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When did the Ark of the Covenant Disappear (2024)📦

What does the Bible say happened to the Ark of the Covenant

When did the Ark of the Covenant Disappear – The Bible does not provide specific details about when the Ark of the Covenant disappeared, but it does mention events that are associated with its disappearance. Here are some bullet points summarizing what the Bible says about the disappearance of the Ark of the Covenant:

  • Capture by the Philistines: In 1 Samuel 4, the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant during a battle with the Israelites. This event marked a significant loss for Israel, as the Ark was taken by the Philistines to the city of Ashdod.
  • Plagues and Troubles: The Philistines experienced plagues and troubles in their cities while the Ark was in their possession. They eventually returned the Ark to the Israelites due to the troubles it brought upon them.
  • Return to Israel: The Ark of the Covenant was returned to Israel and briefly resided in the house of Abinadab in Kiriath-Jearim (1 Samuel 7:1-2).
  • David’s Desire to Bring it to Jerusalem: King David later expressed his desire to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem to signify God’s presence among the people (2 Samuel 6).
  • Placement in Solomon’s Temple: The Ark of the Covenant was placed in the Most Holy Place of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:6-9).
  • Absence in the New Testament: The Ark of the Covenant is not mentioned in the New Testament, and its fate or whereabouts are not detailed beyond its placement in Solomon’s Temple.
  • Various Theories: The disappearance of the Ark of the Covenant has led to various theories and speculations, but the Bible itself does not provide a clear account of what happened to it after it was placed in the temple.

The biblical account primarily focuses on the events surrounding the capture, return, and placement of the Ark of the Covenant rather than its ultimate fate or disappearance.

When did the Ark of the Covenant Disappear

The journey of the Ark of the Covenant is described in various parts of the Bible. Here’s a table summarizing some of the key locations and dates associated with the Ark’s journey based on biblical accounts:

LocationDate (Approximate)Description
Sinai (Exodus 25:10-22 )Circa 1446 BCThe Ark of the Covenant was constructed according to God’s instructions at Mount Sinai.
Kadesh-Barnea (Numbers 10:33-36)Circa 1445 BCThe Ark accompanied the Israelites during their desert wanderings and encampments.
Jordan River (Joshua 3:3-17)Circa 1406 BCThe Ark played a significant role in the crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land.
Shiloh (Joshua 18:1)Circa 1406-1370 BCThe Ark was kept at Shiloh as the central sanctuary during the early period of the Judges.
Bethel, Mizpah, and Other CitiesCirca 1406-1050 BCThe Ark moved between various cities in Israel during the time of the Judges.
Philistine Cities (1 Samuel 4-6)Circa 1050 BCThe Philistines captured the Ark but eventually returned it due to plagues and troubles.
Kiriath-Jearim (1 Samuel 7:1-2)Circa 1050-1010 BCThe Ark was kept in the house of Abinadab in Kiriath-Jearim after its return from the Philistines.
Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6; 1 Kings 8)Circa 1000 BCKing David brought the Ark to Jerusalem, and it was placed in the Most Holy Place of the temple.
Unknown FateThe Bible does not provide further details about the Ark’s journey or its ultimate fate.

Please note that the dates are approximate and based on biblical chronology. The Ark’s journey is primarily described in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, 1 Samuel, and 2 Samuel. The Bible does not provide a definitive account of what happened to the Ark after it was placed in Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem.

When did the Ark of the Covenant Disappear – Quiz – What does the Bible say happened to the Ark of the Covenant

15 Multiple choice questions on What does the Bible say happened to the Ark of the Covenant?

  1. What happened to the Ark of the Covenant according to the Bible?
    A. It was taken to Heaven
    B. It was destroyed by the Babylonians
    C. It was hidden away in a secret location
    D. It was taken to a temple in Jerusalem
  2. How was the Ark of the Covenant used in the Bible?
    A. As an offering to God
    B. As a sign of God’s presence
    C. As a weapon against enemies
    D. As a symbol of the covenant between God and Israel
  3. In what book of the Bible is the Ark of the Covenant mentioned?
    A. Exodus
    B. Numbers
    C. Deuteronomy
    D. Joshua
  4. Who was tasked with building the Ark of the Covenant in the Bible?
    A. Bezalel
    B. Moses
    C. Aaron
    D. Solomon
  5. According to the Bible, what items were placed inside the Ark of the Covenant?
    A. The Ten Commandments
    B. A pot of manna
    C. The stone tablets
    D. All of the above
  6. The Ark of the Covenant was taken where by the Israelites?
    A. Into the Promised Land
    B. To the Temple of Jerusalem
    C. Into battle
    D. On a pilgrimage
  7. Who was forbidden from touching the Ark of the Covenant?
    A. Priests
    B. Kings
    C. Prophets
    D. All of the above
  8. How many cherubim were placed on the Ark of the Covenant?
    A. One
    B. Two
    C. Three
    D. Four
  9. According to the Bible, who was allowed to carry the Ark of the Covenant?
    A. Levites
    B. Priests
    C. Kings
    D. All of the above
  10. What did the Ark of the Covenant symbolize in the Bible?
    A. The presence of God
    B. The covenant between God and Israel
    C. The power of God
    D. All of the above
  11. When did the Ark of the Covenant disappear from the Bible?
    A. After the Babylonian Exile
    B. After the death of King David
    C. After the Exodus
    D. After the Israelites entered the Promised Land
  12. What did the Philistines do with the Ark of the Covenant when they captured it?
    A. They brought it to the Temple of Jerusalem
    B. They returned it to the Israelites
    C. They brought it to their own temple
    D. They destroyed it
  13. What was the purpose of the Ark of the Covenant in the Bible?
    A. To transport the Ten Commandments
    B. To carry the tablets of the Law
    C. To store the manna
    D. To symbolize the covenant between God and Israel
  14. What did the Israelites do when the Ark of the Covenant was brought into battle?
    A. They sang songs of praise
    B. They shouted and blew trumpets
    C. They bowed down before it
    D. They offered sacrifices
  15. What was the name of the man who was tasked with carrying the Ark of the Covenant?
    A. Uzzah
    B. Eleazar
    C. Bezalel
    D. Oholiab

Answers to above Quiz

  1. D
  2. D
  3. A
  4. A
  5. D
  6. A
  7. D
  8. B
  9. D
  10. D
  11. A
  12. B
  13. D
  14. B
  15. A

Best Bible Encyclopedias and Dictionaries

Below is a table featuring some highly regarded Bible Encyclopedias and Dictionaries along with their publishers and websites where they can be found or purchased.

TitlePublisherWebsite
The International Standard Bible EncyclopediaEerdmansEerdmans
Zondervan’s Pictorial Bible DictionaryZondervanZondervan
Easton’s Bible DictionaryThomas NelsonThomas Nelson
Holman Illustrated Bible DictionaryB&H Publishing GroupB&H Publishing Group
The New Unger’s Bible DictionaryMoody PublishersMoody Publishers
HarperCollins Bible DictionaryHarperOneHarperOne
Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament WordsThomas NelsonThomas Nelson

You can generally find these resources on the publishers’ websites, as well as other online book retailers such as Amazon or Christianbook. It’s always good practice to confirm availability and review additional details on the specific websites or other reliable online bookstores.

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