Could the Ark of the Covenant provide the key to the rebuilding of the Third Temple?
Mark Hitchcock, a respected Bible teacher and scholar, recently shared insights on the profound symbolism of the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant, particularly the hope that the Ark may be revealed if a third Jewish temple is built.
The Tabernacle, a mobile shrine carried by the Jewish people through the wilderness, was a miniature yet powerful symbol of God’s presence among His people. The Tabernacle housed the Ark of the Covenant as its central and most sacred piece. It was here that God’s glory dwelt above the Mercy Seat, where He would meet with His people through the high priest once a year.
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The Tabernacle was intentionally designed to echo the Garden of Eden. As Hitchcock points out, the entrance faced east, symbolizing the return to God’s presence, while the menorah reminded the Israelites of the Tree of Life in Eden. These elements were a constant reminder that God longed to restore the relationship that humanity lost in the Garden.
However, after the Babylonian captivity, the Ark of the Covenant disappeared and was never placed in the Second Temple. Could the finding of the Ark happen around the same time as the Third Temple rebuilding? Is it being kept secure for the fulfillment of this end times prophecy?
/**/“Many rabbis believe that when the Babylonians were coming, they took the Ark of the Covenant and they hid it in a secret chamber down under the temple,” says Hitchcock. “And many believe it may be brought out someday when that Third Jewish Temple is constructed.”
While we do not know the whereabouts of the Ark right now, it continues to remain as a a symbol of God’s eternal desire to dwell with humanity.
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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
