Where is the Ark of the Covenant? Exploring the Top Theories, by Dr. Terry Harman
- Dr. Terry Harman
- Jan 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 11
The Most Recognizable Ark of the Covenant
Where is the Ark of the Covenant today? What happened to the Ark of the Covenant? The whereabouts of the Ark of the Covenant remains a mystery. However, for almost twenty years the Ark of the Covenant was in Indiana but not with a man named Jones. The Tabernacle Man lives in Indiana and I owned the replica of the Indiana Jones style of the Ark of the Covenant pictured above.
The dimensions of Indiana Jones's ark were not specific to the biblical dimensions recorded in the Book of Exodus, and the style of cherubim was questionable. Regardless of its accuracy, the movie version of the Ark of the Covenant is one of the most well-recognized film props. In 2024, the ark traveled to a new home with the Mishkan Galleries in Theodora, Alabama, where Dr. David Hamilton is the curator.
Theories of the Ark’s Location
The Ark of the Covenant is one of the most legendary religious relics in all archaeological history, yet its fate is still a divine mystery. Over the centuries, countless theories have emerged about what happened to the Ark of the Covenant. Let’s explore the most prominent theories.
1. The Babylonian Conquest Theory
One of the most widely discussed theories is that the Ark disappeared during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BCE. The Babylonians looted and destroyed the First Temple, and believe the Ark was either taken as plunder or destroyed in the chaos of battle.
However, there’s a twist to the story. While the Bible mentions that the Babylonians took temple treasures (2 Kings 24:13, 2 Chronicles 36:18), it doesn’t specifically list the Ark. This omission has fueled speculation that the Ark was hidden before the invasion, by King Josiah, who may have foreseen the impending destruction.
2. The Ethiopian Connection: The Kebra Nagast Claim
Could the Ark have made its way to Ethiopia? According to Ethiopian tradition, recorded in the Kebra Nagast, the Ark of the Covenant was taken from Jerusalem by Menelik I, the alleged son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
Today, Ethiopian Orthodox Christians believe the Ark resides in the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Aksum, guarded by a single monk who is forbidden to leave the site. While no physical evidence has ever been presented, this theory is still one of the most passionately defended claims about the Ark’s fate.
3. The Hidden Chamber Theory
Researchers argue that the Ark never left Jerusalem and was hidden beneath the Temple Mount before the Babylonian invasion. Rabbinic literature suggests that King Josiah ordered the Ark to be concealed to protect it.
Another view supporting a chamber or cave theory is the Copper Scroll, one of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which details hidden temple treasures. Could the Ark be among them? In 2015 the media team from the Copper Scroll Project contacted me to gain permission to use my pictures of the Tabernacle Holy Vessels I use in my YouTube videos.
In 2023, I met the project leader of the Copper Scroll Project. Mr. Jimmy Don Barfield leads the Copper Scroll Project and claims to have deciphered the exact location of the hidden holy vessels of the Second Temple. Instead of a chamber underneath the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, he claims the ark of the covenant and other Temple vessels are found in a cave nearby Jerusalem. His extensive research supporting his theory can be found at www.thecopperscrollproject.com
Unfortunately, due to religious and political tensions, excavations beneath the Temple Mount or a cave away from Jerusalem are highly restricted, making it impossible to confirm or debunk either chamber theory.
4. The Vatican Theory
One of the more startling theories claims that the Ark is hidden deep within the Vatican’s secret archives. Proponents of the Vatican theory believe the Knights Templar may have smuggled it to Rome during the Crusades. A medieval tradition even suggests that the Ark was placed inside the high altar of the Lateran Basilica.
The Vatican Theory is popular in speculative history and fiction, However, fascinating, there’s no concrete evidence supporting it. The Catholic Church has never officially claimed to own the Ark, and without access to the Vatican’s hidden chambers, the mystery is still unsolved.
5. The Mount Nebo Theory
Another fascinating possibility is recorded in 2 Maccabees 2:4-8, which describes the prophet Jeremiah hiding the Ark in a cave on Mount Nebo (in modern-day Jordan) to protect it from Babylonian invaders. Over the years, archaeologists have searched for the Ark in this region, but no definitive evidence has been discovered. If it’s there, it is still well hidden!
Conclusion: Where is the Ark of the Covenant?
Simply put, we do not know where the Ark of the Covenant is hidden or if it still exists. The Ark of the Covenant will continue to captivate treasure hunters, historians, archaeologists, and theologians. Whether lost to time, hidden beneath sacred ground, or protected in a secret location, its fate is one of history’s greatest mysteries.
While we may never know the truth, the search for the Ark is far from over. Maybe Indiana Jones knows the secret location of the CIA’s warehouse! Which theory do you find most compelling? Let’s discuss it in the comments below!
Terry's Ark of the Covenant with 2008 Hummer H2 in 2008
Resources for Further Investigation
General Overviews of the Ark of the Covenant
“The Ark of the Covenant.” Live Science, www.livescience.com/ark-of-the-covenant.
“The Ark of the Covenant: An Enduring Biblical Mystery.” History Hit, www.historyhit.com/the-ark-of-the-covenant.
Theories and Investigations
“Where Is the Ark of the Covenant? | Discover the Mystery & Theories.”
“Where Is the ‘Lost’ Ark of the Covenant?” National Catholic Register,
“Is the Biblical Ark of the Covenant Hidden in an Ethiopian Church?” The Jerusalem Post.
Historical & Religious Texts Related to the Ark
“The Kebra Nagast Index.”
“Kebra Nagast.” Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kebra_Nagast.
“Kebra Nagast: New Insights into Old Testament History.”
CIA & Declassified Files on the Ark
“Declassified CIA Files Reveal Psychic Quest for the Ark of the Covenant.” The Jerusalem Post.
Other Related Insights
“The Lateran Basilica and the Ark of the Covenant.” Catholic Exchange.
catholicexchange.com/the-lateran-basilica-and-the-ark-of-the-covenant
Maybe the Ark is in Anathoth or the mordern day Anata, Jeremiah and most of the priest serving the temple lived in Anathoth. Jeremiah bought land there under the instruction of God. Did he hide it there ?