"They shall make an ark of acacia wood," God commanded Moses in the Book of Exodus, after delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. And so the Israelites built an ark, or chest, gilding it inside and out. And into this chest Moses placed stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, as given to him on Mount Sinai.
Thus the ark “was worshipped by the Israelites as the embodiment of God Himself,” writes Graham Hancock in The Sign and the Seal. "Biblical and other archaic sources speak of the Ark blazing with fire and light...stopping rivers, blasting whole armies." (Steven Spielberg's 1981 film Raiders of the Lost Ark provides a special-effects approximation.) According to the First Book of Kings, King Solomon built the First Temple in Jerusalem to house the ark. It was venerated there during Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 B.C.) and beyond.
Then it vanished. Much of Jewish tradition holds that it disappeared before or while the Babylonians sacked the temple in Jerusalem in 586 B.C.
But through the centuries, Ethiopian Christians have claimed that the ark rests in a chapel in the small town of Aksum, in their country's northern highlands. It arrived nearly 3,000 years ago, they say, and has been guarded by a succession of virgin monks who, once anointed, are forbidden to set foot outside the chapel grounds until they die.
One of the first things that caught my eye in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, was an enormous concrete pillar topped by a giant red star—the sort of monument to communism still visible in Pyongyang. The North Koreans built this one as a gift for the Derg, the Marxist regime that ruled Ethiopia from 1974 to 1991 (the country is now governed by an elected parliament and prime minister). In a campaign that Derg officials named the Red Terror, they slaughtered their political enemies—estimates range from several thousand to more than a million people. The most prominent of their victims was Emperor Haile Selassie, whose death, under circumstances that remain contested, was announced in 1975.
He was the last emperor of Ethiopia—and, he claimed, the 225th monarch, descended from Menelik, the ruler believed responsible for Ethiopia's possession of the ark of the covenant in the tenth century B.C.
The story is told in the Kebra Negast (Glory of the Kings), Ethiopia's chronicle of its royal line: the Queen of Sheba, one of its first rulers, traveled to Jerusalem to partake of King Solomon's wisdom; on her way home, she bore Solomon's son, Menelik. Later Menelik went to visit his father, and on his return journey was accompanied by the firstborn sons of some Israelite nobles—who, unbeknown to Menelik, stole the ark and carried it with them to Ethiopia. When Menelik learned of the theft, he reasoned that since the ark's frightful powers hadn't destroyed his retinue, it must be God's will that it remain with him.
Many historians—including Richard Pankhurst, a British-born scholar who has lived in Ethiopia for almost 50 years—date the Kebra Negast manuscript to the 14th century A.D. It was written, they say, to validate the claim by Menelik's descendants that their right to rule was God-given, based on an unbroken succession from Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. But the Ethiopian faithful say the chronicles were copied from a fourth-century Coptic manuscript that was, in turn, based on a far earlier account. This lineage remained so important to them that it was written into Selassie's two imperial constitutions, in 1931 and 1955.
Before leaving Addis Ababa for Aksum, I went to the offices of His Holiness Abuna Paulos, patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which has some 40 million adherents worldwide, to ask about Ethiopia's claim to have the ark of the covenant. Paulos holds a PhD in theology from Princeton University, and before he was installed as patriarch, in 1992, he was a parish priest in Manhattan. Gripping a golden staff, wearing a golden icon depicting the Madonna cradling an infant Jesus, and seated on what looked like a golden throne, he oozed power and patronage.
"We've had 1,000 years of Judaism, followed by 2,000 years of Christianity, and that's why our religion is rooted in the Old Testament," he told me. "We follow the same dietary laws as Judaism, as set out in Leviticus," meaning that his followers keep kosher, even though they are Christians. "Parents circumcise their baby boys as a religious duty, we often give Old Testament names to our boys and many villagers in the countryside still hold Saturday sacred as the Sabbath."
Is this tradition linked to the church's claim to hold the ark, which Ethiopians call Tabota Seyen, or the Ark of Zion? "It's no claim, it's the truth," Paulos answered. "Queen Sheba visited King Solomon in Jerusalem three thousand years ago, and the son she bore him, Menelik, at age 20 visited Jerusalem, from where he brought the ark of the covenant back to Aksum. It's been in Ethiopia ever since."
I asked if the ark in Ethiopia resembles the one described in the Bible: almost four feet long, just over two feet high and wide, surmounted by two winged cherubs facing each other across its heavy lid, forming the "mercy seat," or footstool for the throne of God. Paulos shrugged. "Can you believe that even though I'm head of the Ethiopian church, I'm still forbidden from seeing it?" he said. "The guardian of the ark is the only person on earth who has that peerless honor."
I believe the Arc was given as gift from father to son. I believe King Solomon as wise as he is believed that his son was not staying to rule Israel but Ethiopia, so he believed Menilik, the son that he loves deserved part of the ark. Just commonsense Thank you
Posted by yasfela on November 26,2007 | 09:09AM
Great story! What a tantalizing mystery.
Posted by John on November 26,2007 | 09:40AM
Ok. There is one guy who is not allowed to step away from the monastery and is not allowed to let anyone else see it...... Does anyone else find it rather interesting?
Posted by mSky on November 26,2007 | 09:42AM
It is well documented that Ethiopia was not known as Sheba at the period in which the bible was written. Additionally, examination of the many arks in Ethiopia has revealed them to be replicas.
Posted by Thadd on November 26,2007 | 10:33AM
Nice story, but face it-- this is a total snow-job. One guy can see the box, and nobody else? Please... even if they showed it to you, it would still be a box. In hundreds of years, I'm pretty sure they could have made a box. Lame!
Posted by DaveX on November 26,2007 | 10:33AM
This is not a "tantalizing mystery" many authors have already debunked this idea, its sad that a magazine would publicize it like this, when it is a historic myth that has many times over been shown as just a legend.
Posted by Thadd Nelson on November 26,2007 | 10:35AM
He worried the ark would harm him? This guy is no Indiana Jones, that's quite obvious. In Ethiopia, I doubt that anything of value exists in this temple- seems to me it'd be pretty easy to overpower this keeper and steal it (if it was there). After all, if this thing existed, it'd be quite valuable. Was this from "Smithsonian Magazine" or the National Enquirer?
Posted by El Bob on November 26,2007 | 01:59PM
As an Ethiopian and Orthodox Christian and considering material and immaterial evidences I do believe that the Ark is indeed in Ethiopia. It is amazing to read some people describe this fact as a myth or legend while providing no proof to support their take.
Posted by Getachew Assefa on November 26,2007 | 02:28PM
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof. You can't just claim to have the Ark of the Covanent (or space aliens or a tasty, fat-free sundae)) behind the curtain without submitting to detailed inspection. That's the difference between belief and science (no matter what you personally believe the "mix" to be). The Ark may be there, but sayin' doesn't make it so.
Posted by Michael 'Mickey' Sattler on November 26,2007 | 04:19PM
Who really cares, myth or truth,it's a box and if that makes them happy not to share it with the world, it is their loss not ours.
Posted by Barry Bigelow on November 26,2007 | 06:01PM
"And I was also held back by the fear that the ark would harm me if I dared defile it with my presence." Ah that was a good one. Killed by the power of make-believe. Seriously. If they really had the ark it would be a great symbol around which to rally. Why woudl they not use it to convert the world and to rid their destitute country of it's poverty? Simple, they do not have it. In all likelihood it does not exist. Even if they had "the" ark it would not be the one Moses made for the following reasons: 1. Moses is not a historical person. He is mythological. 2. The Exodus did not happen. It is a myth. This whole thing is just silly. This stories real value to do show how sad and wasteful human credulity can be.
Posted by Puskara on November 26,2007 | 06:08PM
It would be relatively easy to validate or disprove this claim. Call on Sam Fisher of Splinter Cell fame to sneak in, sticky shock the virgin monk and get pictures. We might need a remote control bomb squad robot if this thing is really dangerous.
Posted by Vince on November 26,2007 | 07:18PM
I do not know if the story is true. I was in Askum 45 years ago. It is a very small church, surrounded by an iron fence. There is a lot of empty space around the fence. Nobody but the single priest is inside the fence; he does not give interviews. Trust me El Bob, if you tried to get through or over the fence, you would die. It seems like nobody is watching, but a 100 eyes are on you every moment. It is not a place to make a wrong move. The idea of overpowering the guard is, without a massive bloodbath, not going to happen. And Askum is a loooong way from any place a thief would feel safe. For a very long time, only one person has known what is actually in the building. Everybody else takes the story very, very seriously. Nobody will sell out. The chances that any person other than the single priest having certainty is nonexistent
Posted by adexterc on November 26,2007 | 08:20PM
The Ark itself is not nearly as important as it's contents. To have the Ark does not necessarily mean that one has the tablets. It is conceivable that the Ark was sent or brought to Ethiopia to disguise the true whereabouts of the tablets. And the tablets, hidden some time before in Israel from thieves or invaders, remain there, possibly buried somewhere in the Temple Mount, where they should be.
Posted by joe tompkins on November 26,2007 | 08:42PM
Unlike most of those who have left comments above, I don't pretend to know if the ark is or is not in Ethiopia. If however, it was shown to be there, and Aaron's rod were still contained inside with live flower buds on it, what affect would that have on the worldview of the devout skeptics. It would seem some adjustments would have to be made.
Posted by The One on November 26,2007 | 09:55PM
"...while providing no proof to support their take." Except the burden of proof is on those who make the claim it is real. Besides, the magic man won't let anyone see the magic box.
Posted by john on November 26,2007 | 11:03PM
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof. For anyone to claim that the Ark is in Ethiopia with any authority they would need to present something more convincing than a visit with an lonely old man occupying an even lonelier and older chapel.
Posted by One-Liner Duke on November 26,2007 | 11:36PM
The Ark of the Covenant is still in Jerusalem, where Jeremiah hid it. 2 Macabees 2:1-8 (from the Apocrypha) One finds in the records that Jeremiah the prophet ordered those who were being deported to take some of the fire, as has been told, and that the prophet after giving them the law instructed those who were being deported not to forget the commandments of the Lord, nor to be led astray in their thoughts upon seeing the gold and silver statues and their adornment. And with other similar words he exhorted them that the law should not depart from their hearts. It was also in the writing that the prophet, having received an oracle, ordered that the tent and the ark should follow with him, and that he went out to the mountain where Moses had gone up and had seen the inheritance of God. And Jeremiah came and found a cave, and he brought there the tent and the ark and the altar of incense, and he sealed up the entrance. Some of those who followed him came up to mark the way, but could not find it. When Jeremiah learned of it, he rebuked them and declared: "The place shall be unknown until God gathers his people together again and shows his mercy. And then the Lord will disclose these things, and the glory of the Lord and the cloud will appear, as they were shown in the case of Moses, and as Solomon asked that the place should be specially consecrated." __________________________________________ Since Jeremiah hid the Ark during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem while the city was surrounded, verse 4 is probably mistaken, as the mountain being referred to is on the far side of the Jordan river. I suspect that the author mistakenly wrote "the mountain where Moses had gone up and had seen the inheritance of God" rather than the mountain Moses saw that was the inheritance of God (Jerusalem and Mount Moriah). The Ark would have been hidden between Jerusalem and the siege wall built by Nebuchadnezzar. And it is there to this day.
Posted by Berkana on November 26,2007 | 11:58PM
Well that is a fascinating story and would make a terrific screenplay, but I'm afraid we wouldn't be reading about it if the artifact actually existed.
Posted by Casual Observer on November 27,2007 | 12:13AM
Thank God something remains untouched and in mystery. Imagine the PC crowd and media with their hands on the Ark. I thank Mr Raffaele for expending the resources for this article, a contribution that keeps faith & hope alive. Hopefully the faithful will always out number the skeptics. Deacon George
Posted by Deacon George on November 27,2007 | 07:05AM
Wouldn't an infrared camera show a metal object if the building is made of stone. I am surprised that with all the travelling expenses incurred, that perhaps some modern technology could/wouldn't have been used to catch a glimpse or confirmed the existance of some metal structure inside. Chance of a wooden structure lasting 3000+ years is slim to nil. I believe that it truly did exsist, but for one culture to hord it seems very greedy to me.... I don't think God would have wanted it that way. He made if for everyone to see and believe.
Posted by KEVIN on November 27,2007 | 07:17AM
Santa Claus lives in my basement...no one is allowed to see him but me.
Posted by Frederick Schmeck on November 27,2007 | 08:10AM
How many times can the same (non-)story be told? Each time it ends with "Well, we still just don't know if the legend is true or not". The Discovery Channel (or History Channel) did a one-hour program on the possibility of the Ark being in Ethiopia not long ago. It too, not surprisingly, ended with "...and they wouldn't let us see it".
Posted by Gary on November 27,2007 | 11:56AM
It is an interesting story but so what?. I am not too sure if this will make Ethiopians proud or humble. One can claim to be a christian. But if the fruit of the life doesn't show, it is a tragedy. Jesus saves!
Posted by Boez on November 27,2007 | 12:59PM
Puskara... I'd really like to know what evidence you have that Moses is a mythical person and the exodus never happened. I'm very curious.
Posted by Brandon on November 27,2007 | 01:27PM
Ark or no ark, the history and culture of these Ethiopian people lasting through the millenium is rich and facsinating.
Posted by Arizzzona on November 27,2007 | 01:39PM
I have heard this story before, giving that the chapel/temple in askum has not been breeched except by those who are supposed to live there and guard it, I suppose that it could be there. Bob Cornuke (sp?) did a video of his search for it, showing the island in the middle of the nile, with the holes in the rock which coorispond accuratly to the dimensions in the bible for the tent over the ark. The ledgends he traces in his travels to Ethiopia, coorespond to the history of the region very well. I guess this like everything esle in the bible is something to be taken on faith. "Faith, believing in things unseen."
Posted by Michael Alan bridges on November 27,2007 | 05:58PM
They cannot really show the Arc as they really don't have it. How can you show some thing you dont have.
Posted by A.J.B.Nazareth on November 27,2007 | 07:10PM
This was a tremendously fascinating story. Thank you.
Posted by Bill Parrish on November 27,2007 | 08:08PM
There is no ark anywhere, and there never was any ark in the first place. This "Ark" legend was produced in Egypt where the Kibre Negest and Fitha Negest were first writen inorder to impose and keep Ethiopia under a "Solomonic" dynast. Ethiopian historians such as Dr. Lapiso Delaebo and Dr. Taddese Tamrat have writen on the subject and they have shown that the story of Queen of Sheba and king solomon to be a legend. But this legend has taken a life of its own, especially in Ethiopia where the Ethiopian Orthodox church, a church that was very much attached to the "Solomonic" dynast that was ruling Ethiopia from around 12th century up until it was over-thrown in 1974 by popular revolt. Ethiopians are believers, and if there was any thing that was able to help Ethiopians during their famine when families starved to death during 70s and 80s the Emperor, and after him, the Derg, would have done something about the Ark.
Posted by abebech gemeda on November 27,2007 | 10:24PM
One friend in Australia, a person who was deeply interested in this topic, told me the ark has been discovered in a cave right below the crucifixion site where it was positioned so that the blood o the Lord flowing down the cross dripped on the mercy seat. The story seems to indicate the orthodox Jews keep this fact hidden to the world else they would have to acknowledge the divinity of One they refused and are still refusing. I have also understood from the story there exists a tremendous friction between the Jews, Christians and Muslims concerning this particular peace of real estate. In my view it would be one of the greatest news this world has ever known if the ark was shown to have its recorded content: the tablets of law written by the hand of God, pot of manna to prove how the Israelites were fed in wilderness and also the budding rod of Aaron. All the items are miracles by God's power and He may yet unhide them for all to see. However, blessed are those who did not see and believed.
Posted by Andy Beach on November 27,2007 | 10:57PM
I am surprised that Israel is not more interested in this potential Holy object. Especially at a time of such national peril! Do you suppose they might try to have it returned?
Posted by Nigel on November 28,2007 | 12:02AM
Most commentators here want to see it before they believe it actually exists... This is where a believer differs from a materialist. The main point is those people keep their faith, value it and live by it; if the tradition is to keep it away from ordinary people, that is what they do. They do not care whether you belive it or not. Take it or leave it, the Ark is there.
Posted by Ewne on November 28,2007 | 02:42AM
Don't you know that Jeremiah took the Ark with him to the British Isles along with the stone that Jacob used as a pillow? It's all in the indisputable historical book entitled "The Scepter and The Birthright".
Posted by whataboutbob on November 28,2007 | 03:15AM
I receive regular emails from Ethiopia. I am told that I am a winner in a national lottery, or I am a recipient of a large amount on money In a bank account. All I need to do is send 1,700 dollars to help the process move forward. And all these mails are being sent from inside that building!! People want to believe in anything intangible that gives them hope. We live in a world that is becoming more chaotic by the moment, and this chaos is fueled by overpopulation and greed. Let's hope that this ark exists. It can bring us peace and a beautiful new world. And if it does not exist... well, I bought the T shirt.
Posted by Mr. Ficheye on November 28,2007 | 03:16AM
The absence of EVIDENCE...does NOT necessarily conclude there is evidence of ABSENCE...in the context of the Ark, its existence and/or location... Interesting article!
Posted by Steve Belt on November 28,2007 | 04:23AM
( Berkana’s post of November 26,2007 pointed out some truth.) In the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem none of the artifacts taken listed the Ark, and they kept detailed lists of everything they did. Jeremiah buried the Ark outside the city in an underground passage way and sealed it up. In a blog I read some time ago, an archeologist believes he has proof that it was buried under Golgotha. Strange, but it makes sense to me, as the blood of Jesus may very well dripped down upon the Mercy seat keeping with Mosaic temple laws of the sacrificed lamb. Something to think about!
Posted by Vince Martone on November 28,2007 | 05:26AM
Suffice it that the Ethiopians believe they are in possession of the Holy Ark. Our belief is neither required nor requested. They grant to us the telling of the story of how they came into its possession and they allow us to consider their faith in that story. For the believer, no more proof is needed. For the doubter, no proof would ever be enough. The balance has now been struck between the known and the unknown.
Posted by Redoubt on November 28,2007 | 06:40AM
God bless Ethiopia and the Ethiopians who are the guardians of the "ARK". AMEN
Posted by Tesfaye Tadesse (Cdr. Rtrd.) on November 28,2007 | 06:53AM
Actually the Queen of Sheba were from Yoruba land in Nigeria. The English researchers have found the site in Ogun state. In fact it is out side of an ancient city north of Lagos. In fact my wife is from there from a royal family older then the royal family of England. It is rather sad this information has not been dispenced to the public. The fact of underminding the bible I guess is at stake or to think that Sheba is too far away from Europe is another problem. Let truth ring. O'yes did I mention Noah's ark? This is another story of the ark in Nigeria outside of another historical city in Yoruba land. To think that God would put his people where food grow in abundance is crazy right? Well the idea that God would place Noah in a mountainous area where nothing grows is another crazy idea.
Posted by Horace J. Batiste on November 28,2007 | 06:58AM
At least one person outside the chapel has seen it- Mengistu the former dictator. He's still alive living in Zimbabwe perhaps someone could ask him what it looks like. I understand that it has been made reasonably clear that what is in the chapel is a tabot, ie carved tablet, not a box. I read some similar article which suggests that this is the case. I think that there has been some linguistic confusion. The Ethiopians call the original Ark tabot, they also call the tablets they have in every church tabot. The one in Aksum is said, in some sense, to be the original tabot, so there is a mix up and they think they have the Ark. The British museum has some tabots, or tabotat to use the Ethiopian plural. Some are wood, some are stone, they varyin size and style, so to call them replicas seems to me to be stretching it. Unofortunately as I typed this the left hand edge of the page was concealed, so I can't actually see all that I have typed. Apologies for any typing errors.
Posted by Ivan Viehoff on November 28,2007 | 07:24AM
It is stories like these which stray us from the truth, which will be revealed when He is ready.
Posted by Tom on November 28,2007 | 08:02AM
The story is BS; when Italy invaded and occupied Ethiopa b/f WWII, they easily could have taken it. I'm sure that had the ark been real, it would've been made Mussolini's greatest stolen treasure.
Posted by Ron on November 28,2007 | 08:13AM
The story is meant to test your faith. If you believe, the story is enough justification. If not you're no better off with or without it. Simple as that.
Posted by Pr0x1 on November 28,2007 | 08:43AM
Fascinating story indeed! Further, if a rumoured Fourth Temple is built in Jerusalem on the Messiah's return, you can be sure the original ark (wherever it may be) will also return with unprecedented fanfare. Why hasn't anyone mentioned Revelation 11:19 in which the Apostle John declares he saw the ark in heaven?
Posted by lifeway731 on November 28,2007 | 08:53AM
heh ... I will wager that the Arc is not in that shrine, but I'll also wager that they do have it tucked away elsewhere, safely out of reach of 30 centuries of journalists, thieves and commandos.
Posted by mrG on November 28,2007 | 08:54AM
Maybe they THINK that what they have is indeed the Ark, but I really think otherwise. If people really thought this, they would of killed every last one of them to find it.
Posted by jim on November 28,2007 | 09:38AM
Fascinating! But the author pointed something out, that kind of got me thinking. This place was under communist control. What is one of the first things that communists would do in a place like this? I am pretty sure that this place would of been one of their first raids in order to prove its lack of value as a social entity per se. I do not say communists are not religious, but for the time frame pointed out, mysticism and myth does not equate to productivity of the populace so that "Ark" would of had to go. How does the author explain that not happening?
Posted by L_Clavell on November 28,2007 | 09:53AM
HOW DID THESE PEOPLE GET THE ARK INTO SUDAN WITHOUT TOUCHING IT..BECAUSE THE BIBLE IS CLEAR WHEN WE READ THAT NO MAN CAN TOUCH THE ARK. IN 70 AD THE ROMANS TOOK EVERYTHING OUT OF THE TEMPLE GOLD SLIVER AND THE ARK...BECAUSE IT WAS STILL THERE AT THE TIME JOHANN DOHMANN USA.
Posted by JOHANN DOHMANN on November 28,2007 | 12:22PM
I read all the comments and it is surprising that people just throw their comments. You do not have to see to believe if you have faith. Even seeing a queen or a king requires certain restriction let along seeing the arc filled with God's power. Asking to see the arc is like asking to see GOD. The bible states the same way of handling that only the Levi priest was allowed. The fact that the guardian dedicates his life to serve God is a sign of faith that most of us can not able to do. For those of you who commented on the power of the arc or try to use technology or overpower the guardian or test the power of Ethiopian to protect the arc, you should go there and see if you still feel trying to do a wrong move. These people are well known in history to protect their country from invaders. BTW Ethiopia is the only country that has never been colonized by western. They have kept their religion and tradition for years and years that tell you how important it is to them. Someone mentioned about Bob Cornuke. He lived their for 10 years I don't thing he was able to talk to the guardian at all and I believe Mr. Raffaele was blessed to see and talk to the guardian. Thank you Mr. Raffaele for sharing this fascinating story. I trust the faithful will always out number the skeptics.
Posted by Mine on November 28,2007 | 12:29PM
A careful reading of the Book of Revelation will reveal the exact location of the Ark of the Covenant. Which was replaced with a new and better covenant which nobody can break. People seem not to know much about either the old Covenant or the NEW ONE! Sign me: Nan
Posted by Nancy McLeod on November 28,2007 | 01:06PM
Actually, the idea that only one person is allowed to see it or be in the same room with it is in line with scripture. During all the time the ark was in the tabernacle and all the time it was in the temple(s), only one person was allowed to enter the room where it was kept and then, only once a year. So, that part of the story sounds realistic. As for what the communists would or would not do...as much trouble as they're having with the Tibetan monks, I wonder if they might have felt it was safer to let it alone. Historically, the ark made disbelievers very ill. I wouldn't want to mess with it. Interestingly enough, the more science uncovers, the more it proves the stories of the Bible e.g., Sodom and Gomorrah, light as the source of creation, and others. We live in such exciting times because now we have the opportunity to see how the events of the Bible really happened!
Posted by L Walker on November 28,2007 | 02:41PM
seems like National Geographic has beaten Smithsonian to the punch. Check out http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/data/2001/07/01/html/ft_20010701.6.html?source=33AF for a nearly identical travelogue from 2000.
Posted by heavy reader on November 28,2007 | 04:39PM
after reading all these comments ill have to go with rev 11-19 where john said he saw it in heaven
Posted by elwood on November 28,2007 | 04:44PM
"The tabots (pronounced "TA-bots") are replicas of the tablets in the ark, and every church in Ethiopia has a set, kept in its own holy of holies." From the bible, we know that: "But God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they had looked into the ark of the LORD." - 1 Samuel 6:19a (NIV) "When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The LORD's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God." - 2 Samuel 6:6-7 (NIV) So, I'm just wondering how the Ethiopian church made replicas of the tablets since no one should survive after looking into or even touching the ark.
Posted by Patrick Tay on November 28,2007 | 07:45PM
What a crock of an article. How beneath the Smithsonian. The guy goes all the way to Ethiopia and comes back with nothing? Not a shred of proof? Just hearsay?
Posted by jamie on November 28,2007 | 08:57PM
Revelation 11:19 19Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm.
Posted by Mark Honeycutt on November 28,2007 | 08:58PM
Hey, folks, don't take yourselves so seriously! Does it really matter? Through the article I learned more than I ever knew about Ethiopia, and what a treat to learn about a place that I've never been. Since all of religion is a myth, why is it so important to zero in on this one in an attempt to prove or disprove authenticity. We're not talking empirical method here. Why don't you save your pennies and take a trip to Ethiopia to participate in the rituals that have been described. There are many Ethiopians at my job. They are warm and delightful people. Go visit their country, get acquainted with them and worry less about the meaning of the ark. From the Ethiopian restaurants in our area, I've learned that they have great food, so GO, MAKE FRIENDS, EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS, and ENJOY! Life is much too short to get hung up on such trivia.
Posted by Webb Naas on November 28,2007 | 09:13PM
The Ark is in the UK, as stated in the book The Discovery of the Ark of the Covenant, by Grant Berkley, Trafford Publishing. Don't prejudge before reading the background material, or seeing the photos of the site, with obvious archaeological evidential clues.
Posted by mjromanko@earthlink.net on November 28,2007 | 09:21PM
Amos.9 9:7 Are ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me, O children of Israel? saith the LORD. Have not I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt? and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir? Then GOD kept the holy of holy to the right place. You people are thinking material world and no soul belive this kind of facts. For Ethiopia this is not a problem that you belive or not. The main point is this very valuable GOD's gift make people strong in their phase and dignity. Please go and look at the people of Ethiopia and you can read how they proud people.Every country good time and bad time and do not look how this people dressing and living, but inside they have buitiful strong enovgh reliogion that keep them touch with GOD. They do not have like 7-eleven church that to benfit material.This country one of the first GOD creating people destination. existing many centuries. Another fact is that ADAM is from Ethiopia,The four rivers that flow to ADEN is ethiopian river, The wife of Mosses is Ethiopian, God talk through his prophets more than fourty times in the bible. Does thes facts false? Even Mousseloni lost his invasion? Yes because the people of Ethiopia carried the holy ark and fight him with the help of GOD and look at this people never colnize and free people. Go see how any white people to Ethiopia and see how this people proud and great people. Do not look what your white skin. The skin ethiopian is no body can get because the God itself say about it and read more the bible if you want to know The Great Ethiopian people history. Finally The ARK is there belive or not.
Posted by Tesfaye on November 28,2007 | 09:43PM
Genesis 2:13: And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia Numbers 12:1: And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman Psalms 68:31 Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God. 87:4I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. 43:3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. Daniel 11:43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps. Amos.9 9:7 Are ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me, O children of Israel? Zephaniah 2:12 Ye Ethiopians also, ye shall be slain by my sword. 3:10 From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering NEW TESTAMENT Acts 8:27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship.
Posted by Tesfaye on November 28,2007 | 09:55PM
Actually he true Ark of the Covenant is in my house along with the TRUE Spear of Destiny and the Shroud of Turin, however being a bachelor my rooms are so messy they'll never find them! At least not until I find the true HolY Grail AKA (a preferibly female) "San Graal" that I can be the Baby Daddy of Jesus II. -Yoda (Who's just being silly) Cool Article though. -Yoda
Posted by J.M.Yoda AKA Rob Kowal on November 29,2007 | 12:31AM
Dear Mr. Raffaele, I would like to point out that Sign and the Seal is not out of print. If you go to Amazon it is available at: http://www.amazon.com/Sign-Seal-Quest-Lost-Covenant/dp/0671865412/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196342079&sr=8-1 I couldn't help but notice that you relied very heavy on Graham Hancock's book, I'm sure it was just an oversight that you referenced his book as out of print. Thank you, Steve Detwiler
Posted by Steve Detwiler on November 29,2007 | 05:19AM
Faith does not require any proof. If anyone has doubt, can take the trip and see what will happen after seeing THE ARK. It is that easy if you require proof from God. God’s willpower shall prevail in that land eternally . Thank you for this interesting article.
Posted by Mofo on November 29,2007 | 07:43AM
I would like to know where we can see more of the beautiful depictions of Mary and Jesus, and whether prints are available. European artists' depictions of the Holy Family, Christmas, the lives of Jesus and Christian disciples are everywhere, but more diverse and authentic images are so hard to come by! When our December issue of the Smithsonian arrived the other day, I was delighted to see an alternate perspective on the upcoming holy season boldly featured on its cover. I believe alternate models of discourse enrich our thinking and strengthen our capacities for connecting with one another. I'm touched by the humility and devotion of the worshipers. Wouldn't it be interesting to read more stories and see more illustrations about people's devotions to Jesus and his mother, presented from post-colonial perspectives in public journals? I'd also love to know more about the geography, histories and cultures of the people in the highlands of Eritrea-Ethiopia. Raffaele's article is prompting an interesting dialogue: How cool is that! Best regards to all, Marie-Celeste
Posted by Marie-Celeste Condon Weisenburg on November 29,2007 | 08:03AM
Hi my name is Johnathan. I personaly like this article because I love to read about history at any time. Johnathan
Posted by Johnathan Brinkley on November 29,2007 | 10:20AM
First of all, anyone who can believe that the Lord of the Universe lives in a box needs help. Secondly, as Graham Hancock reasonably deduces in his book "The Sign and the Seal", the Ark may well have been (or still is) a potent instrument employing little-known technology for generating a huge electrical capacitance. That alone would have awed people in ancient times. The Egyptians knew something about solar and electrical power, and Ark-like structures (complete with winged beings) are known from their carvings and murals. I find nothing odd in the idea of an ancient object remaining intact - who knows what is in the Great Pyramid which undoubtedly has not yet revealed all its interior structures? Even so, it's stretching credulity a little to accept the insistence of the Guardian of the Ark that NO-ONE can be allowed to see what is, after all, a man-made creation, however intriguing. Superstition not science is at work here unfortunately.
Posted by Phil Senior on November 29,2007 | 10:34AM
Organized Religion is so backward and archaic...when do we leave that pernicious creation behind and move together as a species...as one? EARTH TO EARTH...WE ALL WORSHIP THE SAME GOD, AND GOD IS LOVE...there can be no greater truth...
Posted by Eric on November 29,2007 | 12:09PM
Fake! No one has the Ark and if they did would present it to the world to prove their God is real. Only one man can ever see the Ark? How does anyone know that he is telling the truth?
Posted by Brains on November 29,2007 | 12:10PM
Anybody want to address the DNA testing of Etheopians in the late 90's that showed MC DNA 99% matches with decendents of old testiment patriarchs? Very high groups of decendents of Isreal who intermixed with the local population over the years. Faces changed but tradition did not... Thank on that if you will.
Posted by Corey Goode on November 29,2007 | 08:23PM
The question as to whether or not the Ark *really* exists is of interest only to literalists, whether those of religious or materialist bent. It's appalling to me that people have lost appreciation for the aesthetics of mystery and ambiguity. Not everything HAS to be resolved in a black-or-white, either-it-is-or-isn't, fashion. Metaphor, imagery, myth, narrative---all these are powerful aspects of human understanding that really don't need or care about the literal truth of a proposition. "Show me the goods or else I won't believe." Who cares if you believe or not? I mean, seriously. Who are you? "Let's take infrared pictures or raid the place and then we'll know." While you're at it, why don't you kill your lover and remove her heart, just to confirm that she really loved you from the bottom of it? See what I mean. Literalism and positivism don't always equal smart. Enjoy the travelogue. Savor the images that the storyteller presents. Wonder about millennia past and about what might have happened. Appreciate that not everything needs to be resolved in either/or terms. Recognize that truth and fact need not always be synonymous. Otherwise, you're just a bean counter, which is kind of sad.
Posted by Jason B.P. Mierek on November 30,2007 | 09:56AM
The question as to whether or not the Ark *really* exists is of interest only to literalists, whether those of religious or materialist bent. It's appalling to me that people have lost appreciation for the aesthetics of mystery and ambiguity. Not everything HAS to be resolved in a black-or-white, either-it-is-or-isn't, fashion. Metaphor, imagery, myth, narrative---all these are powerful aspects of human understanding that really don't need or care about the literal truth of a proposition. "Show me the goods or else I won't believe." Who cares if you believe or not? I mean, seriously. Who are you? "Let's take infrared pictures or raid the place and then we'll know." While you're at it, why don't you kill your lover and remove her heart, just to confirm that she really loved you from the bottom of it? See what I mean. Literalism and positivism don't always equal smart. Enjoy the travelogue. Savor the images that the storyteller presents. Wonder about millennia past and about what might have happened. Appreciate that not everything needs to be resolved in either/or terms. Recognize that truth and fact need not always be synonymous. Otherwise, you're just a bean counter, which is kind of sad.
Posted by Jason B.P. Mierek on November 30,2007 | 09:59AM
Is it true that the entire collection of Old Testament stories are a fiction, mythology, borrowed myths from prior and surrounding civilisations? Yes. See: http://tinyurl.com/2tnhwe The above is based on fact: archeology. The magazine story is based upon myth, nothing more.
Posted by Roland on November 30,2007 | 12:18PM
Wasn't the entire Old Testament a foreshadow and Type of the Main Event to come ? Old wineskins won't hold new wine. The Old accomplished it's purpose....leading to the Way. Ralph Gaily
Posted by Ralph Gaily on November 30,2007 | 04:14PM
Yes i belive the arc existance,and if they say so for sure it is in ethiopia.but the argument actualy is just to reffer that how could be in such poor and black country,but the fact is in terms of belife, it is just the contrary.It is not a comodity,it is not a government or diplomatical issue,but it is a spiritual and god things and i guss only few holly persons have a knoladge where about.Finally it is a god will when will be seen by all of us.Even it doesn't matter where the arc is,but it matter it's existance some were and we value it.
Posted by sam on November 30,2007 | 06:17PM
Thanks, Paul and the Simithoian for this insightful account on Ethiopian history, culture and belief system. Discounting the Ethiopian history is just the same as discounting the existance of all religous faith. Face it, you can't have a black and white proof for religious belief system, whether it is christianity, judaisum, budhisum, moslim, hindusim, etc. We base our belief system based on faith. Why is it so hard to acknowledge Ethiopians claim? I have read what little written information I could find on Ethiopian history and find it fascinating. Their culture is like going back into the bilblical era and their language, Amharic is similar to Aramiac, the language of Christ. I sat next to an Ethiopian friend in a movie theatre watching, 'The Passion of Christ' and she understood most of what they were saying. Let's not put a price tag on this graceful culture. Let them preserve what is left of their rich history.
Posted by Sally on December 1,2007 | 06:36AM
Paul Raffaele's article is extremely interesting and has aroused my interest in seeking other resources that provide additional information on Christians in Ethiopia, both at the time of the ark's appearance in Ethiopia and today's Christian relevance in Ethiopia. Could you provide me such a list of references or direct me to a source(s) where I could find this material? Thank you.
Posted by Edward J. Shephard on December 1,2007 | 11:14AM
"You must have faith in things unseen." The modern world has lost faith, we do not believe in things, which cannot be proven by science. Yet, we still have faith that tomorrow, our sun will rise, and we will have air to breathe. The sacred items of God are not meant to be found, or brought forth to the light of the world. Just as God buried Moses, so that he would not be martyred, and his grave site would be made into a shrine. Likewise, was done with the biblical artifacts of God. An interesting question must be asked. If the Ark of the Covenant, or the Ark of Noah were to be discovered, and brought forth to the world. "Who would be more important the artifact, or creator of it?"
Posted by Oren 1 Chronicles 26 on December 1,2007 | 11:49AM
We should embark on a mystical adventure to reclaim it in the name of history, but then sell it on ebay. Then that money could go to feed all of Africa so Bill Gates wouldn't have to send them all of his money.
Posted by Indiana Jones on December 1,2007 | 02:14PM
Yee of little,or NO faith.
Posted by tmilesjr on December 1,2007 | 02:16PM
Just like God has hidden the burial site of Moses so that the site would not become a shrine which would take man's eyes away from God, He has done the same with the ark. The biblical ark was meant by God to be His representation of His manifest physical Presence to His people nation of Israel. In this way it was a token forshadowing of the ultimate Presence of God Himself amongst mankind when He came as the Lord Jesus. God has hidden or destroyed the ark, or at least the ravages of time has consumed it. What the ark forshadowed has found it's fulfillment in Jesus Who John 1:1-3 and Revelation 1:8 tells us is the Almighty God Who created us and leventually redeemed us. Of what value then is a box?
Posted by Seth Schlifer on December 1,2007 | 02:16PM
It has not been debunked in that nobody has ever seen the ark within the walls of that place. It is not a myth as we know that it existed; however, it remains unproven due to the fact that those who protect it will not allow it to be seen, touched or tested. I have spent my life studying the so-called ark lore and I do not find it settled, on either side.
Posted by Paul on December 1,2007 | 02:17PM
I believe the ark exsists. Yet I am not the one telling the world I have it. IF they actually have the Ark then show it. As the ole saying goes "Put up or shut up"
Posted by Terry on December 1,2007 | 02:17PM
Just like God has hidden the burial site of Moses so that the site would not become a shrine which would take man's eyes away from God, He has done the same with the ark. The biblical ark was meant by God to be His representation of His manifest physical Presence to His people nation of Israel. In this way it was a token forshadowing of the ultimate Presence of God Himself amongst mankind when He came as the Lord Jesus. God has hidden or destroyed the ark, or at least the ravages of time has consumed it. What the ark forshadowed has found it's fulfillment in Jesus Who John 1:1-3 and Revelation 1:8 tells us is the Almighty God Who created us and leventually redeemed us. Of what value then is a box?
Posted by Seth Schlifer on December 1,2007 | 02:17PM
There's nothing new about this story. I've heard about the Ethiopians protecting what they believe to be the Ark of the Covenant since I was a kid. I find it humorous how all of a sudden it's something new. I do believe that they just might have it. For all we know they do. The fact that it was lost means that it could have ended up anywhere. The thought of a group of people, believing so much, saying they have, and have had the ark, for so long is amazing in itself.
Posted by Rey on December 1,2007 | 02:20PM
please lets face it the only country that still have the treasures from the beginning of the bible is Ethiopia and it's a country that we all want to visit and see that building of Aksum and the lalibela. so I think and know that the ark is in Aksum, Ethiopia and it belongs to the beautiful country of Ethiopia and her People as well. so I will say buck of becuase it's a treasure that was given to us the people of Ethiopia as a gift from God our Father. thanks just being cerious and have to give my comment to this response.
Posted by Shumet on December 1,2007 | 02:21PM
o the ark the acacia drawn nigh
Posted by Yu Sareba on December 1,2007 | 02:21PM
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold everything. None on earth is "Peerless". Not after Christ died for us. We are all equals, and if the Ark still exists (which I could believe), then anyone could see it, because the Holy of Holies is now in us, not on the mercy seat. Hmmm... Need proof.
Posted by Ben on December 1,2007 | 02:24PM
The Ark of the Covenant in a Christian church? I don't think so!
Posted by Alan on December 1,2007 | 02:25PM
Santa Clause lives in my magical bedroom, guarded by virgins. What kind of proof is this? you just have to take my word for it... this is just Yahoo.com trying to make a story out of nothing. yahoo.com,,, please read the Books like the Bible, BEFORE you make articles like this.
Posted by Jonathan on December 1,2007 | 02:25PM
Not to mention, don't you think that as Christians with such a relic, it should be spread among the Christian world, not publicized across the media (who couldn't give a rats toot) and risk some power (like the Pope or worse...) coming to take it away?
Posted by Ben on December 1,2007 | 02:27PM
I believe the story. The covenant is still in Ethiopia since Milelike time. some people might not believe this but Faith, is beliveing in the things unseen.
Posted by Elleni on December 1,2007 | 02:30PM
I believe The Ark is in one place: Wherever God intended it to be. It will be revealed when the time is right. What I find more fascinating is man's hardened heart. It's amazing to see nowadays just like it was described in the bible time & time again.
Posted by abp on December 1,2007 | 02:30PM
Wheather we do or don't, belive the Bible,is up to each person, & yet, no matter what, we, may think, the truth is not changed by denial. Since the Bible has been 100 % accurate, down to the most minute detail, it amazes me, how so called intelligent people, think they, know more then GOD, the Creator of all the earth, the seas, & atmosphere, & all that is in them !!!! The complete arrogance of so many, is truly amazing !! And we, are suppose to take your, word, over GODs, Holy Word???? That, is the height of arrogance & sheer stupidity, in my, opinion ( & I'm just as entitled to mine, as you are to yours !!).Since GOD, HAS, been entirely accurate, thus far, I think His track record, is far easier to believe !!! Again, in my, opinion !!! As He asked Job, " Where were you, when I laid the foundations of the earth &, ( & so on) ? I'll ask you unbelivers the same questions, He asked Job. Where were you, when GOD made all that we see ? Myth indeed!!!! As for the" Ark of GODs Covenent," who cares where, it is? If we see it or not? It is where GOD, wants it, & won't be revealed, till He, wants it to be. Same with Noahs Ark. Our, "opinions," don't change the truth, one bit. I just pray people wise up, & live their lives with JESUS, as our pattern, & everything else, will be taken care of, in due season.!!
Posted by Dona Frederick on December 1,2007 | 02:30PM
I've been to Israel and spoke with the Rabbi's in Jerusalem and they say they know the Ark is in Jerusalem. You can look up the Temple Institute on-line and they will tell you they know where it is. Some even "speculate" they are waiting to reveal it until the next Holy Temple is built. And by the way the Ark is not a gift to be given to someone! It represented the presence of Jehovah God. I cant believe someone would think it to be a gift. Thats my two bits. For better or worse. Check out http://www.templeinstitute.org/
Posted by Friend Of Israel on December 1,2007 | 02:30PM
the ark of the covenent was a real thing and moses was a real person and personaly idk where the ark is but it was real ppl can say where it is if they want to or not the truth is that who cares where the ark is the real test is on your faith if you are a beliver (and i mean a christian for you idiots who cant figure out that beliver dosent mean "i belive in ghosts")but anyway if you are a beliver than you know what the bible says (if you dont try reading it) and the bible talks about a beautiful ark of gold where God dwelled and you itiotic atheists need to stop putting your 2 cents in when ppl dont give a cow what you freakin think!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by erin sky on December 1,2007 | 02:32PM
Actually, I have the ark and it's in my basement, but only I am allowed to see it, and I will tell you that it's just a plain box witnout any gaudy gold. I also spoke with God yesterday and he suggested that I throw it out if my basement has any mold at all. Also, he said that he didn't write the bible, but that it was actually written by some men. Moreover, he said that I could pass it on that he personnaly never had a religion, that religion is a man-made convention and he wished that those that kill in his name, and in the name of the bible, would cut it out.
Posted by John on December 1,2007 | 02:32PM
This is all fiction and myth in one in the Ethiopian style. This story was created by the ruling class in Ethiopia to legitimate thier authority on the poor Afro-Abyssinians. The people who created this fiction were the northern Abyssinians,that is present Yemenites, Eritreans and Axumites who were the traditional ruling class of the region. I agree with what the emminent Ethiopian scholar said: "Many historians—including Richard Pankhurst, a British-born scholar who has lived in Ethiopia for almost 50 years—date the Kebra Negast manuscript to the 14th century A.D. It was written, they say, to validate the claim by Menelik's descendants that their right to rule was God-given, based on an unbroken succession from Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. But the Ethiopian faithful say the chronicles were copied from a fourth-century Coptic manuscript that was, in turn, based on a far earlier account."
Posted by Negellee-boronaa on December 1,2007 | 02:32PM
Very interesting. If it indeed exists, better left hidden.
Posted by Michael on December 1,2007 | 02:34PM
I'm not sure if this ark is the real thing. BTW, Moses is not mythological, the Exodus realy happened. Anyone who has really studied history would know that. Going back to the ark, we cannot say if its true or not. Maybe its all just a hoax. But what if it is true? We never know.
Posted by kzl on December 1,2007 | 02:35PM
I really believe that the Ark itself is not powerful. It is just another object. It was God's Holy Presence with the Ark that was responsible for all that happened in association with it. You worship the Creator, not the Created.
Posted by Mindy on December 1,2007 | 02:35PM
To any one interested i would recommend Grham Hancock`s The Sign and the Seal... a wel thought out logical proof is presented in that book.
Posted by Daniel Andual on December 1,2007 | 02:36PM
Nice waste of time. You write a whole article and travel half way around the world to find out about the ark and find out nothing that was not already known. You should have taken an assault rifle and stormed in there with a digital camera to upload images. Here's the truth -- there isnt squat in that chapel. What else are they going to say? Of course they claim its in there. Its a big joke passed down from generation to generation. Which "guardian" is going to come out and admit its not there? He probably has a big porn stash in there. Screwballs.
Posted by Frank Quattrone on December 1,2007 | 02:39PM
I have read all the comments and am in shock. Apparently, faith has lost its definition. We have all read the Bible and learned about The Ark OF The Covenant in Sunday School, at least those of us who are Christains. In my world we BELIEVE what is in the Bible, actually we KNOW the Bible to be pure truth through our faith. Bless teh true believers who have faith and can believe without science or actually SEEING this ark. If the Ethiopians believe they have teh Ark, then let them believe so. Since NONE of us have seen otherwise, then we have no reason to dispute. I KNOW the Ark exists because it is in the Bible, and THAT folks, is more than enough PROOF.
Posted by bIll on December 1,2007 | 02:39PM
The most absolute greatest story ever told!
Posted by RMShipyard on December 1,2007 | 02:40PM
I think there is a kilo of cocaine for George Bush in the " ark " .
Posted by jerry laik on December 1,2007 | 02:41PM
That is very good. Please Let us pay attention there must be something bbehind this nation is very old nation and unique nature if you compare to the other nations, am glad you went but sstill let us pay attention
Posted by demissie Gebre-Medhin on December 1,2007 | 02:44PM
Many of you believe that "myth" means "make believe" or "not true"...fools! A myth is a story based off the genre! The story of Moses is real. They found horse and human remains in the part of the sea that God had parted to give way so Moses and his chosen could escape. Wheels and bearings were also found dating back to that period of time (remember, they were chased by the army they were trying to escape from). SO, I suppose that these findings are hoaxes as well? Here's one...God is real, so let's face facts: were all going to die, and it is God we must face. Try telling him then that he does not exist...I need a good laugh to start the next life! See you all on the flip side, suckers!
Posted by matthew on December 1,2007 | 02:45PM
For those of you looking for an even more fascinating and detailed exploration of the possibility of where the ARK might be, do what the writer of this article clearly did... Read: The Sign and Seal by Graham Hancock Ben.
Posted by Ben Mel on December 1,2007 | 02:47PM
I enjoyed the article. No one will know where the Ark is until God is ready. Faith is believing not seeing. The Ark exists but I believe in my heart that it was replaced with the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the promise of all things new. We will see the Ark again in God's time. For those who believe, keep looking up! And Merry Christmas!
Posted by Jcnickell on December 1,2007 | 02:50PM
Amen As it should be our Creator is the most important. In His time all this and more will be revealed.
Posted by Regina on December 1,2007 | 02:51PM
Those who do not believe in God believe in nothing.The skeptics here have nothing to offer but scepticism.
Posted by rnn on December 1,2007 | 02:51PM
Scientific analysis could easily prove or disprove their claim. Who is to say this is not a replica? Perhaps what was brought back many years ago was a replica. If so, have these people wasted their time for so many years? It would seem silly that the marxist government never investigated this. Their mythology of being the keepers of the authentic ark is what keeps their faith. It is the fear of being disproven that they will not allow for modern investigation to their claims, what becomes of the monks and religion if we prove their icon to be a false one?
Posted by Hans on December 1,2007 | 02:53PM
According to the bible, the only people that can touch the ark of the covenant were the priest from the tribe of Levi. If the keeper is not a levite Priest, he is an impostor. The bible mention the ark of the covenant in Revelation 11:15,19 "And the temple of God that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen in his temple. And there occurred lightnings and voices and thunders and an earthquake and a great hail."
Posted by rambo on December 1,2007 | 02:53PM
Why would any one person and/or culture hold onto, and keep secret. One of the most sought after piece of biblical history known to man kind?? I bet they do believe they hold the arch of the convenient inside that box. Is it actually there? I bet there is a tablet in there. Just not the REAL one. If this tablet was exposed. Studied, tested and found to be the ORIGINAL arch. That would totally flip this world as we know it. All religions not based around the christian faith would be totally flipped UPSIDE DOWN. But then you would have EVERY faith trying to take claim for this. Every faith would start arguing over this. The fight for the one TRUE faith would double. Wars would be doubled. SO..in my opinion. Maybe this should never be exposed. Just kept away and looked at as we as Americans do for our children with storied of Santa Clause, and the Easter Bunny.
Posted by James on December 1,2007 | 02:57PM
I've seen the building it's supposed to be housed in on a few Discovery channel shows. I have an idea: have an athletic guy with a hat-cam pole vault the fence, use a stun gun on the priest, run in and video the ark, pole vault out to freedom. Wouldn't that be great for a Sunday night ratings special?? Hey Maury, where are you when we need you!
Posted by T.R. on December 1,2007 | 02:58PM
for all of you who think the Ark of the covenant is a myth, it's not. i believe the Ark of the covenant is real, just as i believe God and the Bible is real. as to where the Ark maybe, that in it's self is a mystery. in all honesty, the only one who knows where it is, is God himself. think about it, if we all knew where the Ark was located at, it would cause a lot of turmoil, chaos, destruction. i'd rather not know where it's at. i think with all of the stories about where it's located at, is to see where people truly stand with God and the Bible. if we knew everything God knew, then we would be just like Him, and that is a very dangerous thing--because Lucifer got cast out of heaven for claiming to be like the most High God. some of you are asking, "well, if it's real, why is there only one person who sees it" my answer to this, is because we are not worthy to see it. with something that sacred, that is has to be hidden from everyone, it's because we are not pure. the Bible even says that there is "none righteous, no not one" the fact that we are not worthy of such things, is why God sent His Son Christ, to die for our sins, so that when we do ask forgiveness and accept His son, we are worthy, but even after forgiveness, we still have our human (sinful) nature, and we won't truly be worthy of seeing the Ark of the Covenant or knowing where it's located, until we reach heaven, God's kingdom of perfectness and righteousness.
Posted by Carrie Long on December 1,2007 | 02:59PM
Ok, whether or not the true Ark is there, it can be counted on as a sure way to get faith tourism. Those folks aren't dumb, but the fools who race to a place where the artifact is said to be, but never revealed, are dumb.
Posted by Roger on December 1,2007 | 03:00PM
How disturbing. The Smithsonian, a somewhat reputable source for intelligent facts, has in the past done such misdeeds as this. The same case that occurred with the trans-global artifacts and a Smithsonian boat throwing them out is just like this. This man goes to Ethiopia, a poverty-ridden once communist country, hears some tale, and spits it out for the world to believe. Religion is just a guilt trip to make others do what people who think they are leaders want. Science does not prove religion, science proves religion wrong. /flame off.
Posted by Maverik Knights on December 1,2007 | 03:03PM
Pure...unadulterated...garbage...
Posted by Carlos on December 1,2007 | 03:03PM
You want to be the one to test God's will? Go ahead....make his day!!!!
Posted by Dick Marino on December 1,2007 | 03:04PM
If the Ark is in fact there (and it is obvious that there are people that believe one way or the other) the guardians of it are not trying to make it a public display. They clearly are adhering to the "faith in things unseen." I personally have no idea what is there, but I can say that they have believed for centuries that something lies within the box that the Ark Guardian has been guardian for so long. I would bet the even the guardian does not know what lies within. Stone tablets? Sand? Wrath of God? Ethiopian Air? The fact that the world is filled with skeptics will keep those with money and power away.
Posted by Gary on December 1,2007 | 03:05PM
There is just no way the Ark of the Covenant is there. How many thousands of people over thousands of years have wanted the Ark in thier hands? And yet a single man with a few gaurds is going to keep it safe???? A single man is the only one who can see it??? The entire world would more than benifit from this. It would put myth to rest, and bring faith to all people. Why would this be hidden when there are better ways of making it safe? Probably because it isn't there or it doesn't exist. This article made no sense and proved nothing but it is interesting.
Posted by danielle on December 1,2007 | 03:06PM
the ark is not just a 'box' it has the 10 comanments wich are written by the HAND OF GOD in it.so it is not an ordinary archeological item; read JOSHUA 3:3, he told the people not to even get close to it, coz it was very powerful. So no one can get close to it without the will of God. and read the bible before sugesting that it is a legend... I know middleseaterns have better knowledge about God than europens, but be open minded and learn. All u guys know is from movies and TV...
Posted by Lidya on December 1,2007 | 03:07PM
I have to agree with Oren. Things like the ark & temple utensils etc. HAD their purose when our Creator instituted their use. But the are gone now for a reason. Example would be the "ark" notice it is seen again in heavan itself [Rev.11:9]. It was always associated with our Creator presence & even later human kingly rulership. But that last king Zedikiah was removed Eze. 21:25-27 at Babylon hand. Since then there has been no king representing our God.....at least not here on earth. Look again at Eze 21:27. The time came & was announced even by angels [Luke 1:30-33] that our Creator had a purpose for a new king designate. He JJesus now rules in heaven, hence the ark being seen there. So like Oren I ask who or what is more important, the creation or the Creator?
Posted by Richard Stuckey on December 1,2007 | 03:08PM
Strange your article made no mention of the Rastafarian community in Shashamene. We too met the Atang in Axum, last summer, and were told it was very very rare for him to speak with foriegners. (see below) www.PiratesoftheCaribbean.com
Posted by John on December 1,2007 | 03:08PM
Great mystery, that's a given. Where is the evidence backing up this Ethiopian claim? Other than this "not even proven" lineage between Sheba/Solomon, birthing a son. Even proving Menelik as Solomon's son, means nothing in the whereabouts of the Ark of the Covenant. If it is openly protected.. why is it so difficult to get to the bottom of this story? People love a good treasure hunt. Nothing like power. :-\ WWJD
Posted by WhatThe****? on December 1,2007 | 03:08PM
Hey Thad, no offense but the bible especially the parts written by Soloman to Malachi do cover the time of Sheba. That still does not prove the existance of The Ark today is in Ethiopia , But I believe somewhere The Ark still exist. And as the world is today , soon enough we will find out.
Posted by Bobby on December 1,2007 | 03:10PM
Exodus 25:10, And they shall make an ark of shittim (acacia) wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breath thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof. One cubit about 18-22 inches, 20 inches on the average. You see I have my own replica of the Ark, but made of old rail road ties, where I put the bible, koran and other religious articles. DCP, Philippines.4
Posted by dionisio c. perania on December 1,2007 | 03:13PM
I seen a special on TV about that town years ago where this guy had traced the ark their. These people are not seeking out media going "hey over here we have the ARK!!!" no these people were even reluctant to tell anybody that the ark was there and in the show they have proven that they have been guarding this thing for a long time.
Posted by KELLY on December 1,2007 | 03:14PM
I hate to be the one to spoil the party, but the Ethiopians really need to return that ark. No wonder they have had nothing but famines and disease. History tells us that all those who have had the ark, besides Israel, experienced such famine and disease having it in their possession. They will never get rid of their problems until it is gone.
Posted by Karinne on December 1,2007 | 03:16PM
Read " The Sign and The Seal" by Graham Hancock. Published in 1992. His efforts to trace it to Ethiopia. It's an interesting read. Well written David Colin
Posted by David Colin on December 1,2007 | 03:16PM
When it comes down to it the truth is is that they dont have it! How can in be that for hundreds of years maybe only a handful of people have seen it. If anyone thought they truthfully had it it wouldve been looked into by now, bloodbath or not.They are just creating a rucus to try and get a rise out of everybody.If you had something that would prove a world religion as correct wouldnt you show it?
Posted by Alan Dugan on December 1,2007 | 03:16PM
Unfortunately, we live in a world that by touch,taste and smell, we accept or reject everything. I believe the ark exists today, but only to the real believers. I don't answer to the rest of the crowd, nor will I cross swords or words with them. I simply believe, no strings.......God Bless you All..........Michael Haverty
Posted by mike on December 1,2007 | 03:17PM
One item of note: Apparently, the guardian is willing to give up a normal life of any kind, to devote himself to guarding what is there. I kind of doubt he would give up so much if "nothing" is in that building. As far as the communists or Italians taking whatever is in that building, such an act would like result in a national uprising...kind of hard to maintain a government in such a situation.
Posted by Joseph on December 1,2007 | 03:17PM
A book call "The sign and the seal" documents one persons search for the Ark. It is not light reading but very interesting. The conclusion is the Ark is in Ethiopa and he supports this with the facts he has uncovered. The book also may pose more questions then answers.
Posted by Bookworm1 on December 1,2007 | 03:19PM
I don't believe it. First of all, if you had the Ark you wouldn't brag about it. This is just plublicty for Ethiopia. Secondly, I could care less, if your just going to say we have and never prove it. It should be appriciate. To see the Ark and know wow we finally found it, would be cool. Otherwise shut up. Anyone can say, I have the Ark.
Posted by sean on December 1,2007 | 03:19PM
There were some Jews who fled Israel close to the time of the temple destruction and they built a duplicate temple on the southern Nile and duplicated everything inside. I think they duplicated the ark as well. I don't know what happen to this Jewish colony, but the temple was destroyed or abandon. This is more likely the ark that the Ethiopians now own.
Posted by Frank C. on December 1,2007 | 03:20PM
Does the fact that Ethopia suffered a famine elude everyone?
Posted by Geowolf on December 1,2007 | 03:20PM
The reason only one person can see it is because it is stated in the Bible that only a single Levite priest can look upon it...and nobody can ever open it or they die instantly. That is the reason only one appointed person is allowed to guard it.
Posted by Winsome on December 1,2007 | 03:20PM
Everyone who believes in the stories of their religion like this are no better than foolish, gullable children. The worst are these idiots who take these obviously ridiculous and false stories and, just because they elevate their poor, backwards homelands to a special status, believe them without considering the fact that they have no proof.
Posted by JD on December 1,2007 | 03:21PM
to poster getachew assefa- you are not serious are you? no one has to "prove" it is a myth- if it is really the ark and in etheopia- THEY have to prove it- not the other other way around- so much for your logic
Posted by tom s. on December 1,2007 | 03:22PM
Much more,a portion of the true cross (Gimade Meskel as it is locally called) is in Ethiopia. God works in many ways, and the how it reached Ethiopa is should not be a Big wonder. If you truely believe in Him. God bless you all.
Posted by girmay on December 1,2007 | 03:23PM
Reading these post are the reasons that the ark remains where it is. These are people that question the bible so their loss. Great read!!!
Posted by Cright on December 1,2007 | 03:25PM
The Ark has been in a large government warehouse since 1939 in an unmarked container. Duh.
Posted by wes on December 1,2007 | 03:27PM
You guys don't have to say such mean things. Who cares? Its just an interesting story. Jeez.
Posted by Bekele on December 1,2007 | 03:28PM
There are so many comments written here that talk about seeing the Ark, or taking it out by some means, leads me to believe that few have read the Bible. The Ark held awesome power, to the extent that anyone who touched it were struck dead. No one save the High Priests were allowed to be in it's presence. Is there no Faith left? It seems some only believe if they can see or touch it. How far from God we have fallen. Have Mercy on the world !!!
Posted by Allan S on December 1,2007 | 03:28PM
In the first place, in Exodus 25:22 the Lord said that he would dwell between the cherubim on the ark; he gave the Israelites his power. The ark itself is just a wooden box. Spielberg and Smithsonian both have it wrong. The Lord caused all those miracles, not the box. In the second place, even if the ark did go to Ethiopia, the Lord himself stayed behind in Jerusalem. He was there until the city was destroyed in 70 AD. Remember Ezekiel watching the glory of the Lord leave the city, and then later watching it come back? That was long after Solomon's day! The usual story was that the ark was destroyed by the Babylonians when they destroyed the Temple in 586 BC. Third, to the nitwit who said that Moses was a myth - in four thousand years you should hope that YOUR existence will be as well-attested as was Moses, who left behind a written and eye-witness legacy to his life.
Posted by Dr Charles Vogan on December 1,2007 | 03:29PM
Anyone who believes in the bible, has no right to criticize the ethiopians for believing this. It is about faith, and their faith tells them that is what is inside.
Posted by Meeze on December 1,2007 | 03:29PM
Our world is so torn apart by wars that have been fought for thousands of years for the soul purpose of proving that one groups beliefs are more true than another. The only way that our world would ever have peace will be when there is physical proof of gods power on earth. I feel that sharing the ark and it's existence with the world would change ever thing, and shake most believers and non-believers to their core, but are we ready for it? No. We are too tied up in our own greed to even except it. When the end of days truly comes, god will reveal the ark to us, until then its kept safe. I hope that it happens in my life time, the world could use a new focus.
Posted by Kelsi on December 1,2007 | 03:29PM
Great Article, Paul. I was in Ethiopia last year and missed the opportunity you've had. Thank you for your hard work. Three Scriptures - They are all words of Jesus: (first for the ethiopians that keep the Ark safe and the Guardian who gives his life that the Ark may live): Matthew chapter 5:5 & 10 - Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth and 10 - Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Jesus says in John 20:29 "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe with out seeing . . . I'll look forward to your next article, Paul.
Posted by Buck Bckminster on December 1,2007 | 03:30PM
There have been a number of TV presentations concerning the possible location of the Arc of the Covenant as most of us know. I'm an ordinary person and Bible believing Christian. I can't really produce any firm evidence or clue as to where the Arc really is, but if it is ever REVEALED-MAN will no longer have any doubts for very long. Case in point-Sodom and Gomorrah have long been considered to have been mythical cities mentioned in Jewish and Christian Scripture. Funny but archeology has just happened to dig them up recently. I didn't do it-somebody else did. If you really want to know how much much muscle the Ark has well I suppose you could ask a Fundamental Baptist Minister or perhaps an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi. YHWH doesn't fool around. Until then I'll take His Son on Faith.
Posted by Jim Reynolds on December 1,2007 | 03:35PM
im so sick of people talking about faith as if it is something worth admiring and that people that have faith are more holy and blah blah blah. if you believe anything people in charge tell you just cuz you have faith in what they say or where what they say is coming from then you are an idiot. the only reason our society is as advanced as it is, is because we question authority and we question what is thought to fact. what if copernicus just had faith the the sun revolved around the earth, and what if columbus just had faith that the earth was flat. give me a break. furthermore, just because something is written in the bible does not mean it is fact. even extremely devout people understand that the bible is more stories and guidelines than actual fact. do your homework. lastly, if everyone knows what building its supposed to be in there is no way that people, for example the communist regime that ruled ethiopa, wouldnt have slaughtered the entire country just to get that artifact because it would be the most valuable artifact on the face of the planet.
Posted by brian on December 1,2007 | 03:36PM
Cool story. It occurs to me that the Etheopians could've just built another box. Of course, no knows for sure. A mystery.
Posted by Eric T. on December 1,2007 | 03:36PM
To all, Nothing new here. Everyone interested should read Graham Hancock's "The Sign and the Seal"...excellent research which does reveal (I believe) the authenticity of this news article. The End is truly near: watch out for an attack from Russia and Iran on Israel, the Third Temple to be rebuilt in Jerusalem, the emergence of the Anti-Christ, and the Messiah's (Jesus Christ) return from Heaven with those who have been cleansed by His blood...I'm one of them! Todd
Posted by Todd on December 1,2007 | 03:37PM
-Jesus is the fulfillment of the law (the tablets). -At the opened tomb, two angels were seen, standing at either side of the bench where Jesus had lain; between them were the stains of blood of Christ. The final sacrifice had been made through the death of Jesus (the Mercy Seat). -Jesus died and was resurrected (the budding of Aaron's rod). There is no longer a need for the Ark, as Jesus fulfills all that it stood for. We live under the new covenant. Rejoice! Your salvation is found in the completed work done by and through the Christ Jesus!
Posted by Steve on December 1,2007 | 03:38PM
While the Ethiopian account may be empirically dubious (if that's what's important to you from this story), to doubt it's truth simply because they won't open it up to outside investigation is shoddy thinking. If you had the world's most sacred object, would you turn it into a tourist attraction? Although maybe far too many Americans would...
Posted by Dave Dolff on December 1,2007 | 03:39PM
Response to all, and separately to Paskura. Faith is believing what you cannot prove. But the 10 Commandments are real. Whether the tablets that bore them, or the Arc tht bore the tabets, still exist isn't important. The word of God remans. It exists. I do not care whether it exists in a physical form has hewn by Moses. Moses was (Yes Paskura.. was) a man. The original ws destroyed in His Rage against the Isrealites. So, it is a man made item that bears the word of God. Yes, it would be nice if it existed in its original Mosaic hand. But what does that prove. Only that it is a hand hewn piece of Rock. And Paskura... Moses was real, as was Joseph, and Noah, and Adam. In 1,000 years there will be no Paskura. There may not even be a piece of paper that that proves you existed. But you do exist. In the times when history was first being kept, it was kept on scrolls. They tell of Moses, noah and others. Are they any less real proof of one's existance than is your own birth certificate. There are no records of the Incas. Only their temples. Oh, maybe they could hav left behind a tablet. hat woud not be enogh for you though.... Again, you have no FAITH. It was not that the men existed, but their word. Maybe their nams we Ashma, or ZEhikia, or Paskura...................
Posted by on December 1,2007 | 03:39PM
Praise The Lord! I've believed there was a connection to Ethiopia and Israel, but what an awesome discovery! The ark of the presence of the Lord.
Posted by Josh Purdie on December 1,2007 | 03:41PM
(I was also held back by the fear that the ark would harm me if I dared defile it with my presence.) I really don’t think that god would give man a weapon that would do all the things that people say the arc can do. If that where true then why would god not be willing to simply smite the wrong doers of the world and get it over with? I have no opinion on whether or not it exists, I just don’t believe that it is this super powerful relic of miracles. At best it is just a relic that people built to honor god, and some people just got a little carried away.
Posted by tony on December 1,2007 | 03:43PM
Why something so spectacular would be kept such a secret is the question we should be asking. It doesn't make any sense to me. If this is something that is in fact real it should be on display for the world to see. The world today has lost blind faith. We are much more intelligent or think we are anyway. Without some type of proof or evidence we no longer believe in anything. “Don’t believe everything you read”, “don’t be gullible”, and “don’t trust people until they earn your trust” are just a few rules we are taught by our parents or learn along the road of life. We need and many of us want something tangible to help us find our faith again. If I build a 10,000 square foot garage type monument in my back yard and build it with no windows and now way to see in or out. I tell you I have the ark inside but the only eyes that can see it are the two that belong to its protector inside. Do you believe me? If all men are created equal and looked at the same then who says I don’t have it. You would that’s who and we should have the same outlook on anyone in the world we live in today trying to push this idea on anyone over ten years old. No, make that six years old. This is just my opinion, I could be wrong. What do you think?
Posted by illk9 on December 1,2007 | 03:43PM
What a wonderful story! I've read many articles on the Ethiopian Ark and there was a recent episode on the History Channel where they go to the temple where the Ark is supposed to be. What I find interesting is that there are artifacts at these places that date back as early as the year 1AD. Who cares if the story is true? These are places of great antiquity, who boast continuous christian churches from the beginning of the faith, who are devoted to their traditions. I feel so blessed as a human being that these places still exist and there is still a place for mystery in this life. I just hope that they stay remote so some internet multi-millionaire with more money than brains doesn't get a wild hair to buy up artifacts. That would be the true crime.
Posted by JRO on December 1,2007 | 03:44PM
............I agree with Patrick Tay, If no one is allowed to see the ark or its tablets, how can the Ethiopian church make copies?
Posted by Black Locust on December 1,2007 | 03:44PM
They dont have it... I do Now send me money and make me famous!!
Posted by G on December 1,2007 | 03:47PM
You silly mortals, I myself have seen the Ark, caressed it's rugged texture with my bare hands, marveled at it's elusiveness and mystique. I have also broke bread with the Easter bunny and feasted on cookies with Santa Claus, these things I know to be true and if you don't believe me, you too will receive coal in your stockings for Christmas. God Bless you all ;)
Posted by Wise One on December 1,2007 | 03:47PM
they observe the sabbath that a great thing , as for the box ONLY GOD THE FATHER HAS THE POWER , I'D BE AFRAID TO DEFILE IT , WOULDN'T YOU ,
Posted by Debra on December 1,2007 | 03:47PM
I have never thought of myself as a person of religion but more as a person of faith. I believe that the "ONE" has made us all think that there is a physical presents that contains the words of life and the Ten Commandments. Being so I also believe that we all have that presents inside of us. These words and meanings are not meant for one person to have, but for all of us to have inside of us. I really believe with all of what I am that everyone ever born is born with this inside themselves, because we are given this gift we are allowed to believe in what ever it takes to make us know that there is the "ONE" out there that looks over us all! The "ONE" is not for a single group of people; the "ONE" is for all of us. Why is it that we all can't agree that we are all born as equals, what makes anyone think that they are better then anyone else. The “ONE” created us, One of each sex to either be together or apart that is why we all given free will. We have evolved because we have learned to live with one another to get along and learn how to make things better. These words that “The Ark” is to protect are the words that is takes mankind to live and move forward. This is just my belief and my own thoughts, think about it!
Posted by Robert LeHane Jr. on December 1,2007 | 03:48PM
I believe that they have the Ark of Covenant but why should they show it? We all know if they show it, America will bomb them and take it away from them and put on display in New York.
Posted by God's Prince on December 1,2007 | 03:48PM
One would think that Israel would have gone to great lengths before now to either obtain or validate the authenticity of the Ark in Ethiopia. If the Ark were found to be authentic, I would expect that they would have joined forces with some ally nations, sacked Ethiopia, and taken the Ark to Jerusalem. The fact that this hasn't happened tells me that the Ark is not authentic. :o)
Posted by bob on December 1,2007 | 03:49PM
wow.... nice it would be amazing.what history... good luck. founding it......
Posted by sarah on December 1,2007 | 03:49PM
they observe the sabbath that a great thing , as for the box ONLY GOD THE FATHER HAS THE POWER , I'D BE AFRAID TO DEFILE IT , WOULDN'T YOU ,
Posted by Debra on December 1,2007 | 03:50PM
I do not know whether the ark is in Ethiopia or not. But it is a matter of faith. And faith does not have to be proven to be real for the person who believes. And this comes from a lapsed American Catholic who has not gone to church in many years, yet still feels a connection to God. So the "Burden Of Proof" does not lay on anyone, because the Ethiopians are not trying to prove it to anyone. They say "We have it." And if you believe, you believe. What makes me pause is this... What is someone were to that the ark was in some remote part of southern Italy or France, having made its way there through centuries of bloodshed and conquest of Europeans over black africans and the jews, hidden away and protected by a holy man. Would there be as much blatant and subtly hostile denial of *that* claim as there are of the *Ethiopian* claim? It seems to me that some (and remember, I stress the word *some*) people deny the claim simply because it is made by Black Africans with a strong heritage and history.
Posted by Kelly on December 1,2007 | 03:51PM
I dont really know if i believe its a 'real holy ark' bc i am not christian or jewish, but whether or not it is real is not really the point for the people of their faith i think. maybe it is real maybe it isnt but i am glad that only one person can see it because that means if you believe its real then you have faith which is what their religion is about. good for them!
Posted by chris_daggerfall on December 1,2007 | 03:52PM
im ethiopian and i like dis story it makes me feel special! i love were i came from and who i am i like this a lot and it is rely interesting if u read storys on the ark!
Posted by Salome on December 1,2007 | 03:55PM
Ethiopia's history (which was the only thing of merit in this article)is very interesting. Being an American, which is the land of no culture, it is fascinating to read about a place that has thousands of years of history passed down from generation to generation. But the Ethiopian Ark myth, although a good yarn, is laughable at best. To all the holy rollers that inevitably throw their "faith" into the face of common sense I envy you. Your blind devotion is something to marvel at.
Posted by Chris on December 1,2007 | 03:57PM
There are more than two covenants (Old Testament and New Testament) of the bible. Jesus' crucifixion did not do away with the entire Old Testament, only the Mosaic Covenant dealing with the Levitical priesthood. The Noahic Covenant is still in existence.
Posted by Claus on December 1,2007 | 03:59PM
My question is how do they know if the monk allowed to see it isn't deceased??? If noone else is allowed in there, how do they know he isn't dead, and it isn't stolen?????
Posted by Kat on December 1,2007 | 04:00PM
national geographic ran a story on this years ago, and provided evidence that what actually occurred was that Solomon provided his son with an exact REPLICA of the ark. Think about it -- that makes a lot more sense than believing that the Israelite king would just hand over Israel's holiest object and most powerful weapon to foreigners. Even so, a replica made in the very presense of Solomn, who probably saw, touched and blessed it, is certainly something sacred in itself and worthy of veneration. But beyond all that, it is the SIGNIFICANCE that really matters, and Ethiopian Christianity is based on the correspondence between the outer ark and the inner spiritual heart of man, which is every bit as sacred and powerful as the real ark. But most Westerners competely lack any sense of the sacred, so they go ahead with their demands for "scientific" evidence, as if science has anything to say about things beyond its realm ....
Posted by markb on December 1,2007 | 04:00PM
The "creation myths (the bible)" of the judeo/christian tradition are a combination of superstition, myth and ignorance. There are many interesting stories in the world, but in the end they are just that, ...stories.
Posted by xix on December 1,2007 | 04:01PM
i am an ethiopian and am proud about dis i feel special and no i am GOD BLESS ETHIOPIA AND THE PEOPLE THERE!!!! This is very interesting!! I♥ETHIOPIA!!!!!!
Posted by salome on December 1,2007 | 04:02PM
No one has it. Just like the bodies our Moses and David, God has removed them. IF the Ark was present, it would be cause for war, devotion, and venerated in the place of God. The true answer will not be known until the resurection.
Posted by Keeper of the Ark on December 1,2007 | 04:02PM
Please, doesnt everyone know that the Mormons have it in Salt Lake? (please no one coment on that, it was only a joke) Why can people not understand that miracles do not convert? Miracles are to strengthen the faith of believers. Non-believers do not suddenly become convinced of the power of God when they see a miracle. Men have seen angels and then immediately turned away from God. Even if the Ark was discovered with Aarons rod that bloomed, and was shown to all of the world the sceptics would still call it a fake and a hoax. Sciences are an important tool we use to better understand the world around us. It is improtant to remember that we have not learned everything. Much is still a mystery, things we hold as scientifically true today will be disproven tommorrow. Science, which is imperfect and incomplete can neither prove nor disprove God. Who is perfect.
Posted by Adam on December 1,2007 | 04:02PM
The Ark had its place in time. If you are a christian than you know that Jesus did away with a need to worship "anything" but God. And I say anything as a box is a thing and we should and must worship the Creator not the creation.
Posted by priscilla maher on December 1,2007 | 04:03PM
The Ark served its purpose during the time God chose it to. Remember the brasen serpent on the staff...it had to be destroyed because it was turned into an idol. Moses body was taken by God because the people would have probably ended up doing something similar. While the ark may be around somewhere , if I recall the things made on earth were a pattern of the heavenly and it was also a picture of Christ. If it is around it doesn't matter...if the folks in the story did have it, it merely proves the point that they have turned it into an idol when they should be worshipping Christ.
Posted by Brian on December 1,2007 | 04:03PM
Gobble, Gobble, Gobble....What a bunch of Turkey's to beleive such a claim. It's all Hog Wash.....and Santa Claus is real too!
Posted by Barry on December 1,2007 | 04:04PM
Any country that claims to have the ark and and not show it must be lying. To make it simple, if God gave you the ark would you tell the world you had it? No, you would not. I don't think God would be happy with you for telling the world "I have the ark". So for this sacred object to be in the hands of some monks in Ethiopia is believable, however, by them announcing it to the world goes against the same rules by which they refuse to allow anyone see it. It doesn't make any sense. It'd be hard for me to trust the same part of the world that took all of Israel hostage and made them slaves to build their cities and temples.
Posted by Jesus on December 1,2007 | 04:05PM
I do not dismiss the idea. Many biblical artifacts are an enigma. Man is capable of terrible acts of distruction, theft, and diception. The only constant I see in history is a racial war won by the greatest murderers. The Ethiopians and Isrealites have a noble past. I thought the article should have mentioned the religion of Rastafarianism. There is a faith based on the lineage of Haile Selassie to King Solomon and Queen Sheba. So many important pieces of history have been destroyed in wars. We need to keep digging to find the truth about what our history is. As for the creation of the earth.......Science doesn't lie. I know a few men that do.
Posted by Ivan McMahon on December 1,2007 | 04:05PM
Reminds me of a paint class I took in college. Our grade was based on a final critique of all our work during the semester on the last day of school....there was guy who showed up that did not attend class all semester -- I didn't even know he was in the class. He put a small black box on the table next to everyone's paintings. When asked by the teach what that was, and where was his work, he replied that he'd painted a beautiful landscape and put it in the box.....The teached curiously asked if he could see inside. The student replied that the box was empty, but for a moment he'd made him think of all the possiblilities that could have been in the box.........He got an F. Didn't work with him, and it doesn't work for the Ethiopians...
Posted by mike on December 1,2007 | 04:07PM
This story is based on Ethiopian myth developed to justify and evidence Divine Sovereignty. Solomon understood that he was a steward, or caretaker, of the Ark. He built the Temple expressly to house and protect the Ark. To think that a rowdy group of young men stole the Ark (without pursuit by Solomon) is quite a fabrication. I'm sure there is some kind of talisman or icon from the era in the possession of the unseen monk. But the Ark of the Covenant? Not a chance...
Posted by Kenn Jayy on December 1,2007 | 04:09PM
I believe ...however for the sake of this post,what would happen if it was proved to exist?.Personally I wonder how people would take it. Would it make belivers in a faith?...No way ,some did not believe than so why now. What would it be used for actually.... Good ?...for who?. I would actually be concerned on how it would be used and by who if you consider the power it holds. Its very probable it is hidden for a very good reason...by responsible men who understand this and/or god.
Posted by Richard on December 1,2007 | 04:10PM
If these christians really had the item they claim, they would be parading it through the streets and it would be front page news around the world! But, of course, not only do they not have it, it never existed in the first place!
Posted by xix on December 1,2007 | 04:11PM
true or not! i cannot put my hope in a god who would kill his children for eating a fruit!come on would you kill your children if they ate something of yours or even if they disobayed you?? how can god be so cruel??
Posted by me on December 1,2007 | 04:12PM
Well, I am a Christian and the word means "follower of Christ" I only go by The Word of the Living God, the Bible and I believe that no one has found the ark of the covenant or any other Real artifact that would prove that the Bible is real for the fact that Jesus Christ, The Savior and True God has told us to live and walk by Faith therfore if we had absolute proof of the things of the Bible we would not need Faith we would just know such things are true, then everyone would believe the Bible but sad to say they do not. ~2 Cor.5:7 "For we walk by Faith and Not by sight"
Posted by Tru Christian3 on December 1,2007 | 04:13PM
the real mystery remains... can you buy porkchops in ethiopia?
Posted by Timmons on December 1,2007 | 04:13PM
i think this could be possible, but i'm not sure since they aren't showing it to other people...of course, God will handle this somehow...He has the power to do anything =) <><
Posted by christianfaith on December 1,2007 | 04:13PM
I have read about this many years ago and it could be true. But how to find out! If they won't let anyone in to see, then surely someone can use modern technology to have a peek and see what's in there. These days you can have incredibly small recording devices etc. Just needs someone to attach it to a very small object and fly it in when the door is open.
Posted by Antony on December 1,2007 | 04:14PM
I've seen the ark. It's a bathtub with stone washboards in it. Oh and it's gold.
Posted by superqueen on December 1,2007 | 04:15PM
A much more comprehensive view is "The Sign and the Seal" by Graham Hancock. Here he traces the history of how the Ark came to be in Axum. Including tracing its journey from Israel. Apparently it stopped in Egypt for a few years and there is clear evidence of a community of Jews moving it and residing in these places. I bring this up because the article doesn't trace the journey of the Ark like Hancock does.
Posted by Alan on December 1,2007 | 04:16PM
Considering that not one shred of evidence has ever been discovered to support the events of Exodus, I am astonished that anyone believes this could possibly be some "magic box" from god. Each of the Abrahamic faiths is built on a house of cards; completely baseless and cearly nothing more than political tools. 2008 and people are still falling for this crap.............when will we wake up?
Posted by Joe Pompeo on December 1,2007 | 04:16PM
Just because you have faith that the Ark exists doesn't mean that it must exist in Ethiopia as many of you assert. Is it an article of faith that the Ark exists in Ethiopia? Is this dubious location mentioned in the Jewish, Christian or Muslim holy books? I have faith in the unseen (the Ark), but faith devoid of an ounce of reason gives religion in general a bad name.
Posted by Karim on December 1,2007 | 04:17PM
I love religious debates - because neither side can really PROVE anything. If you're religious but say that the Ethiopians need to prove they have the ark, fine... but first, you get off your lazy butt and prove that god even exists first. Without proving your god exists, whatever is in the building in Ethiopia is just meaningless. If you're religious but say that the Ethiopians don't have the ark, fine... but then you need to prove they don't by showing where the real ark is. If you make the claim that "extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof" or other such nonsense, then you have missed the point entirely. The Ethiopians aren't trying to convert the world by using the ark as a rallying point, so they really don't have to prove diddly squat. They don't need to prove their god is the one true god, that jesus was his son, or any of that. They ALREADY believe - your opinions are meaningless. If you hear what they believe and wish to join their congregation, you will be accepted. If you hear what they believe and choose to disagree, then tough cookies for you. In the end, religion is based on myths, stories, and legends that, for the most part, cannot be proven as true (and many that cannot be proven untrue). Does this mean every religion is wrong? Maybe. But it's up to you to prove it... and show your work.
Posted by nico on December 1,2007 | 04:17PM
On the mythology of Moses see: http://www.bibleinterp.com/articles/Britt-Moses_Myth.htm Note also that there are no Egyptian records of any kind that even suggest that the Jews were in Egypt as slaves. Or, see my book: Moses: the Making of Myth and Law. The Ark is an ancient fairy-tale moving from one people to another until the Jews incorporated the Babylonian legend into their mythology marrying the Ark of Noah (actually the planet Earth) with the Ark of the Covenant (a set of laws that were plagarized from the Code of Hammurabi--and which actually are in the Exodus book (25:8) one of three different sets). This Ark has most of its details from Egyptian theology of the high priests 5000 years ago. See: http://www.mystae.com/restricted/streams/scripts/glory.html Of course even the Irish claim they have it--as it is the source of the pot of gold. Both are fairytales. I am ashamed of the Smithsonian Institute to waste money on this fiction.
Posted by Dr. Arthur Frederick Ide on December 1,2007 | 04:18PM
Does it really matter if it's there or not? This group of people have embraced something, something that brings them joy and grace. When people on this website (a site devoted to understanding other cultures) calls it "a myth" or "fiction" I feel a sense of dread. Who cares if it's real? I was of the understanding that the SCIENCE of anthropology is not to reveal the flim flam behind the belief system but to understand those beliefs and to analyze them equally beside our own. Going around calling a person's heartfelt belief a fiction is irresponsible science and impolite. Some people believe in god, some don't. Some build a big church in Africa and claim that the Ark of the Covenent is in there. Why is it so important that it has to be there? It gives the people of that country a sense of pride, a feeling of uniqueness and a reminder of their own history. It's a monument to them. Why is their monument to their own history any differnt then, say, Mount Rushmore or the Eiffel Tower? They don't need a grand building in the center of a huge city, just a church with a little man in side who guards a big wooden box. I think the guy who wrote the article got it right: sometimes the mystery is more then enough.
Posted by thecursor2002 on December 1,2007 | 04:18PM
This seems to be nothing more than a tactic for rulers to keep there empererial status. Also an awesome way to keep enemies at bay. The Ark is a thing of power and is said to lay waste to armies. What one man or army would dare sieze it, even if they don't believe the story. The thought of what "could" happen is just as powerful as the "truth" of the outcome.
Posted by matt on December 1,2007 | 04:19PM
WELL, CONSIDERING THAT THE BIBLE IS A FABLE WRITTEN BY MAN TO CONTROL AND REIGN IN THE MASSES, THE ARK IS A MYTHOLOGICAL PIECE OF HISTORY… THERE HAVE BEEN NO HOLY EXPERIENCES SINCE THE DAWN OF MODERN MAN… ONLY STORIES PASSED DOWN FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION UNTIL MAN BECAME SMART ENOUGH TO WRITE THINGS DOWN… THEN THESE THINGS WERE WRITTEN DOWN WITH EXTREME GRANDEUR… IN ANOTHER THOUSAND YEARS THE MASSES WILL HAVE MOVED ONTO SOME OTHER FORM OF FAITH AND OR INDIVIDUAL WHILE ONE GROUP DECLARES IT TO BE THE TRUE RELIGIOUS PATH… TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT HISTORY……… SPIRITUALITY IS FOUND AND RESIDES FROM WITHIN… NOT A GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL DECLARING SOME ORNATE OBJECT OR PERSON TO BE, HOW DO YOU SAY IT, “OF GOD”… THERE IS RIGHT AND WRONG, PERIOD… DO YOU HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT AN OBJECT OF THIS TYPE CONTAINING THAT AMOUNT OF POWER COULD ACTUALLY EXIST WITHOUT IT BEING USED BY ANOTHER TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE MASSES…? YOU ARE MERELY A CHILD ACTIVELY LISTENING TO A FABLE… HUMANS REALLY HUMOR ME, WHEN NOT DISGUSTING ME…
Posted by TREY on December 1,2007 | 04:20PM
Everybody says that either Ethiopia his the Ark, or not. There is a third possibility. King Solomon was said to be very wise, so what would you do for one of your sons who loved you. I propose that King Solomon made a copy of this sacred Ark, and sent it with his son back to his son's home, with a guard of trusted people. This way the original Ark would stay in Israel, and a copy helping out the faithful in another land. If some country wanted the Constitution, would you not send them a copy, an exact copy. Wether this is the most probable way it happoned is true or not is irrelavant because it is the spirit that counts, and the people of Ethiopia follow the laws of the Ark. Solomon didn't have to threaten to cut a child in half this time to spread the word, and the word was spread.
Posted by Mike on December 1,2007 | 04:22PM
KNOW THIS: Jesus Loves You and if no one has told you today, let me be the first. Great story but FAITH will get you to it. The holocaust happened in our life time but already it is trying to be turned into a myth. Worldy things will pass away, your soul lives on, make your choice. I choose JESUS an my Lord and Savior.
Posted by Bobby Ivey on December 1,2007 | 04:23PM
As I read this article I couldn't help but think of Dr. Kamal Salibi's "The Bible came from Arabia". In this work he contends that the Jewish people were actually in the area known as Hijaz on the southwestern Red Sea side of Saudi Arabia and not the area of modern day Israel during the time of the Old Testament. He bases his thesis on geographic, etymological, and cultural evidence. Obviously there is much contention with his thesis not the least of which is due to politics. With such close proximity to the Hijaz region, Ethiopia and Askum in particular may not, however, be as far fetched a place for Biblical events if his theory is correct. Examining the distance that individuals would have had to travel sheds some interesting light on the matter. Queen Sheba of Yemen traveling to the Hijza region to meet Solomon would have had to travel approximately 230 miles, an doable yet by no means a simple task at the time that could be accomplished in a matter of days not months. In contrast, traveling to the Levant, which is approximately 1270 miles away, would have been a very difficult distance to traverse in the desert at the time and would have taken several weeks to a few months to accomplish depending on the speed of the caravan. Also for comparison, the distance from Jerusalem to Aksum is 1250 miles while the distance from Hijaz to Aksum is a mere 380 miles.
Posted by Jon on December 1,2007 | 04:24PM
The whereabouts of the Ark are not as important as are the teachings. Those should reside in every one of us. They are the cornerstones of all beliefs, Christianity, Judaism, Islam and others. The problem is that we focus on material benefits than on spiritual ones. We preach hate and prejudice against others who do not believe as we do. We fail to understand that the Ark is in all of us and when we come together as a creation, the real power of God is shown. We become thankful and honor our parents and appreciate how lucky we are to be alive. You just need to open your mind.
Posted by Use your mind on December 1,2007 | 04:25PM
It is suppose to be a secret. People have faith already. The importantce of the Ark is the historical paths and those that were associated with it. This is the basis of all Kingdoms. It is obviously accepted by all rulers. Does religious history need to be revised it should it would stop all the wars.
Posted by KeeptheSecret on December 1,2007 | 04:26PM
How can you argue about what might be if there existence is proven, when they don't exist until they are proven? It's as useful as arguing what would Luke Skywalker do today if he were a real person. If Oren 1 likes to fantasize, then go ahead.
Posted by Jonny on December 1,2007 | 04:26PM
...No the burden of proof lies with those who say it is not so
Posted by khalil on December 1,2007 | 04:26PM
Have any of you looked into Ron Wyatt's claims on finding the Ark of the Covenant under the site of the crucification? I believe the idea was that Jeremiah, by instruction from God, hid the Ark during the siege of the Babylonians. It was placed in a chamber connected to the city by a tunnel system. In his story, the Ark ended up right beneath the cross, so that when the earthquake occurred, the blood of Christ fell on the mercy seat. Interesting stuff to be sure. Google it if you're interested.
Posted by Honest Seeker of Truth on December 1,2007 | 04:27PM
they should interview the guy who gets to actually see the Ark. In the bible only the high priests get to see it. We could get a description from the guy who could actually seee it rightt???
Posted by on December 1,2007 | 04:27PM
I don't think it matters where the ark is if it still is intact or what the current contents are. For all we know, the original tablets disintegrated into dust. I don't think the ark serves the importance it did in the past, but it remains a beautiful symbol of God's relationship with man at the time. As someone has mentioned, the old covenant is gone and has been replaced with the new covenant found through the blood of Christ. I don't think God wants us chasing after the ark, the Holy Grail , the stable where Jesus was born, or the tomb He was buried in. Instead, God wants us to chase after Him and seek a fulfilling life according to His will for us. Chasing after material things leads to what the first and second commandment forbade: putting other gods before Him and making idols. It's the amount of attention placed on the finding of these religious artifacts that sometimes causes man to place God second, which is never what He intended.
Posted by aryn on December 1,2007 | 04:27PM
The physical ark was a type and shadow of the spiritual ark which is Jesus Christ. The physical ark was hidden in an underground vault during the invasion. It was hidden using a hydrualic type elevator system based on the "etheopian" style as the bible says. This is the reason for the discrepancies in the size of the pillars after the invasion the bible mentions. Jesus' blood did flow and sprinkle from the cross to the mercy seat underground when the earth split while Jesus was on the cross, just as the bible says. The physical ark will not be revealed until the spiritual ark retuns (Jesus-the one John saw in revelation). The article confuses people and Lucifer is the author of confusion. However, whatever box is in Ethiopia is now culturally and historically important and justifies the article. We walk by faith, not by sight.
Posted by Lou on December 1,2007 | 04:28PM
The comments were as entertaining as the article. No matter what you believe, read everything and at least hear and try to understand other viewpoints. It can lead to an enriching experience.
Posted by Vida on December 1,2007 | 04:30PM
I believe this story is stupid God killed people who looked at it at all if they weren't anointed from Him it was His and it was sacred not for just anyone it was for God's chosen people the Jews. I think we don't know where it is and I don't think we will ever know it's not important anymore
Posted by on December 1,2007 | 04:30PM
Whether the Ark is found or not, Jesus is waiting for you to believe in Him. Who needs proof when you've got faith? I repented of my sins, asked for His forgiveness and accepted Him into my heart, all on faith and without seeing an ancient artifact tied to Him and history. It would be great to find it and see the wonders inside, but the best thing you could ever find in this lifetime is eternal life is Jesus Christ!
Posted by Liz on December 1,2007 | 04:31PM
why don't we break into the church to find out for ourselves? and if it is true.. then let God smite us from this Earth for not believin his people
Posted by aznh0m13 on December 1,2007 | 04:32PM
Ron, you are an idiot. Italy NEVER invaded Ethiopia! They tried but failed. Ethiopia, if you would read, is the ONLY African country to not ever have been occupied by European forces. Go read before you write.
Posted by Observer on December 1,2007 | 04:32PM
Because the Ethiopian Orthodox Church claims that they are Christian, I am shocked that they pride themselves with being sole owners of the Ark. I am a Catholic who is to become a Franciscan and I, being christian say that the presence of Yahweh (God) is no longer confined in this box, but in the hearts of all the faithful who beleive in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle containing the Most Blessed Sacrament is the new Ark, and we are the new Israel. In short, I see the Ark of the New Covenant in Christ's Blood everytime I step into His Church, and am doubtful and unimpressed by this rumor.
Posted by nick c on December 1,2007 | 04:33PM
Prove it. I hope they can. Maybe that would bring some sort of piece to this world caught in the mist of a religious maelstorm. But if they can't, how bad does that make them look. Nobody likes liars and decievers afterall. How much would that hurt Christianity in the eyes of other religions? I don't think people think about the consequences of their actions.
Posted by GSANTRIM on December 1,2007 | 04:33PM
I would not want to see the Ark or want it anywhere near me or in my country for I know I am unworthy. Clearly, these Ethiopian Jews are false Jews, and God has shown his wrath upon them for their insolence and pride in thinking they were worthy of being the keepers of the Ark. Look what having it Ethiopia has done for the Ethiopians.
Posted by Jeramiah on December 1,2007 | 04:33PM
Religion lead us to gaining benefits. It's purpose are based on benefits. So, how that ark can be so usefull if we can't even seeing it? I prefer in guarding the substances rather than just keeping a "mistery" box away from the world.
Posted by Subarkah on December 1,2007 | 04:33PM
Sir Richard Francis Burton risked life and limb in order to become one of the first non-Muslims to enter the holy city of Mecca. THAT'S worth writing about...
Posted by A Drab Chronic First Run on December 1,2007 | 04:34PM
I believe this story is stupid. God killed people who touched it if they weren't anointed from Him it was His and it was sacred not for just anyone it was for God's chosen people the Jews. I think we don't know where it is and I don't think we will ever know it's not important anymore because when Jesus died the old testament laws were broke that's when the Vail that covered it was split. So once again the story is dumb.
Posted by Renee on December 1,2007 | 04:35PM
Ron, you are an idiot. Ethiopia was never occupied by Italy! They tried but failed. If you read your history books, you would have learnt that Ethiopia is the only African country to never have been occupied by European forces. Read before you post comments of which you know nothing about.
Posted by Observer on December 1,2007 | 04:35PM
You Know Alot of you need to learn the meaning of, "Respect for other peoples Religion" If someone started bashing on you or trying to debunk what you thought or held true in your heart you would flip out and get mad. If people want to belive in something let them, regardless of how rediculous YOU THINK IT IS. If you follow the linage and migration of the ark via text then yes ethiopia makes sence. And what some of you don't realise is Only a person with a ritous soul can be in the presence of the ark. If the Ark really holds divine power within it, then who knows what would happen if you were in it's presence and were not ritous. And on top of that, being of a righteous soul is part of the belief involved with the Ark. So if these people belive or only want one person that they know is righteous being in contact with it then that's the way it is. it's not anyones loss true believers know in there heart where the ark is and they hold true in their heart the power it holds. so alot of you so called educated people need to do what you teach your children and stop picking on people and stop calling parts of other peoples religion fairy tales or make belive stories. boxoskittles304@yahoo.com
Posted by on December 1,2007 | 04:36PM
Congrats. They did a piece on this like 2 years ago on the history channel and devoted 2 hours to it. Nice to know that you guys are late on this...
Posted by Carl on December 1,2007 | 04:38PM
The Ark was never in Ethiopia, itwas discovered by Ron Wyatt in January 6 of 1982 at approx. 2:0pm. This fact and is already part of history! If Ethiopia has an ark,it would only be a replica if one did exist. The current Ark of the Covenant contains part of the blood of Jesus on top of it's Mercy-Seat. So Ethiopia can claimallit wants, at least they do not have posession of the real ark... sorry but although the ark's true resting place in a cave in Jerusalem still remains undisturbed, even Israel doesn't have true posession of it only God does... and the Israelis know about this also. Arkman
Posted by The Arkman on December 1,2007 | 04:38PM
If the story was true why the Ethiopians are dying from HIV and hunger have ravaged the country. Don't you think they should have been protected by God? If there is an Ark, it is not the Ethiopians who hold it. There is not such a thing, the Ark never existed that is why nobody saw it as well as God>
Posted by LUDOVIC on December 1,2007 | 04:39PM
Oren1 said "You must have faith in things unseen." Where were you when I was selling real estate? Use common sense and don't be a sucker for an ancient shell game.
Posted by Arizona Billy on December 1,2007 | 04:39PM
And Santa Claus has a workshop at the North Pole. No doubt, religious relics such as the ark exist, but these, as with all symbols are just that; symbols used to perpetuate myth in order to control "believers." People continue to allow themselves to be sheep, unable to think and reason for themselves. Religion, biggotry and manipulation by religious "leaders" is the main cause for hatred and violence in this world. If the ark does exist, why should it remain hidden?
Posted by Jay on December 1,2007 | 04:41PM
The greatest power is what lies inside of your spirit not what is outside of it. Yes, life and what is in it is very interesting which is human nature but don't forget where we all came from before we were born so does it matter what is real or fake?.
Posted by Purity on December 1,2007 | 04:41PM
People who are seriously interested in this will read Graham Hancock's excellent book: "Sign and the Seal: The Quest for the Lost Ark of the Covenant" http://www.amazon.com/Sign-Seal-Quest-Lost-Covenant/dp/0671865412/ref=pd_bbs_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196555253&sr=8-5 I think this is where it will have to end though. There will likely never be enough "proof" for skeptics, who would greet any photos with the charge that "they're probably fakes" or something of the sort. Whatever. It is tantalizing--although I wish he had had more to tell us than what has already been seen. 1. For those amateur historians who keep saying things about "Menelik" and the supposed history of "Sheba", you should read the book to get Hancock's take on the real way it might have come to Ethiopia. If you're still stuck on the myth, you've barely even scratched the surface of the story. 2. Enough of these Evangelical Christian fantasy myths about the Ark being "below Calvary" with God's blood dripping on the mercy seat (and other such symbolic nonsense). They--and many of the Orthodox Jews too--love these silly made-up narratives (and they are a dime a dozen in the Jewish/Christian dispensationalist world). Only Catholics are more inventive (in terms of stories and fables that tickle the devout--and easily duped/poorly-read--imaginations). there may be interesting things below the Dome of the Rock, but a magical cave filled with angels, a golden scroll, the Ark and a picture of Benny Hinn, is not among what might be found. These people need to pick up a Bible and read it for themselves instead of running behind these Sensationalist pastors (and rabbis). Go actually read a Bible to see what's important in life. (Whatever happened to the iconoclastic Protestants?) 3. Read the book. It's better than this article (and goes much further and answer more questions).
Posted by John on December 1,2007 | 04:41PM
Didn't Moses throw down the tablets with the Commandments carved into them by God and shatter them, because his fellow Jews refused them? They would be unreadable if kept in anything. Genesis is the base of Judaism, Chrisrianity and Islam. It marked the end of matrilineal descendancy that guaranteed the motherhood of rulers. Genesis inroduces an ever-existing mammalian diety. He is MOTHERLESS--but his creators gave him an umbilicus like their own. Think on motherless Yaweh, God and Allah and ask why he was invented if not to establish a class called clerics, who CREATE, COLLECT AND CONSUME COSTS OF WORSHIP.
Posted by aadsutton on December 1,2007 | 04:42PM
Who cares. com'on guys i am from ethiopia basically from orthodox family but as grow up my skeptisizim grew up with me. for one thing quen sheba brought concieved a baby with out legal mairage"according to bible" which is not full. and they are telling us this man accounted for bastared brough the arck and nothing happened to him on his way to ethiopia but now claim that some thing dangerous will happen if any one except the keeper seeit. why? no answer. second it is shame for quen of a country to make adultry but not pride has no thing much to say. wether the ark is there or not it is a trick made by those family of the quen to claim that the authority was given to them from god for only thier decendents to rule Ethiopia for ever by tererizing the people by the name of god. that is why they intermixed doctrine and culture and confuse the world. eventhough as i herd the derg regiom did not do some thing good" i said i herd becouse i was not even born at that time" thanks to it for changing that trend. Now every thing is tale and ethiopian peoples discovered the truth at they didn't get a pitty from god to rule ethiopia for ever. if some one fearlessly get in to that aksum claimed to have the ark.for sure it will turn out to be either empty box or some harmless stuff.
Posted by NAOL on December 1,2007 | 04:42PM
The existence and/or whereabouts of the Ark provides fascinating fodder for discussion. But, the simple fact remains that, for the most part, skeptics will remain skeptical while believers will remain steadfast in their faith. Myth? Lore? Fabrication? As for myself, I choose to believe since the Ark is not only biblical but historical. As for the Ark of the New Convenant many will say it is Mary, the mother of Jesus. This represents just one of numerous examples of typology between the Old and New Testaments. (Watch out! Here come the naysayers.)
Posted by Keith Shanks on December 1,2007 | 04:42PM
The reason they are afraid of it killing them is because the ark is holy in the Bible and from many legends even laying eyes on it if you weren't pure would kill you. I doubt it is there but it is a nice mystery. I mean honestly anyone can say they have the ark and many people have. I think it's lost probably buried.
Posted by sNia on December 1,2007 | 04:43PM
Such intrigue! Is it not possible that the Ethiopians have the arc? I mean, what better safe, and humble place would God choose? After all, Mary rode a humble donkey. Jesus was born in a humble stable. God has shown time and time again that he can bring flash when necessary, but only in his time, not ours. It wouldn't be far-fetched at all.
Posted by Jenna on December 1,2007 | 04:43PM
Well, when considers the ways that God has worked in the past, it is not unbelievable. He knew that hiding the ark in plain sight was the best way to preserve it. After all, who would believe that his holy ark would be in the hands of BLACK people???? ha! Ha! How He must be laughing!!! After all, what good can come out of Black people??? Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Way to go, God!! You are incredible!
Posted by why_ask_why on December 1,2007 | 04:43PM
God would not leave evidence of himself scattered about upon the earth like this. He gave us all we need in order to learn and benefit from him, and it's the bible. Leaving such artifacts upon the earth in all it's vunerability would subject him to contriversy and Satan would love to use these objects against him. God isn't about material things, but rather faith. Would it take such artifacts like these in order to believe in him. Satan would use these objects so that many Christians would worship these artifacts instead of He himself. Look at what the cross has done and how many religions idolize the cross and Mary. If these objects came about easily, everyone would begin idolizing these objects rather than God himself! So he doesn't want them out!
Posted by Paul Brosam on December 1,2007 | 04:46PM
Why must we have to see to believe when all is needed is faith to understand? A small box is hardly the container for the love of God. A forum is not a place to discuss or interpret objects on the holiness of altars. Prayer is the key. C
Posted by cronospian on December 1,2007 | 04:47PM
For a long time European Jews have always felt like anything of biblical importance relates to them let me remind you that the Hebrew slave left Africa not just Egypt as some would like to seperate Africa and Egypt so that means means that the Hebrew nation was birth from Africa not the mideast or Europe whites have always tried to deny the history of our people and our rightful place. Just remember that all civilazation started in Africa the mother of all mankind so why do you feel that something of this magnitude could not be in Afica. Read your bible and learn history before you start talking about. Ethiopia is mentioned several times in the Old Testament and the first book of Genisis so please learn to read the Torah or bible before you start making comments on this subject.
Posted by Kent from Los Angeles on December 1,2007 | 04:47PM
Didn't Moses throw down the tablets with the Commandments carved into them by God and shatter them, because his fellow Jews refused them? They would be unreadable if kept in anything. Genesis is the base of Judaism, Chrisrianity and Islam. It marked the end of matrilineal descendancy that guaranteed the motherhood of rulers. Genesis inroduces an ever-existing mammalian diety. He is MOTHERLESS--but his creators gave him an umbilicus like their own. Think on motherless Yaweh, God and Allah and ask why he was invented if not to establish a class called clerics, who CREATE, COLLECT AND CONSUME COSTS OF WORSHIP. Males do not produce people,That's why old men find it easy to get rid of young men by drafting them and sending them to be made impotent or robbed of life in holy wars,
Posted by aadsutton on December 1,2007 | 04:47PM
The Ark of the Covenant has radioactive waste from a crashed alien ship in it. That's why it's so dangerous for humans to be around. I know, because it was my ship. I traded the "glowy glowy" stuff for a large supply of gold which I needed to repair my reactor. That's why gold is so highly valued, because my alien buddies needed it for our ships and we convinced the humans of its importance. They collected so much for us that they eventually started using it as a form of currency, and the rest was history. I probably should have mentioned this sooner, but y'all wouldn't have believed me anyway. Ye of little faith, and all that. But let me tell you, once you start uncovering all the great technological uses for gold, you'll really start to feel stupid having worn it on your bodies all these years.
Posted by Doctor Biobrain on December 1,2007 | 04:47PM
Those of you that don't believe that the Ark could quite possibly be in Ethiopia, or anywhere else for that matter, seem so adament, and almost angry about this story! It seems to me that the truth might just be a little too much for you to deal with! Why would something so miraculous and Holy be such a threat to you? I'm willing to bet that each, and every one of you are scared to death that someone will PROVE that GOD exists!
Posted by Maria on December 1,2007 | 04:50PM
God is not foolish unwise or vain. Knowing man before the foundations of the world, would then have knowledge of every one mans exsistence and destiney. The Ark of the covanent was to hold the commands of the Lord entrusted to man as a dwelling place of God's presence. Man breaks covanents God does not, and eventually the Ark was lost. Christ came to redeem man through death and resurection on the cross for an everlasting covanent to those who accept and follow. The new ark of the covanent then shall be those themselves of whom christ is welcomed to live inside. Man therefore is a lost Ark empty untill found through God's Son of which His presence then resides...
Posted by nathan bashaw on December 1,2007 | 04:52PM
A New Ark/Covenant of God now Stands in the Midst shining a Great Light into a Dark world and it is the Son of the Living God!
Posted by M.Batt on December 1,2007 | 04:52PM
Kudos Paul, great piece. It is sad for those who have forgotten or do not know the totally AWESOME power of God. I too would be "held back by the fear that the ark would harm me if I dared defile it with my presence."
Posted by Rick Richbourg on December 1,2007 | 04:52PM
What a disappointing article. Why send someone to look into the Ark story who would be too scared to actually see it for themselves? A waste of time.
Posted by melissa on December 1,2007 | 04:53PM
These people are the remnants of one of the 12 tribes of Isreael. They are the tribe of Jacob, and they are Heaven's Gatekeepers . . . Jacob had a dream of the Angels ascending/descending the ladder between Heaven and Earth, the symbolic message of the connection between the etheral and earthly.
Posted by LostTribe on December 1,2007 | 04:57PM
My beta fish who will not die is guarding the tooth fairy, the easter bunny, & santa claus in my back yard shed that no one is allowed to enter...for fear of seeing how messy my tool shed is...
Posted by Chance on December 1,2007 | 04:58PM
"The modern world has lost faith, we do not believe in things, which cannot be proven by science. Yet, we still have faith that tomorrow, our sun will rise, and we will have air to breathe." Uhm, Oren? As science has shown, the sun does not rise. The earth turns. And we don't have "faith" that it will be there. Unless something happens to it or us, we "know" that it will be there based upon observations. Isn't it odd that the only thing that believers accept on "faith" are the few specific areas that they want to believe? But if their wallet was left in a room that I was the only person seen entering or leaving, they would not use "faith" to assume that the Devil stole it. They would have used their observations as proof that I had stolen it and have me arrested. They'll use faith when it comes to their god, but only rely upon observation for everything else.
Posted by Doctor Biobrain on December 1,2007 | 04:58PM
I believe that GOD's word is not a big mystery and he did not share his secrets with mankind if it is the arc then GOD did a great job keeping it hidden. Just like the old testament only special people was allowed to see the arc and all those who was forbidden or touched it died on the spot.
Posted by Dan 79106 on December 1,2007 | 04:59PM
I can't believe the lack of humility exhibited by some people...
Posted by on December 1,2007 | 05:00PM
It amazes me how many people critize what can and can not be. How many times in the history of man has the majority made such claims only to later to be proven that they are indeed wrong. Also exaime your own religious beliefs even for christians there are many points of doctrine that we believe because we are told that is the way or the word, but the proof remains locked in vaults controlled by an elite few. their are vaults of information that the Vatican has locked away for instance. Is everything revealed to the general public? I think not.
Posted by Andy on December 1,2007 | 05:01PM
It would seem to me that the patriarch, although seemingly devout, is exercising an astounding amount of self-control (assuming this isn't the malarkey it appears to be). To be able to resist turning such an artifact over, it seems ludicrous. Obviously such a thing should be turned over to the world, because assuming it's the real deal, Christians deserve it as much as Ethiopian patriarchs and virgin guardians. Making such a judgement that the world 'isn't ready' or 'isn't deserving' is ridiculous, and this leads to the assumption that this is a bogus claim. The publicity seems to serve him well though...
Posted by C. Kristel on December 1,2007 | 05:01PM
FAITH is all the world needs survive and nothing else matters.
Posted by Justin on December 1,2007 | 05:02PM
Cool story, Maybe they should sell the Ark to some rich guy and then go buy some food for all the starving people rooming around in Ethiopia.
Posted by Rick on December 1,2007 | 05:03PM
I'm sure I read somewhere that Queen Elizabeth was shown the Ark while in Ethiopia on a state visit. Of course, she being a reptiloid Illuminati, that didn't violate the ban on humans seeing it. Perhaps someone might ask her. That is if you trust anything those shape shifters say. Sorry my documentation is no better than that presented in the article. Hummm?
Posted by Jack on December 1,2007 | 05:04PM
Why do these stories always end with no ending? Why do you fall for it? This story says nothing, it's an excellent work of fiction, even if it is true. It goes nowhere and answers nothing. I can't believe they print this garbage and I can't believe people read it. I read the first page and then jumped to the last, because I've seen enough of these to know how they all end. And I know nothing about the Lost Ark that I didn't learn from a movie. As lame as this story is, it's a billboard for what's wrong with society. We're not allowed to find the truth. There are too many rules and walls and political correctness requirements for anything remotely resembling the truth to surface. My western mind says "If they really had something they'd show the world." And really, why would any god want proof of his/her/it's existence hidden? If this was a rumor about some new and exciting WMD we'd be bombing the city and sending in teams to inspect it. If you believe it's the ark you should go find out for sure. Raider's style....
Posted by Bitingenius on December 1,2007 | 05:05PM
Thank you, Smithsonian, for publishing such an interesting article! I applaud any media source which prompts us to think less about ourselves and more about the ways of God. Also thanks for all the wonderful comments that have been posted. Please remember that all 'religion' is mankind's way of reaching out to God, but Christianity is God's way of reaching out to mankind! Of all the world's major belief systems, Christianity's 'founder' is the only prophet to ever have claimed to be God, not just His spokesman! In Jesus' own words, he says: I am the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 Thanks again, Bill in PA.
Posted by Bill G on December 1,2007 | 05:06PM
http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com/ Here you will find the truth. Sorry if this message repeats.
Posted by Lance on December 1,2007 | 05:07PM
What about satellite imagery? Can we not peer into the hut from a satellite to see if there are telltale signs?
Posted by Robert Pangan on December 1,2007 | 05:09PM
Unmitigated Hogwash. These will say anything to bolster tourism. No wonder they've been starving and their 'country' is a joke. Solomon himself was forbidden to see it, let alone make a present of it to the supposed son of a tart? The very belief which makes anything credible in the first place has no problem with the 'Ark' simply vanishing into thin air, like the 'body of Jesus' supposedly did. Next some crackpot will be saying they 'found' poor old Moses.
Posted by john jensen on December 1,2007 | 05:09PM
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church! Beautiful! As I read many of the comments I am struck by the different intentions that shine forth. My comments: To those of you who just like to argue....keep arguing. To those of you who believe anything.....you will. To those of you who believe nothing....you won't. To those of you who doubt every claim made by people of color....where's your sheet? To those of you who genuinely seek the truth....may you find it.
Posted by Tammuz on December 1,2007 | 05:09PM
Before I type this out I must first state that I reserve the right to be wrong, and maybe talking out of another orifice than my mouth. If you want gospel truth, go read the bible. For good theory read on. The bible tells everyone how we can build our own ark of the covenant. Either some joker decided to steal God's secret knowledge and publish it, or it was assumed that the object would need to be rebuilt. It is said that people first got their idea of God by being scared of lightning and thunder. Apparently certain biblical scholars seem to see that these blueprints for the ark probably make a giant, unstable battery. Just about any severe shock can cause a religious experience, whether it be LSD or electro-shock therapy. Timothy Leary did a study in which he sent some people to church. Some being dosed with LSD, others with placebo, the LSD of course facilitated christian religious experience. The imagery, the words, the ritual -- as well as the mind altering substance created the desired experience. So with this ark of the covenant being a giant unstable battery... maybe... and the rituals of judaism, and the imagery in the temple. Do the ritual, go into the holy of holies, touch the "arc" (yuk yuk! pun intended)....say the ineffable name....ZAP!!!! Electro-shock-religion. The ark was never lost. The original was just a strangely built box.
Posted by Gimmel Ayin on December 1,2007 | 05:10PM
Excellent article. It was very well written and a very entertaining read in itself. For those skeptics who think that just because it wasn't written or documented that the Ark was found, I say this: since you apparently know everything, why don't YOU book a plane trip to Ethiopia and find out for yourself? If 'exposing" this as a "fraud" means so much to you, by all means we all wait to hear what happens. It's not hard to understand why the writer had such an ambiguous ending. God's enemies far outnumber the faithful for now in this evil world we live in. Potentially revealing the ark to the world could risk the ark's theft or attempted destruction by the wicked. Best to leave well enough alone, and let the wise and the foolish decide on the ark's existence for themselves. thank you for a great story.
Posted by Brian Weir on December 1,2007 | 05:11PM
Humans spend too much time on "relics" and other "material objects" rather than their common humanity. Religions at their best provide a guide to enhance and give meaning to life. What do the Ethiopians believe? How did the Bible,the commandments, the ritual and laws of the Jews affect Christian and Muslim beliefs--no one talks about this! So what if the Ethiopians claim to have the Arc of the Covenant--What is the significance of the relic if no one is interested in what it stands for and how it affects people. I'm more interested in why people, down through the ages, have difficulty being wise and kind. Bah humbug!
Posted by hs on December 1,2007 | 05:11PM
It is my personal opinion that the ark of the coveant is lost, forever, to humanity and , in so being, it is not available for "object worship"---why?...............because God wants us to worship him, not some man-made object.
Posted by david on December 1,2007 | 05:11PM
I just wandered how many unbelievers if they see the ark will change their lives? Some people lived with the ark,some people caried it and had good times with God`s glory that was revealed for those specific times.We need to understand that God doesn`t lives in the ark right now but He is looking for hearts and in special for churches that really want His glory to be revealed.I am not to concern where the ark is right now becouse I saw the glory of God in many churches around the world.
Posted by ruben popet on December 1,2007 | 05:11PM
Faith is a powerful instrument, an ever sharp 2 bladed sword. It can smite your enemies, give you comfort or strength. It is a gift from God. However...if you give anyone control of YOUR faith, anyone, any group, any church...they can take your faith and slay you with it. physically and spiritually...they can even slay your soul. Take great care in what you place your faith in and if you are ever in doubt...ever, keep your faith in your own hands and keep it from those that would use it to do you or others harm.
Posted by Paul Davis on December 1,2007 | 05:12PM
"Who ever believe in me , believe in the one who sent me" so i belive in Jesus , so i belive in God , read the bible in spirit and true and these things will be revealed to your soul by the Holy Spirit ,arguements vs arguements send us to darknes , GOD bless you all.
Posted by angel torres on December 1,2007 | 05:12PM
the long and the short of it is.....the ark does exist and it was hidden.who or what moved it to other places is all another mystery.god allowes all to happen or not to happen and he has obviously chosen to allow it to be moved around and then land in one spot with people or peoples that he feels will protect it the way that he wants it to be protected.when the time comes for it to be made public then he will makeit happen.gods timing isnt ours and he is always right.so lets just wait and see what he wants to do.....thanks
Posted by steve reel on December 1,2007 | 05:12PM
Those who speak of the ark as just being legend or myth are simply maintaining a prejudice. There is not a single shard of legitimate evidence to support their contention. Due to the exrtram nature of the sacredness of the ark to the Jews, it is hihgly unlikely that it was taken to Ethiopia during the reign of Solomon, but more likely during a time of serious danger of it being taken by invaders such as Syria or Babylon. The Kings of Israel definitely did not think of the Ark as a personal posession to given away as a gift to anyone and it was certainly not to be removed from Israel except under the most threatening circumstances. The Old Testament scriptures say absolutely nothing about its disappearance which leads me to think that the writers of the Old Testament didn't want to take any risk of revealing where it may have gone. The silence about the disappearance of the Ark in the OT is a kind of evidence and none of the invading armies after Solomon's time said anything about having it and if they had taken it they would have preserved it as a trophy. However, the power was not in the power was not in the Ark, but rather it was in the people who revered the God as God worked through them. The Ark had no power at all by itself and it was not some kind of electircal device that switched itself on an off. Also, today, it would have no power anyway since the OT covenant was made null and void by the resurrection of Jesus who fulfilled the purpose of the Law of Moses and established a new covenant with all of the people of the world. At least that is what the New Testament scriptures declair.
Posted by David McClellan on December 1,2007 | 05:15PM
proof... I am a believer in Christ. I believe the ARK does exist. Where it is, is for God to reveal when the time comes. As far as needing proof that God exist, I'm amazed that so many doubt. Off the subject, but I am taking a physics class in a secular college, and I'm amazed that so many can doubt that there is a God. As we studied the ballance of gravity and the universe and how each tiny atom and molecule interacts; and how delicate and fragile our universe is or that if the earth's axis was off by a half a degree we would not exist; I don't see how one can say there is no God who controls it all. To say the ingrediants were all there is observe. To qoute my pastor,"you can put all the ingrediants needed to make a cake in a bowl, but without someone to mix them all together in the perfect amounts, you won't ever get a cake." this may not be the exact words used but it gets the point across. The people in Ethiopia obviously have great faith, and it is their faith that should be admired and sought.
Posted by Cyndidw77 on December 1,2007 | 05:18PM
My comment is a little different than most. Is it real or isn't it, seems to be the question. The fact is ...if you are a christian and have faith ...then it's real ...is it in a church in Africa .... who knows and who should care ... all that matters is that it simply IS ... wherever it's at must be where God wants it otherwise it wouldn't have gotten there. Now, if your not a christian .... then why should it matter if it exists or not and where it rests at today ... you don't believe in God therefore something He commanded built and tablets He wrote must not exist either...so basically it all boils down to our own religion and faith.I know it exists because I know God exists. I also know that wherever the Ark is , it's safe in God's hands. If we were supposed to see it or examine it then God would see that it was known to mankind again.
Posted by Sas on December 1,2007 | 05:25PM
Any truth can only be perceived by an individual who's awareness has been tuned to accept that truth. It has been said that the kingdom of heaven can be found within each of us; I have personally experienced this as truth. Accepting that truth, a virtual Ark can exist anywhere. For the more geeky among us, here is a UNIX metaphor, think: "A symbolic link to an absolute file node location" _/\_ Namaste "The divineness in me recognizes the diviness in you" Daya Rama
Posted by Daya Rama on December 1,2007 | 05:25PM
In the bible,somewhere close to exodus,it talks about a certain bloodline that can only touch the "Ark of the Covenant".Aloso it talks about that the Ark was made out of Gold and the wood that was talked about on page 1.I have to say....IF that is not the Ark of the Covenant,I Know that the Almighty GOD will make it appear When He wants it to.
Posted by james on December 1,2007 | 05:26PM
the people of Ethiopia would not be so foolish to expose this to the entire world, this is only a cover up for another greater story they are hiding.....one that needs to be told even more.....If the ark is there and it is our long sought, but broken connection to God. Instead of being behind a curtain with a monk the ark would’ve came into the world a long time ago…. with the crisis’s that have been happening for over 2,000 years to stop us and show us the way
Posted by cephas on December 1,2007 | 05:26PM
The Ark Holds Gods words,And his Laws and is for all mankind.In Gods eyes no one man is better or worse then the other.If the Ark is still around? Then it should be where all the people on Earth can see it.Because it holds Gods words and laws for all the people on Earth.
Posted by on December 1,2007 | 05:30PM
Sounds a bit like the Wizard of Oz to me, all this power and glory hidden behind a curtain; but the curtain must remain in place lest the Wizard be exposed. Just as the Vatican has ancient texts which are locked forever from public view. It is the lack of transparency and openness that shows us that the faith which is demanded is faith in men, not a faith in god. Men created god for their own purposes and for the benefit of themselves, not those governed through faith. It is always interesting to see that the leaders of the faithful assign to thier gods the human fault of vanity. Praise god or he shall strike you down; fear god for he will harm you personally; and obey god through me because he demands worship. Would the true god, a perfect and all powerful being, truly need the praise and adhoration or humans? Is it Paris Hilton, or what? Religion has always been about controlling the minds of those governed, suppressing thier desired to question authority. The keeper of the Ark is just another stupid mindgame being played by those who need to manipulate the masses to justify their place within society.
Posted by Dave on December 1,2007 | 05:30PM
The Ark Holds Gods words,And his Laws and is for all mankind.In Gods eyes no one man is better or worse then the other.If the Ark is still around? Then it should be where all the people on Earth can see it.Because it holds Gods words and laws for all the people on Earth.
Posted by gary on December 1,2007 | 05:33PM
I believe that we are cut off from God, that we lost the right to hold anything in trust from God. I think that he relizes that we are not going to ever do his bidding so, he had it destroyed through wars thus removing his commitment to us as his creation. Lets face it, we are on the same playing field as dogs or the lowest form of life and one step further atleast. We as a life form eat one another, kill each other in every possible way. I cannot see anything good about our life form. We are the "dog eat dog" in the true sense of a day in the life. This world is the testing ground before our life giving spirit, which was giving through the breath of God into Adam. We came alive as a spirt in awareness of God at that time, although we as an animal were here prior. Along with that spiritual breath from God came the fallen spirits as well. Now, before we can reunite our spirit with Gods spirit we as individuals have to prove through a cleansing, we have to have a naturally good nature in us, if not, we die back into hell or this same world again and again and again, until we get it right as and individual for the spirit never dies, just the flesh. The ten commandments, or the covenant is us and we are what is lost. The covenant will be found, individually in us. I don't believe it is a matter of the object anymore but of our spirit being clean enough to merge back with the pure spirit of God once again. Bye now.
Posted by Steven Quinlan on December 1,2007 | 05:37PM
Unmitigated Hogwash. These will say anything to bolster tourism. No wonder they've been starving and their 'country' is a joke. Solomon himself was forbidden to see it, let alone make a present of it to the supposed son of a tart? The very belief which makes anything credible in the first place has no problem with the 'Ark' simply vanishing into thin air, like the 'body of Jesus' supposedly did. Next some crackpot will be saying they 'found' poor old Moses.
Posted by john jensen on December 1,2007 | 05:38PM
What I do not understand is why would you make copies of something so "holy" and prance around with them for three strait days and nights, isn't that like using "the lords name in vain" or something?
Posted by Just Me on December 1,2007 | 05:39PM
According to the "RAELEANS", In their work "INTELLIGENT DESIGN". THERE IS A PARADIGM SHIFT, IF THIS IS TRUE. In the beginning Elohim created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1 ELOHIM, translated without justification in some Bibles by the word GOD means in Hebrew "those who came from the sky", and furthermore the word is a plural. It means that the scientists from our world is a plural. It means that the scientists from our world searched for a planet that was suitable to carry out their projects. They "created", or in reality discovered the earth, and realized it contained all the necessary elements for the creation of artificial life, even if its atmosphere was not quite the same as our own. And the Spirit of Elohim moved upon the face of the waters. Genesis 1:2
Posted by Rafael Alvarez on December 1,2007 | 05:41PM
A very interesting article. There are, however, several flies in the ointment, as it were: 1. The word "tabot" shows a definite connection to the Hebrew word "tebah", but this word in probably an Egyptian loan-word, and is used only in Genesis 6-9 for Noah's Ark and in Exodus 2 as the reed "ark" in which Moses was found by Pharaoh's daughter on the banks of the Nile. It is NEVER used to refer to the Ark of the Covenant (Aron ha-berit). 2. Having this most sacred object and symbol of the presence of the living God spirited away by an illegitimate son of Solomon (albeit with a wink and a nod from from the old man)does seem rather far-fetched. The Uzzah incident was a relatively recent memory at this time, and the only ones allowed to transport the Ark were the Levites, and in a specific manner using the poles designed for this purpose. According to 1 Kings 8:8, these could be seen "to this day" from the Holy Place of the temple of Solomon because they were too long for the Holy of Holies. 3. Jeremiah gives us a hint at what may have happened to the Ark in Jeremiah 3:16: "And when you have multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, declares the LORD, they shall no more say 'The ark of the covenant of the LORD.' It shall not come to mind or be remembered or missed [and]it shall not be made again." The Babylonians may have merely melted it down, since they would have had no use for it, unlike the other utensils they pilfered from the Temple before its destruction and which were eventually returned.
Posted by Paul Droutz on December 1,2007 | 05:45PM
Simply AMAZING! whether the *ark* exists or not isn't the question, the fact that this tradition has been for so long is facinating!
Posted by Gatorshop on December 1,2007 | 05:47PM
sounds sketchy
Posted by Alexandria Credeur on December 1,2007 | 05:49PM
The Ark holds Gods words and laws.It was give to all the people on Earth from God.It is not just for some to see or have,In Gods eyes no one man is better or worse then the other.Its Gods word and laws from him to the people of the world."All the people"
Posted by gary on December 1,2007 | 05:49PM
The most informative book regarding the ark of the convenant, is by: GRAHAM HANCOCK,- "The Sign and the Seal" as a journalist he happened to be stationed in the 80`s at the time when Ethiopia was going through a communist take over. He traces when the ark left Isreal in 600 ad under King Manaseth. He told the Levites to take the ark from Isreal, in stayed on the Island of Elephantine for over 600 yrs then it went up the nile to lake tana kirkos on one of the islands. In the 14th cent when nights templars were looking for the ark under the mount they who ocupied the holy land.did not find it.At the same time the exiled Christian king Lalibela, told the night templars where they would find it.With a small expiditionary forse the jewish king was overthrown and king Lalibela reinstated. The holy night templars using the power of the ark carved out of pure stone 7 churches in the town of Lalibela. Out of gratitude King Lalibela sends 30 emissaries to France,and thats where the saga ended, exect for the ocational visit by monks. To know more about the ark and the white brotherhood go to Elisabeth Haich : - Initiation. and may God Bless you all of you who are thursty for the truth.
Posted by nicola brcan on December 1,2007 | 05:50PM
The reporters investigation about the keepers of the lost ark was very good. The results of the investigation is evidence sufficient to establish a thing as true or believable. The correct bible is true or believable.
Posted by Alexander S. Boney on December 1,2007 | 05:51PM
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
Posted by John P on December 1,2007 | 05:51PM
Pease read Revelation 11:19 - "Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.( from New King James Version) The Ark is in heaven.
Posted by Tony on December 1,2007 | 05:53PM
If we dont see G-d do we deny his existance?Of course not .so we should not even attempt to deny the existance of the ark.It exists and it is there,if u belive it is your gain and it adds to your belief and trust in G-d.If you dont,then you most defently need to talk to your priest,rabbi or molah.For those of us who belive in its existance,who cares what the rest of the world thinks.We should support the people who have protected it for the past thousnds of years.
Posted by mel on December 1,2007 | 05:55PM
the ark isn't a thing it is tank of enrgy which we do not know how to use at the moment.
Posted by L.A. on December 1,2007 | 06:02PM
AS A YOUNG MEMBER OF OUR ARMED FORCES, I VISITED AXUM WITH MY WIFE AND ANOTHER COUPLE. AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNOR WE WERE PERMITTED TO GO TO THE CHAPEL TO SEE THE CROWN JEWELS OF THE QUEEN OF SHEBA. PRIEST BROUGHT OUT NUMBEROUS JEWELED CROWNS ON PILLOWS. WE WERE ALLOWED TO PHOTOGRAPH THESE JEWELS. MY MALE FRIEND AND I WERE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE CHURCH/CHAPEL. I WAS ALSO ALLOWED TO TAKE SEVERAL PICTURES INSIDE OF TAPESTRIES ON THE WALLS. WE WERE NOT AWARE AT THE TIME THE ARK WAS SUPPOSE TO BE THERE. EARLIER THIS YEAR I SAW A SPECIAL ON THE HISTORY CHANNEL ON AXUM AND THE STORY OF THE ARK. I FOUND OUR PICTURES AND THE CHURCH SHOWN IN THE SPECIAL WAS THE EXACT SAME ONE I WAS IN, EXCEPT NOW IT WAS SHOWN WITH A WHITE FENCE AROUND IT. I HAVE THE PHOTO'S TO PROVE THIS.
Posted by Larry E. Feick on December 1,2007 | 06:06PM
I have the ark. I stole it years ago (during WWII) and hid it somewhere. I just can't seem to find it on account that my face was melted off during the heist.
Posted by Hans Specktal on December 1,2007 | 06:12PM
Why would the Ethiopian faithful not use the Ark to save the life of their dynastic emperor when the communists were slaughtering people left and right? Was the emperor's life and power not intimately linked to the power and life of the Ark? It seems the communists did destroy the credibility of the Ark story, by destroying the dynasty.
Posted by Venusian on December 1,2007 | 06:14PM
This is an interesting article, but still only a peripheral issue when it comes to the reality of God. God is not a shovanist nor is He without a witness in the world. The world itself is testimony enough. The order of creation is evident. There may be some who choose to live this life with great cynicism and skeptisism only to excuse what they know in the depths of their heart to be true. This is only to live as a cosmic accident. That is not life. Purpose, is not a vain idea of conceit, but rather, a necessity of life, the "need" to have meaning. If you thirst for truth, really thirst? Jesus said to, "come to me and drink". I suggest that we get over ourselves and take that leap because it is only by trusting and believing completely and totally in the Power of God through the Lord Jesus Christ that we enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Not by relics, icons, or good works will we be justified. I speak from personal experience and relationship with the Almighty and I would ask you to take that leap and experience the relationship. Those who have ears to hear, let them hear! God Bless the reader!!
Posted by Joshua on December 1,2007 | 06:17PM
I don't know if it's true - but Maaaan! I had a terrific time laughing at all the comments. I believe the ark exist...where only God knows!
Posted by The Most Interested on December 1,2007 | 06:17PM
Any one who knows history understands the truth. That is the ArK has its holly home in Ethiopia. May the glory of GOD be with us!!! Thanks, Amanu
Posted by Amanueil Kumssa Tujuba on December 1,2007 | 06:32PM
To be honest, I enjoyed the comments more than the article. There were some really great opinions. But keep in mind that no matter which side you are on, they are all just opinions (of course, that is unless some postee wants to tell us that they are 3,000 years old and saw it all happen). I am a Christian, I believe in the bible, but I could philisophically never state that I know the bible to be a fact. That is called faith. As long as people have faith in something and don't feel that they have to kill others to prove it, I'm fine with the Arc being in Israel, Jordan, Etheopia, the Congo, Yemen, or in Dan Brown's safe. It's all good. But the comment about all junk emails coming from that room is still cracking me up.
Posted by tedescokid on December 1,2007 | 06:35PM
What's wrong with putting this in Smithsonian? It tells us something interesting about Ethiopian culture.
Posted by on December 1,2007 | 06:42PM
Proving that the arc exists would in a sense prove the existence of god and the validity of certain religions... These are arguments which everyone has been killing each other over since the beginning of man. Let's face it, it is probably never going to happen. Religion has offered over time nothing but justification for war, control over populous, escape from death (or a crappy life) with afterlife, and hope to people in hopeless situations. If you read this and want to tell me I'm going to hell because the points I'm trying to make vary from or challenge your personal doctrine that just validates my point even more. In truth no one knows for sure what is correct, and everyone has their own ideas on what makes sense to believe (by choice or traditions and upbringing). And what better way to make your beliefs credible than to have a mass of people in your following? If everyone was a good person(without leaning on religion/payoff as the reason for your selflessness) and gave into the fact that we don't know what we can't, the world would run a whole lot smoother. Steve Belt had probably the most intelligent thing to say out of all the comments I've read. "The absence of EVIDENCE...does NOT necessarily conclude there is evidence of ABSENCE...in the context of the Ark, its existence and/or location... " It's always fun to dive into finding answer for something only to come out just as, or even more confused.
Posted by Matt D on December 1,2007 | 06:42PM
I was there in '67. Just getting to Axum is a grind and it's hotter than the hubs of hell. I witnessed part of the Timkat ceremony from "afar" and can say that these folks believe they have the real thing. I don't know if the "Ark" is inside the Chapel or not but do know that these guys would fight to the last man to keep an outsider from trying to take a peek or removing whatever they have in there. In their defense, they don't go about bragging on their possession and the rest of the World has only learned of their claim during the last 40 years or so. It seems to me that if they were trying to run some sort of "game" they would have been shouting from the rooftops. They are not seeking recognition so leave them in peace. Don Hardy Staff Sergeant US Army Military Police Corps Asmara Eritria (ne; Ethiopia) 1966-1968
Posted by Don Hardy on December 1,2007 | 06:46PM
I visited Ethiopia for the first time during the Ethiopian millennium this past summer and I have stood in front of that same church a few feet away, and for a person who never been a spiritual soul like myself, I felt something strange going through my body and what ever it was I strongly believe that there is something mystic about that church.
Posted by Mad Cabbie on December 1,2007 | 06:56PM
as it said in the bible,faith is believing with out a proff, like satine said to GOd" if you are really God,jump from this tall building and save yourself" God could've done that, , the point is you don't need a proff, all i can say is, if u belive this you're blessed. GOD BLESS
Posted by david lockhart on December 1,2007 | 07:29PM
“And the meek shall inherit the world!” That’s interesting too. Remember that the book of Revelations is a prophecy of the future foreseen by John at the time of the second coming. Right? That hasn’t happened yet from what I’ve seen. There is no reason to believe that the Arc is in Heaven until Gabriel blows his horn. I enjoyed the article and most of the comments even more. Indeed, we are all living in a world which seems to correspond to the “End of Days”. That is why each of us found this interesting enough to invest our time commenting on it. Thanks to all of you for your time. I agree with MrG. I wouldn’t expect the keepers of the Arc to advertise Location, Location, Location! I’m sure that if the Arc exists on this planet, whoever keeps it isn’t talking here. Logic, Faith and Science are becoming intertwined in ways we never expected. I can’t help but see how an artist and his art are intertwined in the same way. The picture keeps getting bigger all the time! However, I hope the “Journalists, Thieves and Commandos” don’t push it too much in the next century because I know people that are not in the mood for an Apocalypse now. It just doesn’t sound like something I would want for anyone I know and love, Old Testament style. Please keep in mind that the word “Sacred” has a definition and you’d be surprised to find out what it is if you haven’t looked it up yet. I’m glad to see a little controversy because it sparks all kinds of information. Please keep it up! Skinniestly, Dave
Posted by Skinny Dave on December 1,2007 | 07:55PM
i have a hard time with this. if it was really their, why wouldnt any1 tree to break in? im sure if jackie chan tried to get in there, he would get in there. this question has guided my interest in this story since i was a boy, and i would do anything to travel there.......its 1 mystery to me that i pray to god will get answered. i belive this mystery to be more valuble than the holy grave, i mean imagine it, the chest that is 100000000 of yrs old, and the tablets in side that is the written hand of God himself. i just cant belive it remains a mystery if it is really in there or not.
Posted by matt on December 1,2007 | 08:00PM
To: Oren 1 Chronicles 26 - As an atheist, I have absolutely no faith that the sun will rise. I'm pretty confident that that the sun doesn't move at all, but instead the earth turns. As soon as you realize that you are not the center of the universe your perspective may change.
Posted by Rob on December 1,2007 | 08:13PM
From reading these comments, it seems that through the bible and actual discovery, the true location of "the Lost Ark", has already been made known. The true location seems to make sense, because it is directly underneath where Christ hung on the cross. I believe that the Ethiopians must have thought they found the Ark ages ago and hung on to that legend ever since, but that, although potentially significant, it is not the real thing. It was very interesting to learn about the whereabouts and sacredness of the Ark. However, I am disgusted at the many people who think it would be a good idea to expose such a sacred object to the disbelieving multitude.
Posted by hannah on December 1,2007 | 10:57PM
As I read these comments. It a shame me to see what value some people place on fame and worldly recognition. Those of us that live in the western world, need to revaluate the true treasures of life. The people of Ethiopia, have a rich cultural that includes the scaredness of religion. Somethings are ment to be discovered, and somethings are not. I applaud their method of keeping all who would violate there tradition out! We live in the 21 century, but they are many things that we still can't explain, but does that mean they never took place? The real treasure it not just story of the Ark, but what it represents in mens hearts.
Posted by Forbes on December 1,2007 | 11:50PM
Thanks and Praises to Jah Rastafari!
Posted by georgeof420 on December 2,2007 | 06:16AM
Thanks for a very stimulating article. As a proud Orthodox Christian, I believe faith has agreat value to all your inquiries. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has a long built faith and people have always been inspired spiritually into believing and worshiping God. We believe that the arc of the covenant is there and if you really want to know why nobody can get close to it except the guardian. Faith doesn't need any explanation but my advice is if anyone would want to know more about the power of the arc and why the guardian refused to respond to all your inquiries, he/she should kneel down ask God to reveal you the truth. Thank you.
Posted by Seb on December 2,2007 | 07:54AM
The Ark of the Covenant made the Temple, not the Temple made the Ark of the Covenant. Therefore, tradition has it that Shlomoh ha Melech had an exact duplicate of the Ark made and during times of crisis and war, he had the Ark taken down to the caverns underneath the Temple Mount and carefully protected. During those times, another ark, this copy, was in the Dabir, the Holy of Holies. The Book of 2 Maccabees tells us that before the destruction of Jerusalem by the soldiers of Nebuchanezzar, Jeremiah, the Prophet, had the Ark and other sacred objects placed in a cave on Mt. Nebo. The cave has since been covered by rock slides and is still hidden and will only be revealed when Enoch and Eliyahu return at the end of the age. The true copy of the Ark was taken by Jeremiah to Egypt and it was eventually taken on to Ethiopia. It is that True Copy that rests in Aksum. When the Temple was rebuilt by Nehemiah and Ezra, a new Ark was made. Neither it nor the True Copy has the Tablets of Stone, the Jar of Manna, nor Aaron's Rod. All of the true copies are empty as in the Raiders of the Lost Ark. This Ark was taken by Onias IV and installed in Heliopolis in Egypt where it was found recently by archaeologists. Again, a new Ark was made for the Temple and it was taken before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. out of the city by the disciples of John the Baptist and these people known as Mandaeans took the Ark to Iraq, where it was taken from them by Saddam Hussein and has been hidden away. Although the Ark at Aksum is very ancient and very holy, having been used to pour the blood of the Lamb of Yom Kippur, still it is not the true Ark.
Posted by Rabbi Barry Albin on December 2,2007 | 09:07AM
Its not a matter of believing if the ark exist. What really strikes an awakening inside me is the possibility that such a powerful piece of history could exist. I wonder if this were a lie,what would inspire men to go to such lengths. The search for truth often times leads us to more questions. I appreciate that about this story,it leads us to search in place of our apathetic hearts attempts to give in to only that which we can see.
Posted by grey on December 2,2007 | 09:11AM
For all the John's and Frank's that had commented on this article i only have one thing to say. this is not a scientific discovery , no proof is required, you either believe or you dont.its your loss. Religon is faith. I pray that the arc of covenenat stay as remote as ever and not be infected by people with no faith. i want them to keep it a secret , you want to share it to THIS WORLD????for what to commercialize it and sell it?and make money off of it. people who believe dont even need to see it.Faith is for those who believe. god will not let that happen anyways i bleieve that. God Bless ethiopia for keeping it safe this long . Yes it is protected by an old man , this makes you think that you can over power him and get your hands on the ark??? the ark protects its self, the priest warns people like you of the consequences.I bet you, you wouldnt feel this way if you were in that situation ... you will be scared. i believe the ark is in ehtiopia but i dont want to se it because i dont think i am worthy of it . i am scared because i know its very powerfull!
Posted by nanni G on December 2,2007 | 01:44PM
How can the fools who do not believe in anything claim intellectual superiority simply by not believing? Too much of the Bible has been shown to be true through archaeology to simply discount all of it.
Posted by Adam on December 2,2007 | 02:44PM
The joy is that we speak and discuss of a 'Higher Power'. C
Posted by cronospian on December 2,2007 | 02:59PM
out of darkness shall come out the light
Posted by I on December 2,2007 | 04:01PM
The Ark was not a "magical" box.It could not defeat enemies, destroy buildings, etc. in it's own power. Jehovah God performed the miracles relating to the Ark and it was a focal point for man to meet God. It was sacred because God specified it to be so. Those who deny the authority of God and consider it as mythology are fools per the Bible...the fool has said in his heart there is no God. Looking for empirical evidence? Look around you.
Posted by Jack on December 2,2007 | 05:16PM
Exodus 25:10, And they shall make an ark... Jeremiah 3:16, And it shall come to pass... If humankind just obey the Ten Commandments of the Ark, shown in Exodus 20, the world shall be a peaceful place to live. DCPerania
Posted by dionisio c. perania on December 2,2007 | 05:16PM
Where is The Lost Ark Today In the Holy of Holies was the breast plate of Aron, the Ark of the covenant, which contained the hidden manna and the budding rod of Aron and the two tablets. Made to represent the Mercy Seat in heaven, the Ark of the cavanant was as close as one could get to the Mercy Seat, the throne of God. The high priest when he entered the inner chamber, would have to shield himself from the Shekina Glory by covering his face and only he alone could enter in. No one was allowed behind the veil and even the priest himself would have to enter in with a rope tied about him, in case he could not come back alive in which case they would have to pull his body out. So holy was the inner sunctum to the TRUE believers, STILL IS TODAY. But when the earth quaked, the bible says the VEIL of the Temple rent from top to bottom.(Mark 15:38) This was no man made event. They barried him, and three days later he rose. The Very God that they worshiped who used to reside behind the veil has come out from behind the veil unnnounced to many. Today, his laws are written on New tablets made of flesh(our hearts- a type of the ark...THE.INTER.VEIL_ STURGIS.MI SATURDAY_ 56-0121)(Proverbs 3:3-4) and he resides in a new ark, not made of cider(our hearts). (John14:18-20)Today we no longer need a high priest to aproach the Mercy Seat. He has called us all whosever will, to the prieshood. Glory! There is your true "Lost Ark of the Covenent" the NEW COVENANT today! God Bless You. Billy
Posted by Billy Wilson on December 3,2007 | 04:07AM
What I find most inspirational, exciting, depressing and chilling is how quickly some dismiss all their religious fervor as delusional, yet, I'm reminded about how much blind, irrational faith we put in our politicians. If you think that people will go to great lengths to lie about religion over centuries, just imagine what people do with money and power. All you smug naysayers, turn your cynicism to where it matters.
Posted by Andrew Horning on December 3,2007 | 06:23AM
When I visited Axum and tried to get near the church - one of those nice old men came after me with a whip! It it more protected than I thought! The area is rugged, hard to get to and not for the faint of heart. Despite that, the shroud of mystery that surrounds the place - is enough to 'believe'. My Ethiopian brother says it doesn't matter if it is there or not. What matters is that others believe. It is a wonderful place to visit!
Posted by Lynnae on December 3,2007 | 01:16PM
If there really wasn't anything there, what would keep that priest there. Why would he spend his whole life guarding something that isn't there. I would leave and tell everyone if nothing was there.
Posted by Thinker on December 3,2007 | 04:27PM
I really appreciate for the sharing of the wonderful experience. However, I am really amazed by the people who commented so far. I believe, some of them are either they are simply atheist or something else. The fact is one doesn't need to see in order to believe. This fact has been there for 3 thousand years and still will be there. And one should note that it is not neither legend nor gossip but real. Can anybody claim that he/sh saw God, our mighty creator? If the answer is no, why doubt about the Ark presence, then. As we know, Ethiopia is mentioned in the holly bible 38 times or more so no one should forget that it's the ancient Christian nation with rich history. Besides, Ethiopia is the land of first mankind, God chosen place and its people are true believers. As Ethiopia is the land of holly, no place for Atheist in that country either.
Posted by mat on December 4,2007 | 12:23PM
Well I have enjoyed a lot from the comments. the article is very crucial to attract attention of the world to the reality. I believe it is a blessing if the Ethiopians have it. It shows their real greatness as the name of Ethiopia and Ethiopians were mentioned in good terms several times in the bible. Despite the famine and drought, Ethiopia is one of the ancient nations with ancient civilization and ancient Christian nation which anybody can see it from the visible steles, rock hewn churchs etc. No one can prove or disprove on laboratory about the presence of the Ark of the Covenant in Ethiopia. If you know the bible, even during the old testament when the Ark was in Jerusalem the Priest and only the priest could see it. It was behind the cartail all the time, not visible to the people. Therefore, The Ethiopians I believe are just following the tradition so that only the priest will be inside. Should you need any visual evidence I think it will be against the biblic tradition. God bless
Posted by Zion on December 4,2007 | 06:40PM
I am glad we are thinking about God whatever the topic is.
Posted by mimi on December 4,2007 | 08:37PM
Leave these incredible people alone. Well you??? They do not deserve some of your comments. The reporter went there to write this article and the people welcomed him and shared their religion and its root. They kept their faith and values through the bad and good days (you have no idea that life was so good in Ethiopia 40some years ago and before) Read their history and respect them. Plus do not get too comfortable and comment about poverty because what goes around comes around. We have seen it that within a single day the people of New Orleans IN UNITED STATES were begging for FOOD and shelter. The people of Ethiopia have the real deal - faith in God - either its a good or a rainy day and your recognition is NOTHING to them and neither this material world. Open the Bible and read - you will find that Ethiopia is mentioned in the Bible more than 38 times by both Old Testament and New Testament writers. Once you know who these people are then it is up to you to believe or not. It is God's choice and you just have to go and get blessed IF that is God's well.
Posted by Admirer on December 5,2007 | 12:46PM
And the beat of ignorance goes on. Ethiopia has never been occupied by a European country? Ignorance. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Italo-Abyssinian_War How many posters actually read the full article? If all did, why do so many redundantly recommend Graham Hancock's book, as it is cited in the last line of the story? I personally don't care what anyone believes, I believe in logical argument. Saying that something is in the Bible may be enough for you, and that is fine with me. What bothers me is when you say it is enough for me. And that would seem to be the fatal mistake of nearly all religions; presuming to know what is the Only Way is fine, but then it seems to be inevitable that this Only Way must be imposed on all others. And if you don't agree, we will kill you - in our god's name, of course, which makes it okay...
Posted by Dan on December 5,2007 | 01:39PM
Jeremiah foretold a time when the ark of the covenant would be no more, but that it would not be missed and Jehovah’s worshipers would experience no hardship because of not having it. Instead ‘Jerusalem itself will be called the throne of Jehovah.’—Jer 3:16, 17. In the symbolic book of Revelation, John says that “the ark of his covenant was seen in his temple sanctuary” in heaven. This ark of the covenant has to do with the new covenant of God with men and the appearing of the Ark was an indication that Jehovah was again ruling by means of his Anointed One.—Re 11:15, 19.
Posted by Richard Olsen on December 5,2007 | 06:28PM
Who do ya believe? I would be more inclined to believe the historical account that states what Jeremiah, not Solomon, did with the Ark around the time of the rein of Zedekiah or Josiah kings of Judah. Here is what the account says: 2Maccabees 2:1 It is also found in the records, that Jereiah the prophet commanded them that were carried away to take of the fire, as it hath been signified: 2 And how that the prophet, having given them the law, charged them not to forget the commandments of Yahweh, and that they should not err in their minds, when they see images of silver and gold, with their ornaments. 3 And with other such speeches exhorted he them, that the law should not depart from their hearts. 4 It was also contained in the same writing, that the prophet, being warned of Yahweh, commanded the tabernacle and the ark to go with him, as he went forth into the mountain, where Moses climbed up, and saw the heritage of God. 5 And when Jeremiah came thither, he found an hollow cave, wherein he laid the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar of incense, and so stopped the door. 6 And some of those that followed him came to mark the way, but they could not find it. 7 Which when Jeremiah perceived, he blamed them, saying, As for that place, it shall be unknown until the time that Yahweh gathers his people again together, and receive them unto mercy. 8 Then shall Yahweh show them these things, and the glory of Yahweh shall appear, and the cloud also, as it was shewed under Moses, and as when Solomon desired that the place might be honourably sanctified. So the place will be unknown UNTIL the proper time, and it will be revealed, and likely turn the world upside down. Won't that be a hoot!
Posted by Bob Arkhunter on December 5,2007 | 07:00PM
Paulos, “[g]ripping a golden staff, wearing a golden icon depicting the Madonna cradling an infant Jesus, and seated on what looked like a golden throne, he oozed power and patronage.” I wonder what St Paul would say if he saw this Paulos? Paulos who ” holds a PhD in theology” says “our religion is rooted in the Old Testament," . "We follow the same dietary laws as Judaism, as set out in Leviticus," meaning that his followers keep kosher, even though they are Christians. "Parents circumcise their baby boys as a religious duty, we often give Old Testament names to our boys and many villagers in the countryside still hold Saturday sacred as the Sabbath." I am an Orthodox Christian of Ethiopian origin. Again I wonder what St. Paul would say hearing this boosting? Did christ come for nothing? Because all these did not bring salvation. When Christ was preaching the Gospel he was not concerned about where the Ark was. At least we don’t read it in the Gospel. The Son of God himself has revealed himself to his people. What is more for christians. Thus Paulos, PhD, ( I should search and read his dissertation), should get back to preaching the Gospel and stop making similar statements he has made recently claiming that he and his followers were Christians before Christ.
Posted by Dan on December 5,2007 | 08:31PM
thank you Mr. Raffaele. Please go back to that LAND and take your time. You will investigate more and more ... When truth comes out of Ethiopia, land of God, my fellow friends may keep on calling it 'legendary' while they themsleves are legends infront of God. Eager to read more from you dear.
Posted by Mersha on December 6,2007 | 03:50AM
Once again I read someone talking about the Jews worshiping the Ark. WE DO NOT WORSHIP OBJECTS! Not even the tablets with 10 Commandments would have been worshipped. We venerate the words and their meaning. As for myths, the actual exodus from Egypt has now been archeogically validated; the reality turns out to be a little less flashy. First, it didn't happen all at once, but over several years of verified drought. Second, it was not just Hebrews that the Egyptian rulers sent off. After all, who in their right minds keeps a bunch of malcontents around stirring up trouble while you are already dealing with a major famine? Third, the released slaves, etc. did not cross the Red Sea, but the Sea of Reeds, which still has wet and dry periods. Forth, if Moses didn't exist, someone was in charge, so it is as easy to call this person Moses as George. As for the rest, as always, faith and facts don't often mix. The people wrote about what happened to them using the words they had. They were not scientists, and in any case, when you teach, sometimes you get more reaction if you use an exciting story, so the Exodus combined the events, the Europeans regularly mistranslated them and boom, you get, Ark stories.
Posted by Judith Levine on December 6,2007 | 10:47AM
This for Dan: YES Ethiopia has never been colonized by Europeans. Read about the “Battle of Adwa” “one of the worst disasters of modern history where approximately 25,000 Italians were defeated by four times as many Ethiopians under Menelek” http://www.rastaites.com/Ethiopia/adowa.html. 1936, the Italian came back after FOURTY years - revenge - and used poison gas which you are referring to. The Ethiopian did not accept the annexation and the fight continued within and made it impossible for the Italian to briefly stay. “Early in May 1936 Ciano attempted to land in Addis Ababa, immediately prior to its occupation by the Fascist army - but was obliged to fly off as a result of continued Ethiopian resistance.” The king of Ethiopia, HAILE SELASSIE, appeal to the League of Nations as a modern time and he was recognized as “Man of the Year” in 1936 by “TIME Magazine” The end: that is why the people have pure unmixed culture, religion and language until this time.
Posted by Mine on December 6,2007 | 04:17PM
The just shall live by faith. Where are yee who are of faith? Does thou believe in God whom yee have not cast an eye upon?
Posted by Makeda Queen of Sheba on December 7,2007 | 10:06AM
It is the Faith of the Ethiopians that has kept their belief in the Ark the Tabot and it is for this reason that it is safe in their hands than in the hands of Doubters and Pseudo-Believers elsewhere. This is the wish of God not theirs. The Greeks and others long time ago have said that Ethiopia is the land of the gods, where the gods reside and that they are a JUST people. Even the Prophet Mohamed sent his believers to Axum in Ethiopia during their persecution by the pagans. I am sure that the majority of those who have commented their doubts about the Ark residing in Ethiopia, an African country, surely believe in God as Christians...after all did they not examine him before accepting Him to make sure he is for Real? Next time to ponder when you go to church.
Posted by Basliel on December 7,2007 | 10:19AM
The story is quite intesting. I don't think we can totally disregared their cliam and should understand that there could be religous reasons for them not "displaying" the Holy Ark. I have read and heard different stories on how the Ark was brought to Ethiopia. For those who are truly intrested in the story should read the book writen by Graham Hancock, Title: Sign and the Seal: The Quest for the Lost Ark of the Covenant.
Posted by london on December 7,2007 | 11:24AM
This for Dan: YES Ethiopia has never been colonized by Europeans. Read about the “Battle of Adwa” “one of the worst disasters of modern history where approximately 25,000 Italians were defeated by four times as many Ethiopians under Menelek” http://www.rastaites.com/Ethiopia/adowa.html. 1936, the Italian came back after FOURTY years - revenge - and used poison gas which you are referring to. The Ethiopian did not accept the annexation and the fight continued within and made it impossible for the Italian to briefly stay. “Early in May 1936 Ciano attempted to land in Addis Ababa, immediately prior to its occupation by the Fascist army - but was obliged to fly off as a result of continued Ethiopian resistance.” The king of Ethiopia , HAILE SELASSIE, appeal to the League of Nations as a modern time and he was recognized as “Man of the Year” in 1936 by “TIME Magazine” The end: that is why the people have pure unmixed culture, religion and language until this time.
Posted by Mine on December 7,2007 | 02:16PM
We are so become materialistic that we can't take anything seriously this time unless its branded or endorsed by some celebrities.That what I understood from some of comments i read here and most of the commenters seem not familiar with bible or the ark implication among the faithful. If you read the bible, it tells that no one can't see the ar except the person entitled/chosen to do the ritual.I am glad that they keep it secret and let the people wonder. Because if its proven that it is the original ark of the covenant that peaceful place would a reck by the indiana jones wannabees, tabloid and medias who do anything to increase their rating and let alone skeptics who still would try to prove that they are right...and so on... you have to be spiritual to prove spiritual believe because that would be your microscope to see it in depth. Wonderful article SM. Thanks for sharing with us...
Posted by Mes on December 7,2007 | 03:28PM
As an Ethiopian, I remain devoted to the belief that the Ark is found in Ethiopia. Yet, as a post-1974 generation, I also question some of Ethiopian legends, folklore and cultural and social belief systems, which is fine. One thing strongly reinforces my belief that the Ark is in Ethiopia. Some years ago, scholars were discussing about the Ark on one of those American TV channels. One of them mentioned that the Ark had a magnetic field. I then remembered how, when I was in church school, the senior deacon always advised me and others not to get closer to the Ark - that is, the replica Ark found in any Ethiopian church - because it was "dangerous". In fact, this is what every Ethiopian grow up hearing: you touch the Ark and you get paralized. Stories are always told how a thief tries to still an Ark, but his hands get paralized (when he touches the Ark)and runs away. I just read some of the discussions and I wouldn't even guess that my story will provide a convincing argument. But I am happy to share it.
Posted by Getachew Mequanent on December 7,2007 | 03:40PM
When I was a young boy I visited the church/monastery where the "Arc" is supposedly stored. In school, I was constantly bombarded by cooked history lessons on how Queen Sheba visited the holy place and had a child from King Solomon... and how Emperor HaileSellasie was a descendant of the Solomonic Dynasty and other rabbish staff. Going back to the lonely monk in Axum who is the sole guardian of the "Arc", he seems to have no clue on what is inside since he does not know either. When it is time to leave this world, I assume he will get an apprentice who will pass the same lie from genreation to generation. The legend continues...and is a good read. The story is nothing more than a tabloid like story with little resemblance to reality...Besides, the local people who live in that part of Ethiopia are well known for deceptive behavior/
Posted by Haile on December 7,2007 | 05:22PM
I remember when Emperior Haile-Sellasie I, the last Solomonic descendant to occupy the throne, took Queen Elizabeth to where the Ark is, the current housing which he ordered built in Aksum, Tigray, up north for a visit. Graham Hancok, the british writer, wrote perhaps the only extensive book on the subject, "The Sign and Seal", in the early 90s and provided details and theories. But in Ethiopia, especialy during HaileSellasie's reign, all existence was clearly evident of its bibilical origion: all fourteen provinces (minus Eritrea since 1991) and how they are configured, the traditional dresses, the church - strikingly similar to that of Moses and Aaron's time, the remarkable and larger than life kings who sat on David's throne: from the Meniliks, both the 1st and 2nd, and those in between who were divine and reflected their righteousness over the world according the prophecies; the litterature, the Quine, the manners, the culture, the 3000 years history, prophecy - every aspect of it was genuinely bibilical and deservingly holy. Not so now, it is simply unrecongizable, and too bad that most foreigners know only about the starvation which it too was bibilical.
Posted by Yacob of America on December 7,2007 | 06:28PM
For Ethiopians believing is seeing.For the rest may be seeing is believing!God Bless Ethiopia and the world!!amen.
Posted by Ethios on December 7,2007 | 11:02PM
You need to have to be AN ETHIOPIAN to understand! And maybe only maybe ! The rest is ,hey "how is the war in iraq"? peace
Posted by daniel abera on December 8,2007 | 07:37AM
To all the negative and unknowing commentors: where is the proof of dinosaurs, where is the proof of early man and where is the proof of anything that has come long before us? The answer is that there is some proof that lends itself to these things being as we are told they are. If any of you ignoramuses with your preconceived views on what is truth and what isn't (none of you knows anything about Mars, but you don't doubt its existence!) you can read more about this. In fact there is a lot of evidence to points to the Ark actually coming to Ethiopia. That's the problem with Americans today, there is no room for debate, only the "I'm right, your wrong" mentality.
Posted by Ady on December 8,2007 | 08:09AM
"ARE YOU NOT LIKE THE ETHIOPIANS TO ME, O PEOPLE OF ISRAEL?" Amos 9 And for you non Christians.... "Ethiopia..A COUNTRY WHEREIN NO ONE IS WRONGED: A LAND OF RIGHTEOUSNESS" Prophet Muhammed Knowing that the Ark could be in Ethiopia is good enough for the 40million Christians and 35 millions Muslims in Ethiopia.
Posted by Kedus on December 8,2007 | 10:05AM
For all those who ask why the orthodox church will not give the real arch out...its because in the Ethiopian orthodox church (which i am a member of) things of a powerful nature which greedy people will use for their benefits (i.e first world countries) are not spoken about but instead hidden....if there is a miracle, people do not speak about it and worship the are or person...its is not in our culture.....we do not want false prophets or miracles.....most people do not understand this because in their culture they have no faith in the unseen or untested and explotation is a part of life...
Posted by yemesrach on December 8,2007 | 02:49PM
This for Dan: YES Ethiopia has never been colonized by Europeans. Read about the “Battle of Adwa” “one of the worst disasters of modern history where approximately 25,000 Italians were defeated by four times as many Ethiopians under Menelek” http://www.rastaites.com/Ethiopia/adowa.html. 1936, the Italian came back after FOURTY years - revenge - and used poison gas which you are referring to. The Ethiopian did not accept the annexation and the fight continued within and made it impossible for the Italian to briefly stay. “Early in May 1936 Ciano attempted to land in Addis Ababa, immediately prior to its occupation by the Fascist army - but was obliged to fly off as a result of continued Ethiopian resistance.” The king of Ethiopia , HAILE SELASSIE, appeal to the League of Nations as a modern time and he was recognized as “Man of the Year” in 1936 by “TIME Magazine” The end: that is why the people have pure unmixed culture, religion and language until this time.
Posted by Mine on December 8,2007 | 03:16PM
Regarding the ark built by Moses; I don't think it exists anymore. Ark's were very common in anchient religions, as such when Judaism came to this part of the world, they built this ark. (Just my opinion)For example, look up the Ark of Anubis that was discovered in King Tut's tomb. It's roughly the same size as the one built by Moses was.
Posted by Warren on December 8,2007 | 09:44PM
For those interested in learning more about Ethiopia, check out the current exhibit on Ethiopia at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The exhibit, Lucy's Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia, covers portions of Ethiopian history and prehistory, including the original Lucy fossil. More information on the museum's website (www.hmns.org)
Posted by Dirk Van Tuerenhout on December 10,2007 | 10:17AM
The Just shall live by Faith! The Ethiopian people are the Chosen for obvious reason reflected here!
Posted by Basliel on December 10,2007 | 10:38AM
Gentlemen! Call it a legend, myth or fiction. For us it is just a matter of faith. I have been told of its existence since childhood and I never bothered to proof/disproof it. IT IS THERE!! Why should we bother to prove its existence to the world? The "extraordinary proof" would have been important if there is any benefit out of convincing the "world". May be, except lose it for the big powers. In fact it is safe only as long as "you" donot believe it. Thousands will die for it, but we sure can hardly protect it. Some one suggested that it may take us out of poverty. Let him show us how? By miracle? Refer to the bible and see miracles associated with it were lost even then. So, if any one is hoping to provoke and may be start a movement to "reveal" it, no chance. For some thing we never tried to prove it for our selves, how can we try it to for the gentiles?
Posted by Atnafu G. on December 11,2007 | 06:15AM
Having written an encyclopedia article on this issue, I have put together a general response to this article over at http://archaeoporn.wordpress.com/2007/12/11/ethipoian-ark/
Posted by Thaddeus Nelson on December 11,2007 | 09:50AM
I believe the Ark to have been buried in Jerusalem just outside directly below where Jesus was crucified. You will find the Ark directly beneath where Jesus was sacrificed for our sins.His holy blood then trickled down beneath the earth to drip upon the mercy seat...thus being the last official blood sacrifice to be made ever.
Posted by Rod Detmer on December 11,2007 | 06:06PM
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER THE SON AND THE HOLYSPIRIT. At the outset that is how to start the exchange and spirited comment about the most revered and sacred object namely the Ark of the Covenant. The fact that Paul's ruggedly-honest and simple piece of article is generating such diverse and uniquely overwhelming response is not only the SIGN of the times but the MANIFESTATION OF THE POWER OF THE ARK. No media event matchess this exchange and dialogue. Congratulations to all. AS FOR THE ETHIOPIANS, being the Chosen people they don't have to prove any thing for no one. Since they are the real thing. One with the One. Notwithstanding politics or so-called Super Power delusion, Ethiopians as sources of mankind and civilization ( they built Pyramids along the Nile and in Mars) they are ubiquitous as well as Omnipotent. Solomon was the black King and his father David was also black Ethiopian. IN SHORT, this discussion is fascinating and meaningless at times, since Ethiopia itself is an enigma and a STATE OF MIND. It's unbounded and can't be put on a map by any subjective force. Is Atlantis the boundary of Ethiopia or high above Mars as Richard Hoagland describes the replica Pyramids in Mars in his books? For Ethiopians the Ark is a given. One who feels IT knows IT. Amen.
Posted by Imnet Worku on December 12,2007 | 03:12PM
i have spent time in ethiopia as a traveling observer of it's people. what i appreciate most about them all is their ability to believe, and fiercely so, in things that we in the western world either want to debunk or submit to our resources. i relished every word of the article as proof that there is a place in this world where the people, who have nothing mind you, still find transcendance in things they cannot see or have.
Posted by jahn` on December 13,2007 | 11:08AM
The general Christian supersessionist perception, and fiction, that has served to reduce the Old Testament to that of a mere 'prologue' to the New Testament makes it seem really bizarre that a group of Ethiopian Christians should lay claim to possessing, what is essentially an ancient (mythological) Jewish relic, - let alone value it. However, what is even more disturbing is that this pseudoscience was published by a magazine like the Smithsonian.
Posted by Lilian Krawitz on December 13,2007 | 03:23PM
Truth- the ark was actual not legend. as real as the jewish people are today. not a magic box but a holy box. as such it could not be destoyed. in the bible the ark was in charge of itself, so to speak, as God is. it would go only where he would want or allow it to, and only those he would let near it would be able to view it. the Lord guides the arks destiny and he obviously does not want it to be seen, as he does not reveal himself easily or obviously to all. He's shy. But everyone knows He is there, deep inside ourelves we feel it, but it takes courage to look. and once one does you realize his work is all around for everyone to see every day. if the ark is there, i'm sure it is not to be messed with. Besides, Faith is important to God.
Posted by thomas on December 14,2007 | 01:40AM
Christ took one of the spiritual candles from Ethiopia and if God cared about the ark, one would think He would not hide it there. then again there is no need for the ark. It was used so certain men could speak to God for the people, as we became to imperfect to reach him. When Christ died he gave all of us the ability to do this ourselves, and the sign was that the curtain guarding the ark, ripped in two. at the moment of Christ's death. The way was open and then anyone could go into the most holy, where the ark was. Why hide it now?,it was wood mostly and not needed. God is a God that wants to be worshipped only, so he leave something around to temped us? ???????????
Posted by G Doucet on December 14,2007 | 02:34PM
I have read various comments about Ethiopia having the Ark of the Covenant and people questioning why don't they just bring the Ark out and show its power by eliminating hunger or some other miracle. Some even question the existence of the Ark, Moses, and if the Exodus ever really happened at all. First, these are people of faith that reqire no physical proof for them to believe. Second, the Bible says "thou shalt not tempt the Lord your God." Basically, doing such could anger God and they could lose the Ark, a Holy and revered object for the Jewish and Christian faiths. They surely would not risk that. Third and last, is the fact that the Ethiopian Monks and others who believe the Ark is there, have something much more important than the Ark itself. They have faith in God and with that they have a purpose; something that gives their lives meaning. With faith, no matter how bad life gets, they know that God loves them and will carry them through their troubles. Also, with faith, it simply does not matter what the rest of the world thinks - whether they have or do not have the Ark; all that matters is that they believe.
Posted by Dennis Smith on December 14,2007 | 03:29PM
I believe that the ark was moved to the Bahamas after 1975. It's supposed to be in a little tiki hut on the beach guarded by native girls who aren't allowed to see men, lest it inflame their desire for shoes. If you finance my trip to the Bahamas, including room and board, I should be able to prove or disprove this belief in 6-8 weeks.
Posted by Mic on December 14,2007 | 04:48PM
A bunch of hokum unbecoming to Smithsonian Magazine.
Posted by Bosco on December 16,2007 | 08:34AM
I have a crazy theory! Perhaps the Cushite (Ebed-Melech) who rescued the Prophet Jeremiah was the same as Menelik, the Son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. On their travels they hid the Ark of the Covenant in the shafts of the Pyramid of Khufu (Dr. Hawass might find it there one day!). The Pyramid might be the "mountain where Moses had gone up" , the shaft might be "the cave". However, the Ark of the Covenant is/was a manifestation of the Glory of God Almighty, originally housed in a tent that followed the Israelite's on their wanderings, and then later was housed in the Inner Sanctuary of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. Christians believe that the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, brought a New Covenant and that believing in Him and by following in His footsteps all mankind will/can be saved. However, maybe the Ark of the Covenant will serve an important purpose again one day? Who knows? It's not important to KNOW - it is only important that you CARE and that you BELIEVE. (Oh, and maybe the Ethiopians were given the task of confusing everybody about this.)
Posted by Coleen on December 16,2007 | 11:34AM
Not only did the Ark leave the old Jerusalem(place of peace), but the first born son of Aaron and the first born of all the important officials of Solomon's court also left the old Jerusalem to the New Jerusalem, Ethiopia. How could we expect people who have been taught false history their whole lives to know the truth when they here it. Most American school children don't believe that Egypt is a part of the continent of Africa. They are taught nothing of the true history of colonialism in Africa. Therefore, they think that the problems they here about regarding Africa are just a result of the backwardness of Africa. Ask most "Christians" and European Jews about Moses' life in Africa. What about the fact that Jesus spent some of his boyhood in Egypt. The Ark is to high for many people to really understand. Neither your armies nor your technology can help you bypass righteousness and see the Ark. Long Live Ethiopia! The only place in the world where Jews, Christians, and Muslims lived together in peace. Ethiopia is the blessed land that is mentioned more than any other nation in the Bible. Ethiopia is the land that was crucified for the world at the start of WWII. Ethiopia is the land that the blessed book of Enoch was preserved for the world. Those of you that know little about these facts should hold your High Schools and colleges responsible for under-educating you. Now, you should go and study the true history of Judaism and Christianity for yourself. Ras Antar, US.
Posted by Ras Antar on December 16,2007 | 04:03PM
Why are people so skeptical of ancient Ethiopians being the keepers of the Ark?When historians claim that The Knights Templars have it,no one debates that theory!But when others say that it's in Ethiopia then all of a sudden it becomes an ancient myth!Whitewashing of ancient black history never ceases to amaze me anymore!No one talks about the original Ethiopian Jews in that region.It's a shame.-Will www.myspace.com/lyricassassin
Posted by Will on December 17,2007 | 12:57PM
It's amazing how dogmatic we all can be, with everyone touting their own epistemology, pitting history books against one another. Can we not all just stand back and admit that none of us really knows where the Ark is and revel in that uncertainty? That's where the intrigue comes from. This was a well-written, intensively researched story that balances reverence for the spiritual with the sense of a historian. Although I'm not convinced that the Ethiopians' story is plausible, the article still makes me want to hop a plane and find out more.
Posted by Trevor on December 18,2007 | 10:08PM
To all of you scoffers,debunkers,doubters and unbelievers.. Jehovah God laughs at you in your frail, feeble attempts to figure this all out.If HE ever rolled His eyes in the heavens, it is now... Don't you see that it really does not matter "WHERE" the Ark is... Only that the words from the covenant are written on the hearts of mankind, where God intended them. And do you "tekkies" actually believe that "TECHNOLOGY" can over-ride God's Awesome power to locate the Ark??? He has it hidden at this time until the future plays out, and unfolds in HIS timing-NOT ours, and not a moment too soon! We need to give it up, as the "REVEAL" will come soon enough, when the Savior returns and ALL is revealed. That's when all of you doubters will fall to your knees in shame and cry out to God in mercy. I pray HE gives it to you...
Posted by Cindy on December 20,2007 | 03:35PM
Please note: the ARK is spelled A-R-K, not arc. Those are two different entities. Thanks-
Posted by Amy on December 20,2007 | 03:42PM
The Bible states, "a fool says in his heart there is NO GOD". (Psalm 14:1). What's the matter with all you fools? AJ
Posted by Aaron on December 20,2007 | 03:52PM
To whom this may concern: I have read your article and must say that it is comprehensive though somewhat misleading in context for this century. Regardless of the period of which the Holy Ark was misplaced is ludicrus. Your article mentions that in one commentary, which it is still in Jerusalem according to Maccabees a priest who hid the tabernacle during the Babylonian conquest. Then,why would Soloman give up the crown jewels to a seductress that bore him a son? Second why would this son return to claim an inheritance that was not his? Stealing such an artifact involved ingenuity if they were aware of the omnipotent powers of such an act whehter they were Ethiopian or not. The Ethiopians claim that it is in a monastary in Aksum. To me this is an excellent deterrant for treasure seekers. However, my late uncle , General Graziani, was sent by the nespot Hitler to retrieve the lost Ark and he consequently butchered thousands of Ethiopians to acquire the lost Ark in failure. The Ark of the Covenant lies under within a cave and the place where Maccabees had buried it and is still there today. To the surprise of everyone this place was once named the The Temple Mount of Solomomon or Mount Moriah, which is presently occupied by the Islamic Golden Temple. Beleive or not!
Posted by Joesph Anthony on December 21,2007 | 07:57PM
The believers will outnumber the skepticals. Amen
Posted by For sure on December 22,2007 | 05:35PM
I am a scholar-in-training of ancient languages and an active Catholic in the Roman rite of the Latin Rite. I see no reason to doubt the validity of the Ethiopians' claims at having the True Ark. It is a shame that the majority of Ethiopian Christians are of the Monophysite Ethiopian Orthodox Church and not the Ethiopian rite of the Alexandrian Rite of the Catholic Church. (They deny that Christ had two Natures, one Human and one Divine.) It is a worse shame upon humanity that because of the false European "Enlightenment" of the 1700's there is an atheistic skepticism in Western viewers of this article which prevents them from seeing the greater sacred mysteries behind the topics of this article -and consequently what may be accepted from it which is true. Let me simply state that scholars purposefully feed you all a deliberated distorted image of the strange and wonderful things they discover in their respective sciences. Praised be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man! And blessed be his sacred dogma and teaching, may they be ever followed. Oh, and the ancient Jews worshipped God, not the ark. Who wrote that? Where's the theology in that? That part was obviously written by an ignorant individual.
Posted by Lawrence on December 22,2007 | 10:17PM
A fascinating, and at times bizarre, discussion. Regarding the comments by Ras Antar on 12-16, may I add that the Moslems, Jews, and Christians got along most of the time between 711 CE and 1492 CE in Spain under the rule of the Moslems. Jews and Christians were able to attain positions of great power and dignity (but not rulership of the land). This was ended decisively in 1492 when the last Moslems were driven from Granada by the Christians. Immediately, the Jews had to convert or leave (mostly they left). Only 96 years later, with the destruction of the Spanish Armada, Genesis 12:11 was again fulfilled. It was nice to learn that Ethiopia has also shown that the three People of the Book can live together in peace if they choose to do so.
Posted by Vern Curts on December 23,2007 | 03:32PM
Stories like this one come out every time their money runs low and they need a little more publicity. It is good fiction for sure - not far behind Harry Potter and the Bible Code people. RM
Posted by Ron Minton on December 24,2007 | 07:27AM
Around 1964, Army buddy Don and I drove our '50 Chevy from Asmara, Eritrea, to Axum as we were told it was spelled. We were fortunate enough to see the bath of Queen of Sheba, the church where Ark of the Covenant is allegedly kept. We were also witness to a visit by Emperor Haile Selassie to our military base in Asmara called Kagnew Station. If the author of the article would like a couple pictures of the emperor, please email me.
Posted by Roger Mindel on December 25,2007 | 08:31PM
I have followed this story for years,the facts are true. One many are not aware of:The Ark was returned upon it's purchase by Israel;back when the food drop was made,around 1975?.Under heavy fire by the communist muslem, rebels; against the Falasha Jews and various tribes.The food was brought in to the starving and the Ark smuggled out! The food drop was a front;the rebels tried to prevent the event and even sold much of the food on the black market.It was said that the Ark would be returned when it was clear that" the time was right".The time was right;it will be used against the axes of evil to save Israel and the world.God will be known to the whole world that He is in and for: returned Israel.Anyone biblically and historically sound of mind know that the High Prist Of Israel sent the Ark away because of Solomon's sins, which brought about the era of the curse;which God ordained would follow the blessing.After pondering all this among the nations;they would choose God and He would be found of them.Only the Priest knew or controllrd such things.The Ark waits to be put in its Temple. Continue to dispell this truths;it only keeps it safe.They guard a memory;not a myth now in Axsum.
Posted by ruhamah on December 26,2007 | 05:44AM
the high priest of the current sanhedrin, now holding meetings in Tiberius, know exactly where the Ark is hidden, in Israel. The plans for the temple are under way and much work, stone cutting, furniture is being built and stored as we speak. God protect and Bless Israel, Lord please return soon.
Posted by claudeahen on December 27,2007 | 03:20PM
Interesting story? There is no account in the Bible where the Queen of Sheba has a son by Solomon. But, Solomon was the last to rule a Godly kingdom. If Solomon did have a Ethiopian son, and knew his Jewish son would be wicked, then perhaps he did let them keep the ark.
Posted by Margie on December 28,2007 | 05:13PM
Another note, it doesn't matter where the ark is because when Jesus died, the curtain in the temple tore in two and we no longer have to worry about having some priest enter the holy of holies because Jesus made a way. Although I consider the ark sacred, the Holy Spirit doesn't dwell in it no more and we no longer need it other than to prove that an Ark was made as a temporary means for man to appease God until Jesus came.
Posted by Margie on December 28,2007 | 05:22PM
It is not difficult to believe that GOD would hide such an object as the Ark of the Covenant. We humans like to worship the creation instead of the Creator. It is an awesome thing, just to think the God of the Universe interacts in time and space with us. Once that has happened in your own life, you don't need an Ark. it would be cool to see it, but not necessary to believe. The Bible is explicit in it's directions for a relationship with GOD. The Old Testament points to Jesus, the New Testament validates and explains His sacrifice. The part we do, is lay down our pride and recognize HIS authority over our lives. I love antiquity, my ancestors were Armenian. The believe they had Noah's Ark. Every good Armenian has a picture of Mount Ararat hanging someplace in their home. Does it define their faith? No, it is a reminder, not to dwell on the problems of this life, there is One whose job it is to protect His people. We forget that sometimes, so we need icons, shrines, etc., to remind us. The shrines are dust, GOD is real.
Posted by fossilmom on December 29,2007 | 06:59AM
12/30/2007-7:10-PM -(CST) From : Ron Stewart To : Smithsonian Mag.com RE : #1). Failure To Post My Comment yesterday 12/29/07-(although I thought it was the 30th of Dec. 2007). #2).I sent You Photos of What Were Two Golden Chests.This was just to show you what these chests may look like that possibly one could be The Ark of The Covenant Who Knows. However,your NMNH sent me back an e-mail.Sating in so many words meaning;"We cant help you because we cannot see details". I re-sent a reply and stated I'd more photos. Yet you never replied. As a scientific institution you published this article about The Ark of The Covevnant.Yet it also appears you are not willing to look at this A-Z. It would seem such a presitgious institution as yours would do this interested in any possible :"Ark of The Covenant". Especially with the possibility of something like this. If you're fair and just as I hope you are you will respond to this e-mail as to a A-Z point of potential scientific inquiry. I guess we'll see again. Huh...? Sincerely, Ron Stewart
Posted by Ron Stewart on December 30,2007 | 05:06PM
Revelations 11:19 says the Ark is in Heaven. Why would God leave it here when we can't deal with the power we have now.
Posted by Troy on December 30,2007 | 05:18PM
Ethiopia. What a nexus of mystery. The world’s oldest monolithic stone monuments. Black Jews and the Ark of the Covenant. Twenty million Christians who say that the Apostle Matthew himself brought them the news of the Resurrection. Underground churches hewed out of solid rock. To medieval Europeans, the legendary “Kingdom of Prester John.” In The Rescuers, a novel I’ve just finished writing (LeonLinfield.com), the ancient Hebrew-Christian kingdom of Axum is a focal point. Of course, the Ark is there, along with those who come to the “holy kingdom” of Axum seeking solutions to their personal crises. Ethiopia, also called Abyssinia, was powerful without being aggressive. We could certainly learn from that. The Axumites developed one of the most advanced and least known civilizations of ancient times, with its diverse faiths coexisting in harmony. Don’t you think Chechnya and Russia, Iran and Israel, Muslims and Christians could be inspired by its example? Cultural harmony. It’s not even something new; it is tried and true. Traditionally the belief in the presence of the Ark in Ethiopia gave its Jews and Christians a mighty and enduring faith that has spanned 3000 years. It confounds the mind to consider what encountering the kingdom of Axum and its Ark might have been like for the Hebrews of Israel, or the Romans of the Empire, or Christians of the early church. That’s why my imagination was caught with the concept of people from Judea during the Roman occupation finding out about Axum and going there, along with people from Rome itself, when Axum was at a high point of power and influence yet was virtually unknown in the Mediterranean world. The first chapters of The Rescuers can be read at LeonLinfield.com. I invite your comments. Leon Linfield
Posted by Leon Linfield on December 31,2007 | 08:38PM
i have long been under the impression from study of prophetic scripture that the ark will be returned to the new temple in israel by the egytians.the biblical account confirms this fact.i am glad that the smithsonian looked as deeply as they did.it must of been a sureal experience.
Posted by on January 1,2008 | 08:19AM
Just and observation: Wasn't the Smithsonian the source of the "Columbus Discovered America" myth in the late 1800s?
Posted by Bill Ramey on January 3,2008 | 10:28AM
Regardless of whether they actually have the Ark or not, they DO claim to have it, and it is the job of magazines to report on things such as this. Personally, I think that the Ethiopians have what they believe to be the Ark. If it is really the Ark or not is a different question entirely.
Posted by David Hanataka on January 3,2008 | 04:00PM
I have read The Sign and the Seal. I have also read Kebra Nagast ( The Glory of the Kings.)As an Eastern Orthodox Christian, I believe the Orthodox Ethiopians. In the Kebra Nagast, It is written that Menelek the son of Solomon and Mekedah, begged his mother for about 20 years for the name of his father. For 20 years, Mekedah refused his request. Finally she relented, and gave her son permission to visit his father, Solomon, the King of Israel. Overjoyed at this news, he traveled to the far land of Israel. Menelek finally arrived at the border of Israel, and when the Israelites saw him, they thought he was the King, because he looked just like his father. Solomon heard about this and sent a delegation to bring his son Menelek to Jerusalem. For six months, Menelek toured Israel with his father. During that time Menelek became fast friends with the son of the Cohen Godel, and they soon hatched a plan to steal the Holy Ark. Since Menelek was of Royal Blood, the first born sons of all the prominent men of the rich people were sent with Solomon's son to establish a Jewish Royal Dynasty in Africa. The son of the Cohen Godel went into the Temple and took the Holy TABOT and went back to his friend Solomon. After they left Jerusalem, they arrived in Ethiopia, where the Holy Zion has remained to this day. Everybody should read the Kebra Nagast.
Posted by ovadyah ben yatzav on January 4,2008 | 09:26PM
If they really have it, why can't the super holy guardian take a photo of it and let the world know that it is true? I believe that the Talmud states somewhere that the holiest objects of the Temp[le were buried deep beneath the Temple site, and duplicates were made (in advance of the destruction). That includes the Menorah carried off to Rome. I hope some Talmudic expert will add his comment and give the exact source. In that case, the most the Ethiopians can have is a duplicate, which would explain why it has no power today to affect anything or anyone in any way.
Posted by IzzyGold on January 6,2008 | 09:44AM
What an interesting and delightful article. I have subscribed to Smithsonian for many years. I like to have pictures from National Geographic for jigsaw puzzles I do on my computer. I am 84 years old, and it is a delightful way to pass the time, even when I should be doing something else. I hate to tell you, but NG does a better job of including pictures from their articles than you do. Tsk Tsk. How not surprising that the antis and the ANTIS have a field day arguing with history that doesn't jibe with the version of history that bears out their personal belief (or prejudice, if you prefer.) How much more delightful to recognize that this is such a colorful world with its mosaic of cultures, beliefs, moral ethics, humor and humor. Speaking of humor, it would be fun to read an article on the differences of humor around the world. Try telling a joke that has to be told in more than one language. It is fun to see if parties of both languages find the humor.
Posted by Margaret Gulbrandson on January 6,2008 | 02:19PM
having the ARK must be a great honor for Ethiopia and Ethiopian christians and but this could mean alot of things and viewed differently even among christians. the ARK played an important if not essential part in the history and belief of a group of people and i couldnt even begin to understand how they felt around such a powerful object. because people have the right to believe what they will although this will not change what christians and jews believe the ARK i think has played a part in history and lives and its tangible existence should not be singelerly if obsesively sought out as more tangible proof exist in the people who live by and abide by these commandments ...they are the true ARK..if i may be allowed to say thank you
Posted by vilisi on January 8,2008 | 06:58PM
Why didn't the man ask the monk to take a picture of the ark?
Posted by Janet (Martin) Dobler on January 9,2008 | 01:47PM
soon we will know the truth and it will seem trivual then-God bless-- herman--
Posted by herman critchfield on January 12,2008 | 08:31AM
I don't think the Ark will ever be find!!
Posted by Whitney C on January 16,2008 | 08:48PM
Even the single monk who has access to the Ark has actually never looked at it. He believes it is there, but he is not supposed to actually have a look. It is believe you will die if you look ar the Ark. I visited Axum some 15 years ago. I was told the priest who has access to the Ark lives at the monastery until he dies. He never leaves the monastery. At his death a senior and trustworthy monk is assigned and takes over the routine. it is hard to believe but that is what it is. You either believe it in faith or you don't believe it. Just like the Bible.
Posted by Abraham on January 18,2008 | 11:38AM
I DO BELIEVE THAT THE ARK WAS BROUGHT TO ETHOPIA BY MENELIK BUT I DONT THINK IT IS THERE NOW.I THINK IT WAS DESTROYED,LOST,BURIED WHATEVER MAYBE IN THE HIGHLANDS OF ETHOPIA CENTURIES AGO.HOWEVER THIS IS A BEAUFIFUL STORY,LEGEND LET PEOPLE BLIEVE IN WHAT THEY WANT IF IT MAKES THEM HAPPY.EVERYTHING DOES NOT HAVE TO BE BLACK AND WHITE.IF IT IS A MYTH ITS A BEAUTIFUL MYTH.GOD BLESS ETHIOPIA
Posted by Debra Brown on January 19,2008 | 12:29PM
Sorry Berkana, to quote the apocrapha as proof of a Biblical story is no proof at all, being that the apocrapha isn't even part of the inspired Bible Canon. The whole idea that there was even an offspring from King of Solomon and Queen of Sheba is as much of a fairytale as Tana Kirkos being visited by Jesus, Mary, and Joseph at all. "we don't need proof becuase it's a fact" says Abba Gebre. Actually, what makes something a fact, is the proof!
Posted by schneids on January 22,2008 | 09:47AM
I think that we need to realize that the Ark was the physical dwelling place for the presence of GOD amongst the Isrealites. At the time that Jesus was crucified, God no longer physically dwelled amongst the Isrealites because the prophecy of the messiah was fulfilled. I personally believe that no one will ever find the Ark because we can no longer have a direct relationship with God except through the father Jesus Christ - a direct contradiction to what the ark represented to the Jewish people during the tabernacle years.
Posted by AMS on January 22,2008 | 10:59AM
Hey Puskara- HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT THE MOSES IS MYTHOLOGICAL AND THAT EXODUS DIDN'T HAPPEN? show me the evidence since you're so sure that you are right, then show me the evidence!
Posted by The Ark May Be There! on January 23,2008 | 05:11AM
It gives a old brotherhood, the translation to english means: "guards of the ark of the covenant".
Posted by Rab TAHS on January 26,2008 | 03:13AM
Thank you for this article. I enjoyed the reference to the evacuation of Jews to Israel. I'd heard from my pastor that that's the only time El Al planes flew on the Sabbath. "Perhaps Menelik's traveling companions did take it and spirit it home to Ethiopia." This comment on p. 47 seemed to me to contrast with the statement on p. 40, "accompanied by the firstborn sons of some Israelite nobles--who, unbeknown to Menelik, stole the ark and carried it with them to Ethiopia." Would sons of Israelite nobles consider Ethiopia home? Thank you for the suggestion of a movie I might want to investigate, Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Posted by Beth Hoffmann on January 28,2008 | 06:08AM
In our quest to find the location of the ark, we completely overlook the contents of the ark. The two tablets of stone on which our Creator IAUE wrote the greatest civil rights bill ever devised; the ten commandments. EXODUS 20:1-18. Do you who profess to be Christians actually live by all ten commandments, or do you just live by those that fit the lifestyle you lead? The commandments that all humans routinely break are the sins that our savior Yahusha HaMoschiach was tortured and died for, that we might be reconciled to the Father. The Covenant Law of Truth as set forth in Exodus should be our foremost quest, rather than the ark of the covenant which has been hidden for a reason. If you seek the truth, you will find it. MATTHEW 7:7,8 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. JOHN 8:32
Posted by Ray C. on February 3,2008 | 01:39PM
Although I believe that the Ark exists there is one thing that is sure. Assuming that we were to be able to see and test this Ark, we would still never know for certain until that day that we are in the presence of God. God is the only one who knows the complete truth. He was the only one in existance before the Ark was built, during the time of it's creation and after it's disappearance. It is, and will remain, a beautiful mystery.
Posted by Carrie on February 5,2008 | 03:05PM
I am believer, with or without the Ark. but i think it would make my heart burst with happiness to see the actual, real one in plain view as told in the holy Bible. Even imagining this thing could actually happen brings shivers to my bones.
Posted by JB on February 12,2008 | 07:03AM
They claim that the ark didn't harm anyone....then it was a replica if this story were true. Only the high priest, after ritual cleansing, could enter the Holy of Holies where the ark was, and this only once a year. If you want to find the real ark, you will have to find where Jesus was crucified. He fulfilled the entire requirement of the law, including that the blood of the sacrificial lamb must be sprinkled on the mercy seat of the ark of the covenant. I am absolutely convinced that the real Ark of the Covenant will be found hidden in a cave underneath the very spot where Jesus was crucified, and that His precios blood will be found on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant. Remember the earthquake which broke the ground, then the soldier piercing Jesus' side and water and blood bursting out? This is reality.
Posted by Aleph Goldman on February 12,2008 | 01:26PM
Someone above said, "Faith does not require proof", and therein lies the beauty of religion and how it maintains a stranglehold on people in our so-called modern world. What a perfect scam: 'believe this regardless of any proof or logic to the contrary and you will be rewarded (in some biased and intangible way)'. Honestly, it boggles the mind to think that hundreds of millions of us are still tied down by superstition and voodoo. I sometimes wonder where humans would be today if we never felt the need to 'create' explanations for natural phenomena, but rather sought the truth, based on facts and observations.
Posted by Drew Smith on February 12,2008 | 06:13PM
Whether it's in Ethiopia or not, whether that one is a replica or not doesn't matter. It's a microwave receiver. Microwave is the only wireless communications medium actually constructable by people of the Israelites' level of technology. (woodworking, weaving and dying, goldsmithing) It hardly matters, since God (or whoever issued the instructions)has obviously not been transmitting since the Ark dropped out of sight. However, any competent microwave engineer could, from the plans provided for making the receiver (the Ark) could design a transmitter to send power to it or any existing replicas made according to the very specific plans given in the bible. By modulating the signal with a microphone, your voice would issue the plasma generated between the wings of the golden cherubim. By transmitting a tremendous amount of power to it, the Levites could easily vaporize armies or destroy walls by pointing it in a given direction and asking God to turn up the juice. The material specification for included acacia wood for all wooden parts, still used for applications requiring non-resonant wood. The specification of purple dyed drapes surrounding the Ark was for the drapery to act as protection from the intense ultraviolet radiation generated by the arc produced by the microwave cavity (A box of a certain size and proportion made from acacia wood, lined inside and out with gold) This is obviously a fascinating subject. Too bad Scientific American has never tackled it.
Posted by Jim Wilson on February 13,2008 | 06:12PM
One thing I believe is that one day every eye shall see, every ear shall hear, every tongue will confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord. It matters not about a box or its contents. For proof of the Lord! He no longer resides there as the bible says He once did. The reason is He resides in the heart of man.
Posted by deb on February 19,2008 | 08:55PM
This is to Paul Raffaele (if by chance He gets to read this) I am more interested in how you felt being there. I would like to know how this has affected your life. What did this experience bring to your life style or how did it alter your perception of life? As an Ethiopian, i know that such conquests are never concluded with proofs and data but rather consoled with spiritual undertone of some sort. You never find what you seek for but rather what you should have sought. Hence, on your investigation, did you feel or see anything that might have struck you a bit out of the ordinary? I don't mean it in any mythical way, just on a personal level. Maybe even something that had nothing to do with your investigation. More specifically, did someone say anything to you, out of the blue, about anything? Something most probably you keep remembering or repeating whenever you refer to this investigation. A peculiar something that would stand out when reflected against who 'you' are. That's what i'm really interested in uncovering. Besides that though, i truly enjoyed your article and on behalf of all conscious Ethiopians around the world, I candidly appreciate the time and effort you put in to write this article and extend my gratitude to Smithsonian for making this possible.
Posted by Bezachin on February 23,2008 | 02:51AM
In reference to the statement by Drew Smith (12 Feb 08)- all I can say to that is: "Amen"
Posted by Johan Dekker on February 24,2008 | 12:50PM
will i have only one thing to say,all of africa was taking over by the whites but ethiopia was the country not taken for a long time, and when it was taken over they didnt take the ark[why]mmm
Posted by kingshamy on February 25,2008 | 10:17PM
A recent research proved that it is in Zimbabwe, Harare. A book (Lost and Found Ark) is published by the same guy who found black jews in africa.
Posted by Cherkos on February 29,2008 | 04:38PM
Well, I would like to comment on Drew's last statement. Just because you dont understand Faith....which you dont! Doesnt mean you should try and put down the "modern world" for understanding an element that you refuse to allow yourself to believe. OH, and read your history because this world turns on faith and has been since the beginning. What an Anthropomorphic statement. If you are not educated enough to understand a complex element of life, like faith.....Take your facts and logic and push your mind further. Its people like you that make me so sad because all you can do is try to place yourself above the complexity of life with the small fraction of facts and logic you possess. There IS a God and his son is Jesus Christ...the facts that you hold in your mind are a gift given to you by his grace, dont be arrogant.
Posted by Romans3:24 on March 3,2008 | 12:44AM
The Ark of the Covenant is sacred moses was given the rights to who is the keeper from the heavens above it came and for all people of the earth to abide by its rules listen to the words of God it is written.
Posted by Hank T on March 3,2008 | 10:24AM
"those who belives in me by name without seeing me (ethiopians) those peoples are blessed" some where in the bible. you don't need to see god to belive in him so the arc .if you see those peoples haw far their faith is,haw much their belive to the son who died for them,haw pleased they are to be his servant,haw much,haw far they will go,..but for you and me one two step faith and belive .i belive the arc is in aksum tsion (ethiopia) which i'm very proud to say i from their .
Posted by zuu on March 4,2008 | 11:47AM
The ARK has been found and is quit safe for now, there is no reason for it to be shown at this time, but some believe that it would help a great deal to posture its place in history and to settle eastern tempers. However the ARK does not reside in Isreal, Aksum or Eygpt.
Posted by Andrew Temple on March 7,2008 | 12:03AM
After reading the comments mainly written by Non-Ethiopians in this blog, I came to understand why Ethiopian priests do not want to talk much with foreigners regarding the most important parts of their belief system. It is because modernity has brought a mentality that wants to know how things work and then MANIPULATE them instead of harmonizing with the natural flow of the things (whether nature or religion or anything like that).So, I have come to understand that Ethiopian priests have made teh right decision in not talking too much detail about important questions such as "What is the significance of the Ark today?" "Why did it come to Ethiopia?" "How did it come to Ethiopia?" 'What is the spiritual relation ship between the Original Ark and the thousands of replicas in every Ethiopian Chucrh?" "What is the religious implication for those who don't have neither the original Ark nor the replica?" and most importantly "WHat did God gave the world in place of the Ark when teh Ark 'retired" from its role in the Old Testament?". These are teh questions that should be asked even before the question "Where is the Ark now?".As an Ethiopian Christian, I have persoanlly inquired and read Ethiopian scriptures regarding these questions and they all have satisfactory answers and they all make sense. But it is really really very difficult to rich at a mutual understanding with the West which tries to reduce everything into a manipulatable sum of peices; which is seen on the issue of the Ark by opinions such as "it has alien power", "it is a microwave reciever", "it is an electric power" bla bla. Such comments emanate from the strong hidden wish to make a weapon of one's own that can be used like a neuclear bomb or power generator which enables one's dominancy all over teh world. God doesn't want it to be that way. God wants to be the only dominant force in the Universe and I see that the west is repeatedly on His path.
Posted by Daughter of Light on March 8,2008 | 09:23PM
Read Revelation 11:19- And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
Posted by Linda on March 8,2008 | 10:24PM
Read Jeremiah 3:16- And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more.
Posted by Linda on March 8,2008 | 10:29PM
dear , i am not sure what to say about the ark, but to those who say they would have showed it to the world we ethiopian are different the culture and history everything , specially the elders can even keep food being starved if told to.God bless you
Posted by mesret woldu on March 11,2008 | 07:01AM
Makes for a wonderfull story...however...its a piece of rock. does it matter if it is there or not? Is my life going to be diffrent? All the "fact" being stated come from a book. a book, translated hundreds if not thousands of times. What will it proove if it is there? Nothing just that someone read the story before you did, and added their part to spice it up
Posted by Jason on March 11,2008 | 01:52PM
Jason- You don't have to say "it is a piece of rock" because it isn't. It is a symbolical representation of the word of God and His Mother; i.e., the "tsilat" as Ethiopians call the tablets are representations of Christ and the "tabot" or the arc is representation of St. Mary. So, please be cautious about what you say regarding this Holy relic. It is as powerful as it was yesterday. And Linda- the word you sited from revelation- regarding the Arc of the Covenant seen in heaven- it is actually the body of St. MAry that John saw in spirit. It is a very long story; but to explain it a little bit- Mary and John are connected in a special way- like mother and son. Her death and the whereabout of Her body was vague and the Apostles fasted for 16 days to know about that. John had seen it in spirit before them; so they were kind of spiritually envious. So they all fasted together; and Jesus revealed Himself to them, and performed a liturgy right in front of them. The Holy communion was placed on the Arc- i.e. Body of St. Mary (which was brought back from heaven as John saw it resting there in peace). And the Apostles witnessed that (Again-long story regarding why, how, when and the source of the story). Following that symbolism, Ethiopians fast for 16 days and it is the most famous fasting Ethiopians do- even kids are ordered to fast that and several Ethiopians take leave of abscence from job, school, and even from business abroad, to fast the 16 days in absolute concentration. So, Virgin Mary is the Arc. The Arc is personified, and so did the tablets- Mary and Jesus- the word of God. So, the word on revelations should be seen from this perspective. Otherwise, we get into a serious paradox.
Posted by daughter of light on March 12,2008 | 09:07PM
Truth is not something you see in a person or an object, it only exists within you, because 'real' truth belongs to your experience and not someone elses. The first truths of any person alive are first fealt, then spoken and eventually written. That man associates the 'truth' of god to one or many tablot is merely his outward expression of what 'he' believes to be true. There was a time long before Moses when written and spoken words were 'real' magic, and these words were only known to high priests. Such magic is mysterious in the minds of the ignorant, because they want more than truth; the ignorant want what they can never attain within themselves and rely on others to provide. So the mystery of the Ark remains for the ignorant who have never understood the truth within themselves. This by no means is a measure of anyones character, it is only a means by which some choose to view the world around them. Honesty is something entirely different from truth.
Posted by Bryan on March 12,2008 | 10:31PM
As Bryan wrote: "That man associates the 'truth' of god to one or many tablot is merely his outward expression of what 'he' believes to be true" I agree! Those who didn't live in Orit (Old Testament)arenot condemmened neither by God nor by the Ethiopian Church for not having an Arc. The only tablet they are asked to bring before God is their heart- so that the Word of God can be written on it. A prophecy was told in the Old Testament regarding the real tablet to be the human heart and teh real Arc to be the human body. But those of us who had Orit (were performing Old Testament rituals- Ethiopia and Israel) are expected to build on what we have- by avoiding the Old Sacrifice (goat or lamb) and substituting the New Sacrifice (The True Flesh and Blood). For us, the Arc is as important as the cross. So, the Arc is more meaningful to us than the rest of the world. Because we had both Orit (Old Testament covenants) and New Testament; Isreael has only the Old Testament practice and the rest of the world has only the New Testament practice. So, the Arc is in the right place today- Ethiopia where the best of both practices is combined together.
Posted by daughter of light on March 13,2008 | 07:30AM
Interesting story! However,the true ark is spiritual and not to be seen with naked eye nor comprehended with materialistic mind.Fortunately, today the spiritual ark has been revealed as "The Glory of the Lord within the clouds" on Mt Carmel in Haifa as testified by Jeremiah the Prophet.Only God knows the right city of the heart where the hycinths of knowledge and wisdom can be sown in the pure soil of the heart,of whomsoever is hollow as a hollow reed or empty as a empty cup to be filled with the real truth of the lost ark.Search after truth with an open an unbiased mind,to know the truth.Truth never changes, only time changes,so be a detective and try self investigation of truth into the mystery of the real Ark.
Posted by kenzdom on March 16,2008 | 12:54PM
Kenzdom- what is written is not "story". It is fact. And what you wrote about "the real Arc" doesn't make the Arc of Zion found in Ethiopia a "fake Arc". I don't think believing the Arc is found in Ethiopia makes one person "biased". Afterall, the Israelites who honored the Arc never saw the Arc in naked eye. They simply believed!! It was only the high priests who used to see the Arc. I don't have to begin from a scrach to understand about the Arc. I don't do what is already done. Ethioipan fathers have done alot in trying to understand God's will and the power of the Arc. I am their daughter. I don't have any reason to go againist them. Because I have confirmed what they say in the eyes of faith. However, I understand that those who try to detatch my way of thinking from that of my fathers' usually come from a destructive corner; whether knowingly or unknowingly.
Posted by daughter of light on March 17,2008 | 11:33AM
I would like to believe that the Ark of the Covenant is in Ethopia and in Israel and In America and in every nation all over the world. In my mind the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail are found in the same place, and that is within you. We all have the knowledge that is within the Ark in us. All of us have the knowledge of the Holy Grail in us and these includes all nations and all races of people.notes from Alice D's blog
Posted by alice dyson on March 17,2008 | 11:43AM
Yea! But that needs a little effort from everyone and willingness to face some facts that are part and parcels of the overarching truth. The Arc is physically and spiritually found in Ethiopia; and so does the belief in the power of the Arc. This is an important fact that cannot be reduced in favor of seemingly religious logics of "spiritual universalism". Any part of the world can be part of this spiritual previlage; unless it has any problem with God's choice to place this Holy relic in Ethiopia and His choice to make Ethiopians witnesses of the power of the Arc.
Posted by daughter of light on March 17,2008 | 03:59PM
The Ark of The Covenant contains the suit which the Arbiter wears while he shoots down his former allies with good ol' Master Chief. It got blown up with the third Halo though-so don't bother looking for it in Africa.
Posted by Charles Watson on March 22,2008 | 08:12PM
Happy Easter to all with the Mighty Arc! God bless!
Posted by Abram on March 23,2008 | 04:03PM
The Trinity is self explanatory....All religions are one, and the three most important ones- (Jewish, Catholic, and Muslim)- in their own heads...need to come together as one....thats all there is to it.....You don't see Buddhists or Hindus freaking out like those three do.....Hint, Hint !.... No ONE religion is the best....the covenant is what this message portrays.....
Posted by Marre Carpenter on March 23,2008 | 04:16PM
Everyone knows the Ark of the covenant was an ancient car battery that was used to power Noahs ark which in fact was a spacecraft that brought the human race here from the planet of the apes.The craft was piloted by Gary O'Donnel and his initials give us the word God.The craft landed in a bad neighborhood and someone ripped off the battery.Ethiopians were blamed to perpetuate the myth that black gang members were involved.After waiting several thousand years for the auto club service guy,people began to wander away from the craft and populate the Earth.The service guy finally arrived but had stopped off on the way for a couple of Venusian shooters and when he got here he crashed and died at Roswell in new mexico.Thats why we are still here.Even if the ark is in ethiopia I doubt whether it still holds charge and after 3000 years,good luck getting a warranty replacement!
Posted by malachi poe on March 27,2008 | 03:36PM
Thank you for this intriguing article. This is why I appreciate Smithsonian. Wanting more, I scanned Comments. Ugh! Here was the story of a search. A story of something mysterious and mystical; filled with history, culture, generations of devout believers and connections to a myriad of religious, social, cultural, political, and human events. Yet, my stomach soured after scanning the oddly antagonistic, so intellectually astute comments of sceptics and scoffers. Some things - I don't want "scientifically" proven. Not how I feel about moving water, or music, or art, or the beauty of these peoples history, heart, and faith.
Posted by Tracy on March 28,2008 | 05:23PM
maybe a replica but God's power is not in an object ,and the ark is with God in heaven.
Posted by cap on March 31,2008 | 03:11AM
My freinds, we can't give you anything to prove that the Ark of Covenant is in our country. you just have to believe of God's miracles. If you are a christian and read the bible, I hope you will understand the nature of the Covenant. Two people died when they tried to touch it(According to the old tastment). Ask, how this powerful thing can be revealed so easily?
Posted by Addis on March 31,2008 | 02:38PM
TO Frank Qeattrone, Please read more about Ethiopia it is not a country ceeated yesterday and please & feel the Presence Of God the creator of the Ark @ Axum you witnes miracles to tell your grand children newstravelandtour is willing gladly to pay all expense for your visit God bless you!
Posted by SamiAmeha on April 5,2008 | 12:20AM
Let's talk about the reality here, for those of us who have never been in Ethiopia could never know and infact should not even talk about it. SEEING IS BELIEVING SO YOU SHOULD COME AND BELIVE IT AS I HAVE DONE. BY THE WAY, FOR ALL OF YOU WHO ARE INTERESTED IN COMING TO CHECK THIS OUt, NEWS travel and Tour company will show you free of charge; please check http://www.newstravelandtour.com
Posted by Indiana Johns on April 7,2008 | 12:20AM
To Frank Quattrone I think u r a dessendent of 1 of the white woriers who tried to conolize ETHIOPIA & got a** whipped wether the Ark is there or not why all this anger? Smash your head on the wall the Ark Is in AXUM in the HOLLY CHURCH of ST.MARRY.north ETHIOPIA & will always be there till its time comes.YEs it is guarded by one Prist.
Posted by Friend of SamiAmeha on April 8,2008 | 12:27AM
I believe that back when the U.S. airlifted food(in the 70's)to the Ethiopians;an exchange was made then,for the Ark.Underfire our Soldiers delivered food and drove back the Muslim Communist fighters.Ethiopia said it" would give the Ark back when it felt the time was right." All I know is that Israel had to pay much money to the U.S. to take food to the Ethiopians,while U.S. agenda was to drive back the Communitist control there.I believe Ethiopia was waiting for 1948 and the rest fell into place during the humanitarian act and later with the airlift of many Falashaian Jews to Israel for citizenship.The Ark is in its rightful place to be revealed when the time comes to destroy Amalak;whose's hour is drawn close to its close.The Ark is the only thing that can protect Israel's downword spiral,and the only thing that will get and keep the worlds attention@G-d.As for Axsum,thats history;keep your eyes on Israel,for the Ark is greater than all the nuclear in the world.It will once again sit in the new temple that will be rebuilt in the near future after its unveiling.Axsum has much to gain by pretending it still has the Ark.They may even think they may have to take it back in an emergency. This my friends was told me by Yahweh as I watched the events unfold on tv.The same thing happened when I heard McCain speak,Heard He would be President,even before He ran.Now you decide! P.S.By the way, I received knowledge that Jesus the prophet prophesied through events to his life;that the Jews would go through the holicost.Only difference; the Idumain Romans killed Jesus,while their decendants killed Jews collectively in a fulfillment of that same deadly event,2000 years later.Elijah symbolicaly lead the Jews to Israel via their Messiah Joseph Hershal.Thats why the Ark was saved and how U.S. was used by G-d to save Israel,and Israel is now the savior looked for in Israel!
Posted by on April 8,2008 | 08:59AM
As the author of the published book entitled: ARK OF THE COVENANT (Simplified Information for Lay-Persons), published by Univ. Press of Americas in 2002, I enjoyed the article in your magazine on the ark in Ethiopia. However I felt compelled to write the following comments. The Bible does mentioned that the ark was in the temple during the reign of King Josiah; not last mentioned in the reign of King Solomon. There are two routes/theories as to how the ark arrived in Ethiopia. This article covered one theory, but another proposed theory says the ark arrived in Ethiopia by a gradual migration down the Nile River from Egypt where it had been secretly carried by priests to protect the ark from King Manasseh. Over several hundred years the ark migrated down the Nile until it reached Lake Tana, where it remained for 800 years. Later it was moved finally to Aksum. The ark was hidden at its present location and is found in a labrinth of tunnels in caves below the church. As to seeing the ark several sources said Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip were allowed to see photos of it in 1965. In the last days of the civil war in Ethiopia in the early 1990's, it has been reported from several sources that the ethiopian priests together with Israelie forces secretly moved the real ark to Jerusalem and hid it there under the city in some of its many secret passages to await the time of the rebuilding of the temple. In my book I discussed several other sites where the ark might be hidden. I do believe the ark exists, and is hidden today; its' present location will be revealed at the right time the Lord chooses to allow it to be found. Submitted by Dr. Kelly Alexander 04/08/2008
Posted by Dr. Kelly Alexander on April 8,2008 | 12:07PM
The Ark of the Covenant is in Ethiopia? And what good has that ark given poor poor Ethiopia that has endured famines, ravishing war and extreme poverty? Ethiopians should wake up to the fact that even if the ark exists in their most sacred temple, Yahweh does not care about them. Maybe they should threaten to burn the ark if Yahweh does not at least lift them from poverty. With what other biblical tribulation is Yahweh going to beat them anyway? They have already endured much much more humiliating punishment than the egyptians. Wake up, you blind Ethiopians!
Posted by HellCat on April 9,2008 | 08:06PM
This is for HellCat, You are the one who is blind and need to wake up. This people are grateful for what they have and they hold their head up high. They sympathize for someone like you. They can be tested again and again but they will never ever surrender their religion. Get a lesson …shame on you.
Posted by Mine on April 10,2008 | 11:28AM
I did find the article intriguing, especially since this is my first time reading up on the Ark...however some of the comments on here argue that those who want proof, need to have more faith or should not always need scientific evidence to believe. I don't disagree with that, since there are many things in life we are forced to make a choice to believe in or refute, due to lack of evidence or information that can be verified. HOWEVER, we have a country claiming to physically hold in their possession a piece of ancient history. I do not think it is wrong for us to want to have some visual as to what exactly is behind the chapel walls. From the many stories, it has been written that the Ark has been moved many times so it is not as if historians would be disrupting the original sacred grounds, as with Egyptian burial sites.
Posted by Monica on April 10,2008 | 12:17PM
For some seeing is believing; for others believing is seeing. It is one's choice to believe or not to believe. April
Posted by April on April 11,2008 | 06:54PM
The ark is located in the hills of eternity cemetary in Tombstone,Arizona.
Posted by Sheila Allen on April 13,2008 | 01:55PM
Wow, since I honestly don't have 6 hours to read everyone else's comments fully it seems presumptuous to leave mine. But I just want to agree with some, that as a Christian who places a priority on correctly interpreting the Bible, and since it IS a historical and not just a mythological book... The whole point of the ark was to emphasize the holiness of God to a people who were chosen by Him to bring forth the Savior of the world... but who at the same time were separated from Him by their own sins, since that Savior had not yet appeared, and the blood of goats and lambs just was not enough. So now that the Savior has come and has reconciled us to God, opening up a new and living way to us, we are not dependant on the ark or on any other relics in order to have peace and friendship with God, and to know our purpose in life. Please don't think that I mean that we now need no proof of what we believe. We all need to come to a place of finding the inner and outer proofs to accept the worldview we choose - and the more you use both your head and your heart, the better results you will get! However - finding the ark would be completely irrevelant to my faith, even if it is in Ethiopia or in Jerusalem, and even if the blood of Jesus touched it. That is certainly interesting... but... I love the stories related to Ethiopia, whether or not the ark is there, and I definitely respect the Ethiopian Christians and would not want to devalue what they have... However... The place of one Ethiopian Christian as a child of God called to fellowship with Him and to make disciples in this world, is infinitely greater than their place as an Ethiopian belonging to an ancient church, or even than the place of the keeper of the ark.
Posted by Lisa on April 14,2008 | 09:14AM
Whether the Ark is real or not and my feeling and belief is that it is, it seems as though people these days look outside themselves for proof that God exists. Just look around at the popularity of mysteries such as this, people seem to be searching everywhere but where they should be looking and that is within. The mystery and adventure is that as creations of God, we have barely scratched the surface of who and what we are, but the fact that we look at things, such as the Ark, prove to me that at least we are curious and that in the back of our souls, like a whisper, there is a force; a presence that we simply can not ignore. This desire to move beyond what we are is born into us, and now, more than ever, with the world seemingly ready to tear itself apart, perhaps it's time we listened to that whisper with far more attention. We have the key, we merely need the awareness and the desire to use it.
Posted by Bruce on April 14,2008 | 02:00PM
Its my understanding that the Timeline for the Ethiopian ark does not tie up with the Jewish timeline. The Ethiopians claimed to have had it when it is still being mentioned in Jewish written texts as being in the Temple. Further, the earliest mention of the ark in Ethiopian written texts dates to the 14th Century. It doesnt get a mention before that. These discepenancies alone cast sufficient doubt over the claims that this is the one true ark. In all probability it is not.
Posted by Everydayman on April 15,2008 | 08:03AM
It is great to be Ethiopian to be proud that God has chosen the country for many many miracles to happen through true faith and belives.It is hard for those who say seeing is beliving when it comes to faith because as Savier Lord Juses Criest said to Thomas because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. We do believe that the ark of covanent is in Ethiopia.Not only the ark of covanent but also the right hand side of the cross which Juses christ was crusified on is found in Ethiopia. We do belive that Ethiopians have special relationship with God from the very begning as written on many chapters on wholy Bible. We do belive all these connections the country and the people have with God.
Posted by ketema on April 17,2008 | 01:14PM
The presence of the Ark in Ethiopia was a known fact for the people even before the 14th Century. A good example is that in the 9th Century where beleivers in Judiasm and Christianity were equal in number, a continued conflict prompted the keepers to move the Ark to an unknown place in the south in lake Zuwai near Addis Ababa. At that time the Judaic queen by the name of Yodit (Yihudit/Judith) was in a hot persuit of the Ark and the Christian king for almost 40 years for no avail due to the remoteness of Zuwai. There are a lot of other mention of the Ark in Ethiopian historical documents but no one in this world would want to recognize it as this world has a biased attitude to black civilization and achievements in the past thousand years. the black civilization and achievement. Ethiopia is a mystic country. Archeologists and Historians haven't yet given it enough attention. But some day, it is my belief that they will uncover so many mysteries over there
Posted by Davit on April 18,2008 | 02:25PM
For those who don't accept what it says in the Bible, Read chapter 1 of Galatians in the Bible. Regardless of the ark, the new testament and the old testament are intertwined with the lineage of Jesus Christ as the true Messiah, who died and rose again so that belivers wouldn't have to give burnt offerings and live by the law; or be afraid of the ark or anything else. Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God. The Holy Spirit is our helper. They are three in one. Belivers can attest to God's faithfulness to those who Love and give Him the honor and glory. There are many false teachers and teachings in the world because people read everything man has written. The Bible is the Living Word, and the apostles didn't receive what they wrote by man, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the author and finisher of the believer's faith. We need to think on things above. We are not saved by works, but by faith. Faith produces good works. Instead of ridculing, and being concerned of what may or may not be the ark; why worry about it. Blessings. Karen Simpson
Posted by Karen Simpson on April 23,2008 | 11:45AM
i would have too agree with berkana.
Posted by johnathn on April 26,2008 | 11:49AM
Interesting story and even more interesting comments. One theme I have noticed in many of them is relation between the lack of security and the authenticity of the claim. There is no logic in saying that it can't be real because it is only guarded by one Ethiopian and a fence. The fact is apparently that has been more than enough for many centuries. I won't say I believe that is is there but I find that fact that these lone guardians have kept everyone from it for so long is intriguing. Maybe they do receive divine assistance in their task or maybe the only reason the Mossad hasn't raided the ark is because they already have it?
Posted by RPM on April 30,2008 | 11:52AM
+++Breaking News+++ A team of archaeologists from the University of Hamburg said they discovered the Queen of Sheba's palace and an altar that may have once held the Ark of the Covenant in Axum, Ethiopia... http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aHkn1LT4dQcU
Posted by Enochian on May 8,2008 | 09:16AM
The truth is that no one knows for sure where the true ark is. The more intriguing question should be, if the true ark is found, would you still die instantly if you touched it? it should have the Ten commandments in it but would the 'presence' of God still be there since Jesus Christ came to Earth and died for our sins. Does Jesus Christ nullify the religious importance of the Ark of the Covenant? Without Jesus we are already dead but without the Ark, we still have Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Posted by Joe on May 14,2008 | 07:11AM
Wheather the ark is in the Temple in Epthiopia hiddin in under the temple Mount or hiddin by Jerm.in some sercret cave or even hiddin anywhere, is not as important as this one day it will be revealed. What is so interesting to me through alot of the blogs is the fact, that so many people seem to be afraid to trust in the things of God. Does every one ask a chair if its going to hild them if they sit in it... no, we just sit. It seems to me when it comes to the Bolbe and Go people so easily want to disreguard Him as fiction.. why? I read one of the comments that said God resided in a box.. the thing about that is He revealed Himself throught the Ark, the irony of that comment is people still tring to put He is a box. But again, it is by faith and faith says that its real. And one day that faith will be revealed and fact to all those that dont believe ... what then?
Posted by Gene Phillips on May 14,2008 | 08:04AM
To me it does not matter were the Ark and its contents are, I mean seriously if you are christan you should just put your faith into knowing its there.
Posted by April on May 14,2008 | 03:23PM
İ read the truth & most of the coments.that is very interesting.But let me share my ideas too.İ think the ark is really in Axum st.mary of Zion's dome, At the beginning of it's coming to Ethiopia for long years.But Ethiopians' wise men's are not foolish they now it would be stolen easily Do you imagine what they did they duplicate the relic into tens of thousands & distributed it to churches found through out that country. To me at this right time the ark might not be in that mentioned church, but be sure it's in ETHİOPİA.(If you believe) if not its up to you. Ethiopia didn't ask the world to get material or spiritual interest or she didn't want to gain revenue by making adv. with such serious issue. she will get it from the lord that is all!!! nice 2070.
Posted by A.A.B. on May 16,2008 | 11:04AM
rest assured GOD has it in a safe place, aman
Posted by lee s reaves on May 18,2008 | 12:57PM
There is no physical Ark, the Ark is in your heart and revealed to you in Heaven. Don't waste your time looking for it.
Posted by In_your_heart on May 18,2008 | 04:39PM
grow up, people. the only thing that is "documented" is that the Ethiopians kept more of the ancient biblical, "apocryphal" and "pseuepigraphic" texts than the Latins, Greeks, Copts, Syrians, Armenians, and Jews together. They also have kept their language (and presumably their thinking and focus) longer than any other semitc/hamitic-language group. Which doesn't mean that their traditions are all vaid, but to me means that they're a lot more creditable than everyone else's among the so-called Christian and Jewish groups. To me, the greatest marvel is that they've survived. Arab, Wolof, Italian and Fascists couldn't do them in. By the way, this was a fine read. Thanks.
Posted by hiyavrom on May 21,2008 | 12:19PM
Besides the Ark there is much more in Ethiopia and nearby Sudan that is from what we would call "God". The Ark is only the tip of the Iceberg. It is very real.
Posted by Ousanas on May 23,2008 | 06:57AM
The solution is straightforward, though hardly simple: The state of Israel should follow in the footsteps of Italy, and demand the return of its national treasures. The precedent has been established and used repeatedly to retrieve artifacts created by one culture and then looted, removed, or otherwise acquired by another. Ethiopia will have a legal obligation to return that which they admit was stolen.
Posted by WilmRoget on May 23,2008 | 04:14PM
i as a black man will tell you this, the world is not ready for that info yet "The Ark".we still see people as white, black and other.if the world can't see pass the color of a mans skin then you tell me are we ready if the Ark God's words. look at the news, you tell me.i would hope that the people of Ethiopia keep the Ark safe and hinden. my sister and brother of Ethiopia, some things shouldn't be spoken of.
Posted by earnest on May 25,2008 | 01:23PM
Fascinating Subject. Fascinating supposition. Fascinating possibility. But all seemingly unproveable and therefore pointless for conjecture.
Posted by Harold Nachmann on May 26,2008 | 05:50AM
The Rabbinical Attempt to Find the Ark Per my previous blog in regard to a certain Rabbi looking for the Ark in Jerusalem. Where is the Ark of the Covenant? by Thomas S. McCall, Th.D. ...Rabbi Shlomo Goren and Rabbi Yehuda Getz, the rabbis in charge of the Western Wall area, are convinced that the Ark has been hidden in a cave in the Temple Mount directly under the site of the Holy of Holies, since the time of King Josiah. They probably represent the majority of Orthodox rabbis in their views. They have a concept of vertical air space, by which the space of the Holy of Holies sanctifies the ground directly below it. Thus, the ancient priests would have been careful to locate the cave repository for the Ark in the sanctified area below the Holy of Holies. The evidence for all of these suppositions about the location of the Ark, as Rabbi Getz concedes, comes more from the Talmud than the Scriptures. Nevertheless, there is a large and growing group of Orthodox Jewish adherents who believe that the Ark is in this cave below the Holy of Holies, and awaits the right time to be found. Rabbi Getz believes that in 1982 he was very close, within 40 feet, to finding the cave in which the Ark resides. He was conducting a search in an old tunnel that had been filled with the debris of centuries, which runs perpendicular to the Western Wall and under the Temple Mount. However, when the Moslems discovered that there were diggings being conducted under the Dome of the Rock, they threatened a general riot and the diggings were stopped. The rabbi explains that, for the sake of maintaining peace with their Moslem neighbors, the Israelis had to reseal the entrance to the tunnel, and it remains blocked up to this day. Dan from PA
Posted by Daniel Gutierrez on May 27,2008 | 07:24AM
Dear Readers: I have evidence and proof in FAITH alone that The One True Ark of the Covenant of Israel rests in Axum, Ethiopia. http://www.renewamerica.us/bb/viewtopic.php?p=102679#102679 Peace+ Joseph B. Reyes
Posted by Joseph B. Reyes on May 27,2008 | 07:34PM
WilmRoget wrote: "Ethiopia will have a legal obligation to return that which they admit was stolen." Under which LAW? According Human LAW and COURT?
Posted by Abram on May 28,2008 | 03:00AM
If they claimed it were the tree of knowledge, would you want to take a bite?
Posted by Michael AA on May 28,2008 | 10:49AM
I thought it was a great article. Anything holds a valuable place in this world if it raises debate, causes people to think, to read other opinions and to express their own. By the length of this chain of comments, this article is doing exactly that. My question is posed from the assumption that: a) the Ark is in Ethiopia b) The Ark is a dangerous object as an instrument of God's power or wrath. Assuming those two conditions to be true, what is God's role in regards to Ethiopia? Is Ethiopia's state of poverty, disease, drought, and famine brought on as punishment from God for their posession of the ark? Or... Has their culture survived for so long due to God's protection? Do they faithfully endure these strong adversities to reap untold rewards later for remaining faithful to a God who may be testing them? (Like Job, on a larger scale)? Just curious about other people's opinions.
Posted by JohnEJeep on May 28,2008 | 02:57PM
Intreaguing, but my faith and salvation is not based on The Ark of the Covenant.
Posted by Victor on May 28,2008 | 04:53PM
IF, the ark still resides on this planet and IF, the ark truly rests in this Ethiopian church and IF, I were somehow permited to see it and examine its contents and prove their authenticity, no more would I *know* then than I know now that God lives and Jesus is His son. Throughout scripture faith is rewarded without fail, while sign seekers reap the *rewards* of their doubt. Scientists can theorize or attempt to disprove any number of religious claims/beliefs, but that will not change anything for me as my faith is not founded in science. Besides, I gotta believe that God is a much more skilled scientist than anyone mankind has produced. "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither to they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." - Mat. 6:28-29 Science cannot honestly explain the perfect design of a simple flower without acknowledging the existence of some greater power at work in the universe. So, whether or not the veracity of this claim is ever proven or disproven, what difference will it really make to anyone? Is there someone out there saying to themself, "If the ark is not in that Ethiopian church, I'm not going to believe in Christ anymore." -cznor
Posted by cznor on May 29,2008 | 10:17AM
Even if the ark existed today, and I do not believe that it does, it would be little more than an artifact. Whatever power it held rested in the faithfulness of God to His covenant with the nation of Israel. It was God who backed up the "power" of the ark with His presence and the promises He made when the covenant was made with Israel. Jesus came and introduced the New Covenant, which was the fulfillment of the Old Covenant. As such, the Ark itself as a manifestation of the presence of God is now obsolete, being that Jesus Christ is the manifestation of the presence of God by virtue of the Incarnation. All this hooey about the ark of the covenant is just new age supersticion. If it did exist, it would be a historic artifact and not have any "mystical" power whatsoever.
Posted by Georgio on May 30,2008 | 09:04AM
Plese donot forget that the Catholic pope has blessed the Italian solders of MOUSSOLONI & their guns before their marh on ETHIOPIA.They managed to kill countless defenseless pisants,& managed to take to Rome one of the obilisks at AXUM which is said to have been erected by the help of the ARK.DO you think they didnt try to take the ARK then?It was only a few meters away.guarded by one prist. I always wonder why the VATICAN has got nothing to say about the ARk in ETHIOPIA? The ARK is Untoucheble the VATICAN knows.Anbessaw Dibaba
Posted by samiAmeha on June 1,2008 | 10:56AM
The Holy Grail is hidden in Hagia Sophia (Saint Sophia) Museum in Istanbul, Turkey. It can be the Ark of the Covenant. The Shugborough Code (on a marble tablet etched on the Shepherd's Monument in England) has point the location of The Holy Grail. Anson family commissioned the Shepherd's Monument in year 1748. There are connections between Anson family and the grand masters of the closed society of Knights Templar. The relief of the Shepherd's Monument based on Nicolas Poussin's famous painting that titled "Et in Arcadia Ego". Nicolas Poussin was believed to be a Grand Master of the Knights Templar. The Knights Templar is an order which captured Jerusalem during the Crusades and were known as the keepers of the Holy Grail. I have spent about two years studying the mysterious letters in the Shugborough Code. At last, I deciphered the Shugborough Code and I found the location of The Holy Grail. I released the solution at my web site http://www.gradale.com News released about the Shugborough Code : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/4040127.stm Best Regards, Ferhat Kanarya http://www.gradale.com
Posted by Ferhat Kanarya on June 2,2008 | 05:55AM
The Ark of The Covenant of the OT and The New Ark, Our Blessed Mother will be united and be amongst us (The Two) and His Chosen Peoples of Israel. You only see the Ark as a relic – a powerful relic. The Ark will play a very important role during the End Time Events, soon to be fulfilled. Are your heart, soul, and mind prepared for the events? Have you all not read about the power of The Ark? It is The True Presence of God on earth, before the creation and the coming of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The presence of The Ark, crumbled the Walls of Jericho to the ground by lightning. Isn't it amazing that the ancient obelisk of Axum which has been at the centre of a dispute between Italy and Ethiopia has been damaged in a lightning strike in Rom, Italy, back in 2002. when Italy refused to return it to Ethiopia. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2012770.stm
Posted by Abram on June 2,2008 | 07:26AM
http://caldwellsusgs.com/USGS/lofiversion/index.php?t6241.html The Atang (keeper of the Ark) has been killed and the Monastery vandalized... I would love to believe that the Ark is held here. Pomp and ceremony in religious worship is mainly for setting a mood. What if everything about "the Ark" story according to the Ethiopian priests is true? Not going to get into the theology involved in my beliefs, but from a historical viewpoint this would be an absolute tragedy. Can we afford to take the chance, it has been tradition here for a thousand or more years so is still valuably historical, true or not. The report was from last June, was this article about a trip that happened before or after the vandalization?
Posted by JamesGB on June 4,2008 | 02:22AM
Dear JamesGB, The Holy Ark has rested at Tana Kirkos (making a stopover over one of the Islands of Lake Tana) for 800 years before it was transported to the city of Axum towards the year 300 AD, where it was placed in the town church. The Ark is not held in Tana Kirkos, rather in Axum -- in the Curch of St. Mary Zion -- around 200 miles from Tana Kirkos.
Posted by Abram on June 5,2008 | 10:16AM
Those who want to proof, they have to go to laboratory not to churches. But this is what has been for the last three millenniumes and will continue to live. We Ethiopians and Followers of The Church beleive in it. God bless all of us Amen!!
Posted by Tilahun (TGS) on June 6,2008 | 03:24AM
I FEEL SO GLAD FOR THE INDIVIDUALITY OF THE PEOPLE. BUT STILL IT UPSETS ME KNOWING THAT WE STILL(AGAIN AS A WHOLE CAN BE SO NARROW MINDED AND SO CARE FREE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND BELIEFS)-FINE IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SUBJECT BUT WHY IN THE WORLD DO WE ALWAYS HAVE TO KNOCK THE PERSON NEXT TO US DOWN SO WE CAN SIMPLY GET OUR MESSAGE ACROSS. ALSO FINE IT MAY BE WE ALL HAVE A BELIEF BUT TO WHAT EXTENT DO WE HAVE TO BE SO BOISTEROUS OR SURE HEARTED AS TO WHAT WE KNOW TO BE THE TRUE WAY. WITH THIS ALONE I'M SURE WE COULD SEE THE PROBLEMS WE BRING ABOUT DAILY. THEN AGAIN WHO SAID YOU WERE SO WELL OF IN KNOWING THE RIGHTEOUS FACTS AND WHO MADE YOU SO SMART. BECAUSE IN THE LONG RUN WE ALL END UP IN THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE HEAP. ALWAYS SEARCHING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW. LET ME CONTINUE BY SAYING HAVE YOU OR WE AS A WHOLE EVER DECIDED ON LOOKING TO THE RIGHT AND JUST FOLLOWING THE RULES SET FORTH. AGAIN UNDOUBTEDLY BY OUR TRUE BROTHER IN GOD, WHOM ALSO OFFERED US A WAY BY THAT OF LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOTHER OF THE CHURCH. AND NOT PONDERING OVER OUR INEFFICIENCIES AND JUST SPENDING TIME IN MEDITATION IN FRONT OF OUR GOD IN A QUIET PLACE.
Posted by RODNEY on June 11,2008 | 07:09AM
if the ark is in that temple it belongs to the world period one race of humans should not control it as far as i am concerned it belongs in a museum it is the single greatest item of christian and jewish faith. a team of expert commandoes should go in and take it and fly it out of there. this is the most holy of holies and it belongs to every person in the world and should be out in the open for all of mankind. i say take it at what ever cost and bring it home to jerusalem if it is not there then that is one last place we have to look. bring home the ark and kill anyone who gets in our way.
Posted by david clyde hubbard on June 11,2008 | 09:35PM
I believe it has been found. There were four rivers and now there are only two. Don't give up on faith, or Love
Posted by Jada Trujillo on June 14,2008 | 06:01AM
I think that the best proof lies on the tablets (tabots). The only problem is that they are covered, and people can't see them. I would suggest that any of the non-believers here makes a trip to Aksum and uncovers the tablets when they are being paraded.
Posted by Estefan (Steve) Gargost on June 14,2008 | 02:19PM
Dear Readers of the Forum: 1) It is a fact, based on faith alone, The One True Ark of The Coveannt of Israel rests in Axum, Ethiopia. The Presence of Almighty God amongst His chosen Peoples of Israel. 2) The Two Witnesses of Revelations Chapter 11 will be the New Guardian of The Ark when it is retrieve by The Holy Roman Catholic Church and The Government of The United States of America. 3) This is the Authority given by The Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to The Two Witnesses. To Rule over All Nations and Kingdoms of The World. Thank you...Peace+ Joseph B. Reyes
Posted by Joseph B. Reyes on June 17,2008 | 05:09PM
I am a African American and have read the book. For all of you who don't believe read the story, and you will find a curse if the people did not keep the words from Zadok the priest or his son.The story is in the Sacred Texts. (http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/kn/kn041.htm).
Posted by Garry on June 17,2008 | 06:14PM
Dear readers please listen to this sermon about the destiny of ethiopia: by Gerald http://ethiopianorthodox.org/english/sermons.html
Posted by Zion on June 18,2008 | 08:55AM
Its Kinda believable
Posted by Chris Simone on June 19,2008 | 11:13AM
Very interesting and provacative article and responses. Faith is good. Evidence would be better in this day and age. The Scriptures are being proven archeologically. Yes, there are Ethiopian Christians. Yes, someone is guarding something. The Ark of the Covenant is somewhere, but is should not be the basis of one's faith. One day the real treasure will show up and the whole world will not care about hidden treasure. The treasure is Jesus Christ, not a box! Until then, I like Fredrick Schmeck's comment because this is sadly foolishness.
Posted by on June 19,2008 | 12:16PM
Bible tells you where the Ark is. In John's vision in Revelations ( Rev. 11:19 ) The Ark had long since been take up to heaven to keep from being desecrated by man. These people who believe they have the 'real one' , only have a box in which to increase their faith upon. If that helps them, good for them. I recently saw a tv show where the 'brilliant' host thought the Ark was a tribal drum ! Never mind what scripture had to say.
Posted by Eric on June 21,2008 | 03:24PM
Those who konw dont tell, Those who tell dont know.
Posted by Merrie Ball on June 22,2008 | 08:11PM
jesus is our glory and all of us in the world that believe and love him need him.
Posted by Brandon on June 26,2008 | 07:44AM
1. Maybe the guardian truly believes that which he guards is authentic. How could he believe otherwise having been given the same information passed down for 3000 years? How could he believe otherwise, never being allowed the luxury of free thought? 2. Maybe that which he guards really is the original object known as the Ark of the Covenant. But by whose hand were the tablets within created? It still may be a wonderous archaeological treasure...created by a human, but a treasure, none the less.
Posted by Paul on June 30,2008 | 09:56AM
This should not be surpising to those who read and can articulate the bible. Genesis make it clear that the garden of eden emcompass the whole of Ethiopia. This land is the manifestation of humanity.The original man decended from Ethiopia as scientists have found the oldest fossil of humanity in Ethiopia(lucy). The true and original Jew whom was held capitive in Egypt was decendence of Ethiopians, as Ethiopia and Egypt was considered sibling countries. When the Ark was return to Ethiopia, it was simply being return to the original land of the Jews, after the the temple in Israel have be defiled.
Posted by kwesi on July 1,2008 | 03:08PM
RE: The Ark of the Covenant in Ethiopia: TIMING is everything... If the last temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70AD... and in order to have Temple sacrifices the Ark had to be in the Holy of Holies... How could it have been gone to Ethiopia since BC? Realistically, the Jews wouldn't have sacrificed there without the Ark.
Posted by Vicki McAlpine on July 5,2008 | 01:43PM
Last days ethopia will bring a gift to Israel, Israel looking for a sign from G-- to rebuild temple, very soon.
Posted by White Eagle on July 12,2008 | 12:19AM
The Mercy Seat is the important part of the arc. The Mercy Seat was made of pure gold and consisted of the top of the arc and the two winged cherubim who face each other with one wing outstretched and the other wing lying flat on the top of the arc. This creates a seat or throne. The outstretched wings become the back of the seat and the flat wings are the seat of the Mercy Seat. God used to dwell between the cherubim (when He visited earth). The acacia wood of the arc is likely deteriorated but the gold Mercy Seat should still be intact. Jesus is returning to earth in the near future. After a 3.5 year conflict Jesus will rule earth for a thousand years and more. I'm not sure where the arc is currently located but I have a feeling it will appear again. Are you with Him or against Him? If you are a skeptic please take the time to research the truth of the Bible. An easy place to start is the fact of the resurection of Christ Jesus. Check out the enormous amount of historical evidence for this. There is no need for "blind faith"; all of the Bible has strong evidence.
Posted by Doug Gresham on July 13,2008 | 11:46AM
Selam all Believe it or not, the arc is in Ethiopia. We Ethiopians are very proud of it. Again believe it or not no one can not take it by power. Things happen by the will of God. God be with Ethiopians and you all.
Posted by queenofshebas on July 15,2008 | 04:27PM
Great mystery shrouds the true locations of many Biblical artifacts such as Noah's Ark, and the Ark of the Covenant. One could spend an entire lifetime researching and searching for the true location of said items. I do not know, along with everyone else, whether the Ark of the Covenant is truely in Ethiopia, or not. I do think, however, that it is very probable; and i say this after exhaustive research of the subject. I believe, that in his ultimate wisdom, God will reveal important Biblical artifacts in time to give one last chance for all to know that He is the true God before the rapture of the saints. His will be done, Amen.
Posted by Joshua Froiland on July 20,2008 | 10:58PM
Dear Readers of the forum: The Sacred Ark of The Covenant of Israel rests in Axum, Ethiopia. It is the only place in the world, the Ark is venerated by the peoples of Ethiopia like that of the Old. It is The True Presence of The Almighty Father on earth as it is in Heaven.
Posted by Joseph B. Reyes on August 3,2008 | 09:52AM
the author of this Smithsonian article gives plenty of information and also gives his personal opinion of the saga he went thru: between the lines, he considers the fable bunk. Double Bunk, in fact,if you know how to read between the lines of these sorts of editorials. He states evidentially that Smithsonian had a duty and a right to investigate, which it did. There's not much more to say. That part of the world always has needed a super-natural power to foment it's very existence, from fantasmagorical occurrences to "Green Scum" on a lake which proves to them the entire saga is cursed UNLESS one follows a privacy mode of interests. There's not much more to be said.
Posted by harold parks on August 12,2008 | 12:13PM
the person that wrote the article about the ark, why didn't he take a pencil and piece of paper and ask the man who is guarding the ark to draw what he sees of the ark? then at least we can see a drawing of it.
Posted by ykb on August 13,2008 | 07:27PM
Dear Readers of The Forum: "Posted by ykb on August 13,2008 | 07:27PM the person that wrote the article about the ark, why didn't he take a pencil and piece of paper and ask the man who is guarding the ark to draw what he sees of the ark? then at least we can see a drawing of it." IF ONE DESIRES TO SEES TO BE CONVERTED (TO BELIEVE), THEN ITS NO LONGER AN ACT OF FAITH, BUT AN ACT OF BLASPHEMY TO THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. THE THIRD PERSON OF THE MOST HOLY AND BLESSED TRINITY AMEN!
Posted by Joseph B. Reyes on August 17,2008 | 04:55PM
if the old testament per say the Bible..is a myth...tell me how jewish people exist? are you zealot or anti-narrowminded i hate religion cause its bogus wen i dont know anythng about them...support ur assertions?
Posted by cja on August 21,2008 | 11:57PM
hello i am in 7th grade and am now researching about the arc of the covenant, and i believe this story becaus my father( a misioner) said that solomons wife stole it from him and not her child so i do not know who to belive about who stole the arc but i do believe its in eithiopia.
Posted by Adrian on September 2,2008 | 09:12PM
I beleive that jesus is the true god
Posted by micaela on September 9,2008 | 02:01PM
peace be with you
Posted by ken on September 24,2008 | 03:22PM
After reading most of these comments, I think it is a matter of being a believer and none-believer. For those who believe in the powe of God we don't need evidence, theories, proof or any thing of this kind. Yes The Ark is in Ethiopia. The none-believers will never believe even if they see or touch because they are not believers. Please don't consider the Ark as a commodity to make money. I am disgusted when I read one of these comments that mentioned we could have put it out there for making money and use it to reduce poverty. You have no idea of what you are talking about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Ayida Belay on September 26,2008 | 10:51AM
Terrific story. If the Ark is there, why aren't the Jewish people lined up in Ethiopia demanding it's return?
Posted by Keith on October 12,2008 | 12:42PM
I will display the glory within the Ark of the Covenant from whence it is, saith the Lord. ordered 5-12-08 The rest is to remain with me until the lord directs me.
Posted by Joe Naughton on October 23,2008 | 04:54PM
The reactions of the people, here, I believe make it plausible that the Ark resides in Ethiopia. I say this because the people seem to have no interest in proving to anyone that they do guard the Ark. This is a logical attitude to have, since the Ark is for the faithful anyway, and not for the outside world. Why else insist upon claiming to outsiders that you have the Ark while showing no desire to provide any evidence? Most Orthodox Churches (Eastern and Oriental) take a similar approach when giving any of the Truth to those outside the Church. We don't proclaim the mysteries and miracles of God to prove to anyone that we have the Truth, because we experience God and do not require the belief of outsiders to justify our claims. We want people to come to faith out of a conviction of the heart and love for God, not because we argued them into a sort of forced belief in Orthodox Christianity. However, I reserve that I do not claim to know for sure that the Ethiopians, indeed, guard the Ark. To me, it's a non-issue. Whether they have it or not doesn't change my faith in God and the Church.
Posted by Josiah Berkebile on October 27,2008 | 11:39AM
There has been found a location where the the ark's stronghold was placed. when searched it was empty. this questions arise: Where did it go? it is posible that it went to Ethiopia but how could something that important be removed inconspicuously? I belive that it is a lie to make themseves seem more important. but they are folowing the original way that the LORD had set sending 1 person in to see it.
Posted by zapro15 on November 8,2008 | 08:00AM
Ethiopia is the TRUE Israel. The land of Zion of the New Testament is Ethiopia. The land of Genesis is Ethiopia by the river Ghion. The Ark is in Axum, Ethiopia. The new Jerusalem is in Lalibela, Ethiopia. (Of course, that changes the status-quo doesn't it? And unfortunately, Ethiopia has not been given the credit due. Zionism and Vatican don't want to acknowledge the importance and relevance of Ethiopia.) God Bless my country. I believe 100% that TRUE faith is in Ethiopia. Ethiopians are being sacrificed through famine, wars, poverty, AIDS.... BUT are we really helping the motherland??? God is probably disappointed in us. We have betrayed the chosen people of God. Judgement day is coming. Help Ethiopia and believe in its faith for One God. *** Faith - Hope - Love for Ethiopia ***
Posted by Tseday Mekbib on November 23,2008 | 12:46PM
I feel that currently majority of the people of the world have lost faith in God and humanity. People are more absorbed to the seemingly colorful and ornamented but illusory and corrupting worldly life. I wonder how mere creatures that even can not exactly tell how they function dare to insult and pass judgment on the existence and power of their Creator, the Almighty God. I read a statement that Ethiopians shall use the relic to change their destitute country. Ethiopians don’t sacrifice their faith in God for cash at any cost. Several classify themselves as rich and others as destitute considering their materialistic possessions however; they are blind in their hearts to see their own worthlessness and wretchedness in the eternal true life. Ethiopians don’t preach others to believe the existence of God’s holy treasure in their country. Why for? After all, the church serves God not the unfaithful and the wicked. It doesn’t matter for Ethiopians whether you approve or disapprove the presence of the Ark but they don’t hesitate a bit about their take. I trust that a holy relic can only be present in a holy land. Ethiopians always stretch their hands to God. Most of us are anxious to see the Ark of the Covenant, a consecrated powerful artifact but circulating in our system is infidelity and many thousands of sins. How can one, full of bad spirit resist standing in front of a holy spirit? It just needs a higher level of thinking than ordinary thinking and only the peerless can guard the Ark. There are several astonishing untold true stories and hidden treasures in Ethiopia.
Posted by Lisanework on November 30,2008 | 12:18AM
The man guarding the Ark is believing,to see God all we need is faith. That means he is living the word of God that is on the Ark.Are we living the ten commandment.That is what God wants as to do for our happy life.
Posted by on December 10,2008 | 01:04AM
The only account of the Ark of the Covenant that makes complete "sacraficial sense" is the one by Archeologist Ron Wyatt. Leviticus 17:11 "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." Find the place where Jesus was crucified "Skull Hill" (Golgatha)where his blood was shed, God would have aranged the Ark of the Covenant to be under the place he died to receive the blood on the mercy seat! remember when Jesus died the rocks rent (Matthew 27:51) and the soldier pierced his side (John 19:34) allowing the blood to flow to where the Ark of the Covenant was hidden in Jeremiah's Grotto. (see also Day of Atonement) the service of the Levites priests (Leviticus 16:5,14,15,18)
Posted by Howard A. Skurow on December 10,2008 | 04:09AM
As far as i know the ark was trunsported from israel to its last destination following the nile route. Minilik the first, the beloved son of solomon and Queen sheba, have taken the ark from its home land cooperating with isrelise prists. Now evidences are the existances of cultural marks in the ethiopian highland areas. look Minilik and the juish prists end there vague in the icelands in the lake tana. so u can go and see the evidences they have marked like the ancaint worshiping methods and equipments which have been used during solomonic era are availeble. go n see it!!
Posted by eyob on December 31,2008 | 01:00AM
As far as i know the ark was trunsported from israel to its last destination following the nile route. Minilik the first, the beloved son of solomon and Queen sheba, have taken the ark from its home land cooperating with isrelise prists. Now evidences are the existances of cultural marks in the ethiopian highland areas. look Minilik and the juish prists end there vague in the icelands in the lake tana. so u can go and see the evidences they have marked like the ancaint worshiping methods and equipments which have been used during solomonic era are availeble. go n see it!!
Posted by eyob on December 31,2008 | 08:11AM
The Ark was not Solomon's to give, yasfela. Not Solomon or any other man.
Posted by Scott on January 4,2009 | 12:31AM
Over a year ago Dan posted his puzzlement over the Old Testament roots claimed by Paulos, including a Levitical diet and Sabbath observance. As a follower of Jesus, Dan pointed out that an "Old Testament diet" and Sabbath keeping have never been adequate alternatives to Jesus as Savior. As a Christian myself, I most whole-heartedly agree. However, while not an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian, I have also grown up and remain in a Christian tradition that honors the seventh-day as Sabbath and limits any meat-eating to the Levitical list. I receive these as gifts from God to be opened and experienced, not as substitutes for Jesus. Perhaps Paulos, in spite of all his royal splendor, influences many of the Ethiopian believers to do the same. As for the Ark of the Covenant being in Ethiopia ... I'm just grateful that nobody, not even the Ethiopian keeper, has turned it (or some facsimile thereof) into a museum piece, or worse yet, a tourist attraction. I'm grateful that this is one mystery that remains unsolved, or at least unseen, to everyone, including Paulos and me.
Posted by Ole on January 8,2009 | 04:10PM
Since our monitor is allowing some theological responses here, I'll post one more comment. "Me" posted this observation: "true or not! i cannot put my hope in a god who would kill his children for eating a fruit!come on would you kill your children if they ate something of yours or even if they disobayed you?? how can god be so cruel??" I, too, cannot put my hope in an arbitrary, cruel god who would kill his children for some slight disobedience. As long as Bible story is interpreted that way, stay away from it! However, I have found another way. For one, the story says nothing about "killing", but rather about "dying" (read it again in Genesis 2 & 3). This opens the door to hearing the forbidden-tree story as of a merciful God, warning his children of the "poison", the life-taking poison, in the fruit of that tree. Heard in this light, I rephrase Me's comment: i cannot put my hope in a god who would fail to warn his children about such a toxic fruit! come on would you let your children eat any mushroom they found along the forest path?? how could god be so cruel?? Of course the next question will be, If He's God, why did he allow ANY "poison fruit" into His "perfect" garden?
Posted by Ole on January 8,2009 | 04:30PM
From the words in a song (One Tin Soldier)"Listen children to a story that was written long ago, about a kingdom on a mountain and the valley far below" If they showed it or if they didn't, The story will be enough for someone to destroy the keepers and find the 'treasure'. "Words written in stone" Peace on Earth. Stories, Fables and Bibles are written about the ark and it's people for hundreds of years now. Amazing how so many are still disbelievers.
Posted by Chieran on January 9,2009 | 03:20PM
Our Loving Father gives each of us 'choice'. We can choose good or evil. We can choose to believe or not to believe. We can choose to accept Jesus The Christ or not to choose Jesus The Christ. What is Your choice?
Posted by BobBasileSr on January 9,2009 | 04:52PM
the ark doesnt be in etheopia. it was never stolen it is probally hid by the isrealites and is probally known where it i s today if it still exsists
Posted by woodrw steadman on January 10,2009 | 03:07PM
Such mean things are said here wow! Now, Americans believed that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq without proof? Funny how that works. What matters is faith in GOD. It is not unreasonable to me that it would be there. If you think they are playing about jumping that fence go and try it for yourself since you have such faith it's not there. Even in ancient times only certain people were able to enter The Holy of Holies and had to wear special garments which were for preist only. For those who are discounting Arican history are simply not well read. So you cannot expect them to know the Bible. The Gate Keeper
Posted by Letece on January 12,2009 | 09:32AM
If the Ark had been left here there would be worship of it rather than God,and God knew that.According to the Bible,the Ark is with God in Heaven,as was seen by John,as well as the rainbow about the Throne to remind God of His Covenant with Noah and man.I believe that if the Ark is ever to be found on the earth again,it will be with God in the New Jerusalem when He returns.Best way to settle it is to give up your own opinion and ask the Holy Spirit,He knows and He never lies.
Posted by Skip on January 14,2009 | 06:18PM
this is interesting and strange at the same time...the mysteries of the ark i think will remain in mysteries until the right moment...same with the ark of the covanent....and people wonder why those who search always come up with dead ends...to me it's logic sense....i don't know what other people think
Posted by sam on January 14,2009 | 07:05PM
I think that the world is forgetting God . People are losing thier faith. Why is it being hidden. I know centries ago why it would have been hidden. But now, I think it would give people back the faith if it was revieled now. The world is still so full of evil. We need some Good for a change. It might even help with Isreal and the mess thats been going on so long now, If people belive again maybe some good would come to.
Posted by sharon on January 14,2009 | 10:29PM