Under Knight's Watch
Last was reportedly seen around 2600 years ago. According to a reported opinion in a publication journal, the debate among multiple archeologists who have interest in unearthing the Ark of the Covenant exact location. Contents, urban legends, and curses associated with it is almost as old as the assumed last known location itself.
But what of its curses and supposed contents? Should we buy into the hype and Hollywood-isms that keep the history of this biblical holy artifact alive even though it's shrouded in mystery? Or will this gold enshrined temptation forever be lost while tales of the unspeakable destructive purpose it lives on throughout the ages and in the four corners of the universe as compassed out in a simple cross.
What is the Ark of the Covenant? Let us begin with the "covenant" to get a better overall understanding. By today's standard, a covenant is a legally binding term, contract, or lease. In the biblical sense, it really isn't that different, with the single holiest caveat being that the Covenant is the direct word of God as delivered via the Ten Commandments.
God promised to protect the ancient Israelites if they in return countered with a promise to stay true and faithful to His words. The documented proof of this contract; the tablets inscribed The Commandments were housed in the Ark along with manna which, when milled into bread, is the representation of God's way of providing sustenance to the faithful during the Exodus from Egypt. The other artifact in the Ark is purportedly the Staff of Aaron, which transformed into a serpent at the feet of the Pharoah and was the representation of a shepherd guiding a flock safely through the pastures.
Such power was secured within the gold-plated chest that it is said that death will be immediate to any unfaithful who dares to look upon the contents. As such, even while being carried throughout the Exodus, it was littered out by bearers who ensured the tǝḥūm šabbat of 2000 cubits was upheld. Each cubit is almost two feet, so the biblical mile was the covenant of distance.
Lost and Found, Now Lost Again: A War Treasure Timeline
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When conquered by the Babylonians in 587 B.C., the Ark disappeared from where it was thought to be safe in Kiriath Jearim, a town in Jerusalem.
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In 1187, Jerusalem was again overtaken by Muslim forces who ultimately were defeated by the Order of the Knights.
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Returning to England to avoid being persecuted by the French Monarch, King Philip the Fair, the Knights fled with the Ark a hundred years after the war with the Muslim factions.
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In the early 1300's, the Knights Templars were officially disbanded by the Pope as most were found guilty of engaging in behaviors unbecoming the holy faithful.
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Here, the urban legend stapes in on the errant belief that some of the remaining devout Knights slipped away underground and the whereabouts of the Ark has dogged scientists and scholars since.
The Cross and Crusaders Crucifix: A Compass to the New Covenant
The Jerusalem or Crusader's cross might hold the direct path to the Ark when its true meaning of it can be deciphered. Until then, we take solace and renew our faith when the center cross depicts the holy crucifixion of the son of God. The four corner crosses represent Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and support the word of God being spread to all four corners of the world. Another view of the cross has believers acknowledging the four crosses as the nails of the crucifix hammered through the hands and feet of Jesus, the large one ending the suffering as the final spear thrust. Until the Ark and indications of its weapons and treasures inside can be located, one thing is for certain. To remain committed to the cross of Jerusalem means you hold the key to a promised life of eternal blessing as spoken in Matthew 5: 3-12.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven.
Some historians believe that the large cross represents Christ, while the four smaller crosses represent Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Others suggest that the symbol is a visualization of the gospel being spread to the four corners of the Earth. One thing is for certain. To remain committed to the cross of Jerusalem means you hold the key to a promised life of eternal blessing as spoken in Matthew 5: 3-12.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven.
[1] https://www.haaretz.com/
