploration of the area 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 holds great significance in Judeo-Christian history for several reasons, particularly as the site where the Israelites crossed to enter the Promised Land. In Joshua 3, it is recorded that the Israelites camped near the river before crossing. Aaron instructed those carrying the Ark of the Covenant to go ahead of the people. When they reached the river, the waters miraculously stopped upstream, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land.
When you visit this site on your Christian tour, you can be baptized in the same waters where Jesus was baptized. Contact Immanuel Tours for more information about this special event.
