, Ethiopia believe they have found what they call the Ark of the Covenant. This, McKinley writes, is actually the slab on which the Ten Commandments is inscribed. What The Bible describes as the Ark the Ethiopians call “the chair of the ark,” which they say they do not have possession of. If what the religious officials in Ksum say is true, than the true Ark of the Covenant as mentioned in the Old Testament is still lost (Funk & Wagnall’s). These monks are not the only people to claim to know the location of the Ark of the Covenant, however. Many archaeologists claim to know where the Ark may be buried, these locations including Northern Rockscarp, Southern Wall and Temple Mount (Ritmeyer). For the Jews and Christians alike who still believe the Ark is unfound, this is a topic of much significance.Why is the Ark of the Covenant so important to people across the world? The Ark is a vital part of the Jewish religion because it symbolizes their freedom from oppression and is a reminder of the covenant God made with Moses on Mount Sinai. This covenant and the Ten Commandments helped the Jews establish their promised land (“Religion”). It is also the chest that stored many extremely important Jewish and Christian relics, such as the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s Rod, and a pot of manna (Funk & Wagnall’s). According to “The New York Times,” it is so important to the previously mentioned Ethiopian monks, that no one is allowed to look at the Ark because they believe they will fall sick and die (McKinley). It is for all these reasons that the search for the Ark of the Covenant has been so publicized and such a priority to major members of both religions.All religions have certain artifacts that are especially important to them, and in the case of the Ark, the artifact has been lost for many years. A unique characteristic of the Ark of the Covenant is the fact that it is shared b...
