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====The history of the ark of the covenant====

The ark is tied up with the early history of the Jewish people, and for many centuries it was the symbol of their nation. At some point in time, no later than 1000 BC, the Hebrews who had been enslaved by the Egyptian Pharaohs escaped their bondage under Moses's leadership. According to the Old Testament, he led them into the wilderness; God instructed Moses to make the ark when he was on Mount Sinai for forty days and nights.<ref> Exodus 19:20</ref>

During the wanderings of the Jews in search of their homeland, the ark was carried before them. The Hebrews believed that the ark contained the two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments, Aron’s rod, and a jar of manna. For them, it was filled with the spirit of Yahweh (God). There are different accounts of what the ark looked like and its characteristics, but most relate that the ark was an ornate, gold-plated wooden chest carried on poles by the Levites (Hebrew priests). It was widely believed that the moveable shrine had special magical power because it was imbued with the spirit of God, and it helped the Hebrews to overcome their many enemies during their wanderings.<ref> Munro-Hay, Stuart C. The quest for the ark of the covenant: The true history of Moses's tablets (London: IB Tauris, 2005), p. 11 </ref>

The priests often carried the ark in front of the Israelite army when it went into battle. It was typically hidden under a veil or cloth, and anyone who looked inside it died, as in the finale of the Indiana Jones movie. The ark was carried into battle by Joshua and later by the Judges, such as Saul, and typically was believed to have helped them to achieve victory.<ref>Joshua 3:3</ref>