Follow the Ark in Philistine Captivity

After defeating the Israelites at Even Ha’ezer, the Philistines captured their holiest object – The Ark of the Covenant – and took it to Ashdod and later to Gat and Ekron. An archaeological expedition dug in ancient Ashdod in the 1960s, but later they covered the remains. Ancient Ekron was intensively excavated in the 1980’s-1990’s. Most of the site is also covered in backup. However, a rich presentation of the finds made at the site can be seen at “The “Philistine Street” in a kibbutz nearby. This will be our first stop and presentation on the subject.

Spot the Ark in Tel Beth-Shemesh

The Philistines gave the ark back to the Israelites by sending it from Ekron to Beth-Shemesh. Biblical Beth-Shemesh has been excavated since the early 20th century. Recently, a sensational discovery at the site links to the ark’s presence. A big flat slab of stone, found in a room behind an animal sacrificial area, may have been the rest place of the ark.

Track biblical Kiryat Yaarim

The bible indicates that soon after, unfortunately, the Ark had to be moved again, as it had inflicted a plague in Bet-Shemesh. A team of priests carried it to Kiryat Yaarim, which is identified on the hill above the Arab village of Abu Ghosh. In the 19th century, Christian purchased the hill top and erected there Notre Dame de l’arche d’Alliance church. In recent years, an archaeological expedition dug around the church, uncovering finds that relate to a biblical-era cultic center.

In Search of Beit Oved Edom Ha-Giti

After being crowned and establishing Jerusalem as his new capital city, David came to Kiryat Ya’arim, aiming to bring the ark to Jerusalem. But causing the death of Uzzah, David ordered to hold the ark for three months at a site called “Beit Over Edom Ha’giti.” New research at Motza, a site halfway between Kiryat Yaarim and Jerusalem, uncovered an Iron Age temple. Is this where the ark was kept?

Keep Exploring