Today's Reading - February 7, 2010

EXODUS 26:1-27:21
MATTHEW 25:1-30
PSALM 31:1-8
PROVERBS 8:1-11

Question of the day: What is the Ark of the Covenant?

The Ark of the Covenant is a vessel described in the Bible as containing the tablets of stone on which the Ten Commandments were inscribed, along with Aaron's rod and manna. The Ark was carried by the Israelites as they traveled until rested in the temple in Jerusalem.

The Ark was captured briefly by the Philistines, who returned it after seven months of difficulty. The Ark disappeared when the Babylonians overran Jerusalem and plundered the temple.

Many claims have been made over the years as to the modern day location of the Ark. It is said to be buried in a cave in Israel, in a tunnel under Jerusalem, in Ethiopia, in Zimbabwe, in France, and in Washington D.C.

Jeremiah 3:16 says, "In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land," declares the LORD, "men will no longer say, 'The ark of the covenant of the LORD.' It will never enter their minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will another one be made" indicating that the Ark of the Covenant would cease to exist.