Biblical Site Tied to Ark of the Covenant Unearthed at Convent in Central Israel
A massive 8th century BCE man-made platform discovered at a Catholic convent in central Israel may have served as an ancient shrine to the Ark of the Covenant, said leading Tel Aviv University archaeologist Israel Finkelstein. This excavation uncovers a unique, monumental structure previously unknown in the region. Located near the central Israeli-Arab village of Abu Ghosh, the site is said to have hosted to Ark of the Covenant for a significant period.
Discovery and Physical Characteristics
During recent archaeological efforts, specific structures were identified. In the upper terrace at Kiriath-jearim, a massive wall was unearthed some 15 cm below topsoil. Furthermore, remains of the monumental elevated podium have been unearthed on a Judean hilltop long associated with the location of biblical Kiriath-Jearim. The joint expedition by Tel Aviv University and the College de France is not on the trail of the elusive ark, however, but is focused on the historical reality of the site.
The following table summarizes the key aspects of the Kiriath-Jearim excavation:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kiriath-Jearim, Judean hilltop near Abu Ghosh |
| Structure Type | Massive 8th century BCE man-made platform and wall |
| Historical Association | 20-year home of the legendary Ark of the Covenant |
| Geopolitical Purpose | Shrine to the biblical story of the ark and strategic geopolitical act |
Historical and Geopolitical Significance
The findings offer a window into ancient power dynamics. Unearthed at Kiriath-Jearim, the shrine gives potential new insight into the political machinations of the sibling kingdoms of Judah and Israel. As Finkelstein notes, the excavations at Kiriath-Jearim shed light on the strength of Israel (the Northern Kingdom) in the early 8th century, including, possibly, its domination of Judah. Enshrining the ark story was a strategic geopolitical act used to exert influence over the region.
The Biblical Context
The site holds immense religious importance. According to the Hebrew Bible, the spot was the 20-year home of the legendary Ark of the Covenant until taken by King David and paraded to Jerusalem. According to Römer, an internationally known expert on the Hebrew Bible, the biblical stories surrounding the Ark of the Covenant served pragmatic political purposes. Specifically, the kernel of the original narrative was to legitimate Kiriath-Jearim as the new sanctuary of the shrine after the destruction or the abandonment of Shilo.
Scientific Perspective
The research focuses on historical evidence rather than the relic itself. Indeed Finkelstein, the dig’s co-director, does not believe the Ark of the Covenant existed. Instead, the large elevated platform, Finkelstein believes, was constructed by the northern kingdom as a shrine to the biblical story of the ark. It is in search of physical evidence from almost three millennia ago of the geopolitical situation in the border town, located between the two monotheistic kingdoms.