Ark of the Covenant:
1. Introduction
The Ark of the Covenant was central to Israel’s religious life, representing God’s throne, presence, and covenant with His people. This analysis explores:
- Its placement in Solomon’s Temple.
- Its contents and significance.
- Its fate after the Temple’s destruction.
2. Placement of the Ark in Solomon’s Temple
2.1 Biblical Account
2.1.1 Installation Ceremony
At the Temple’s dedication:
- 1 Kings 8:6: “The priests brought the Ark of the LORD’s covenant to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, and put it beneath the wings of the cherubim.”
- 2 Chronicles 5:7–9: The Ark was placed in the Holy of Holies (Debir), under two large sculpted cherubim.
2.2 Contents of the Ark
2.2.1 According to 1 Kings 8:9
- Only the two stone tablets of the Law remained at this time.
- Earlier items (golden pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded; Hebrews 9:4) were either not included in Kings or presumed missing by Solomon’s era.
2.3 Theological Significance in the Temple
| Aspect | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ark as Throne | Symbolised God’s kingship, enthroned above the cherubim (Exodus 25:22; Psalm 80:1). |
| Ark as Covenant Chest | Contained the covenant tablets, signifying Israel’s binding relationship with Yahweh. |
| Ark as Footstool | God’s invisible presence rested above it (1 Chronicles 28:2). |
3. What Happened to the Ark?
3.1 Disappearance from Biblical Record
After the First Temple period, the Ark is notably absent from Second Temple references, suggesting it was no longer present after the Babylonian conquest (586 BCE).
3.2 Possible Historical Explanations
3.2.1 Taken by the Babylonians
- The Babylonian inventories (2 Kings 25:13–17) list temple vessels taken as plunder but do not mention the Ark explicitly.
3.2.2 Hidden by Priests
- Jewish tradition (2 Maccabees 2:4–8) claims Jeremiah hid the Ark in a cave on Mount Nebo, to remain concealed until God gathers His people again.
- Talmudic sources (Yoma 53b) suggest it was hidden in a secret chamber beneath the Temple Mount by King Josiah, anticipating Babylon’s destruction.
3.2.3 Destroyed
- Some scholars suggest it may have been destroyed during the conquest, though this is not explicitly stated in the biblical text.
3.3 Post-Biblical and Apocryphal Traditions
| Tradition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ethiopian Orthodox Claim | Ark was taken by Menelik I, son of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, and remains in Axum, Ethiopia (Kebra Nagast). |
| Temple Mount Hidden Chambers | Jewish and popular tradition maintains the Ark is hidden beneath the Temple Mount, awaiting messianic restoration. |
| Christian Typology | The Ark is fulfilled in Christ as the mercy seat and presence of God among His people (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:5). |
4. Theological Reflections on Its Disappearance
4.1 Divine Judgement and Presence
- The Ark’s loss reflected God’s judgement against persistent idolatry (Jeremiah 3:16–17).
4.2 Eschatological Restoration
Jeremiah 3:16–17 prophesies:
“They will no longer say, ‘The Ark of the Covenant of the LORD.’ It will not come to mind… At that time Jerusalem will be called the throne of the LORD.”
This indicates:
- A shift from symbolic throne to God’s direct, universal reign, anticipating messianic fulfilment.
4.3 Christological Fulfilment
In the New Testament:
- Jesus is presented as the true mercy seat (hilasterion) (Romans 3:25).
- The Ark’s function as the locus of God’s presence and atonement is fulfilled in Christ (John 1:14; Hebrews 9:11–12).
5. Summary Table: Fate of the Ark
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Placed in Solomon’s Temple | Yes, in the Holy of Holies under cherubim (1 Kings 8:6–9). |
| Contents at Dedication | Two tablets of the Law. |
| Fate | Disappears after 586 BCE destruction. |
| Theories | Hidden by priests; taken by Babylonians; destroyed; Ethiopian claim. |
| Theological Significance | Foreshadowed Christ’s atonement; God’s throne among His people; eschatological dwelling in the New Creation. |
6. Conclusion
The Ark of the Covenant was placed in the Holy of Holies of Solomon’s Temple, symbolising God’s throne and covenant presence. Its disappearance after the Babylonian conquest remains historically unconfirmed, enveloped in tradition and mystery, while theologically it finds fulfilment in Christ as the ultimate meeting place of God and humanity.
7. References
- Brueggemann, W. (1997). Theology of the Old Testament: Testimony, Dispute, Advocacy. Minneapolis: Fortress.
- Levenson, J. D. (1984). Sinai and Zion: An Entry into the Jewish Bible. San Francisco: Harper & Row.
- Mazar, A. (1992). Archaeology of the Land of the Bible: 10,000–586 B.C.E. New York: Doubleday.
- Tigay, J. H. (1996). The Evolution of the Gilgamesh Epic. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.
- Wright, N. T. (2013). Paul and the Faithfulness of God. Minneapolis: Fortress.