DRASHA
Among the many treasures uncovered in the Dead Sea Scrolls in Qumran is one particularly controversial text, the Copper Scroll. The scroll lists the location of various treasures hidden sometime around the first century, but the content of those treasures is the subject of much debate and fantasy. While not academically substantiated, one self-proclaimed archeologist, Vendyl Jones, understood the Copper Scroll as evidence that the Aron HaBrit, the Ark of the Covenant described in our Parshah, was hidden somewhere and waiting to be found. Coincidentally, a short while later, George Lucas would make Indiana Jones, depicting an archeologist named Jones on a quest to find the lost Ark of the Covenant. While later scrutiny has made it clear that this was mere coincidence, what this coincidence belies is a general belief and interest in the archeological project of finding the “lost” ark.
While personally, such an idea sounds more like National Treasure Fan Fiction than biblical history, it is hard to deny that such an ethos is rooted in the Jewish tradition. No less than the Gemara itself, on Yuma 52a, says that the Second Temple featured a new and much more humble wooden Ark because King Yoshiyahu had buried the original Ark, with it’s cherubs and gold, lest it be disgraced in the forthcoming exile, and it was never found. A real life Jewish National Treasure. At the same time, though, it is worth noting that there is another position later on in the Gemara, much less fanciful, that sees the Ark being exiled with the Jews into Babylon and eventually just being lost like countless other historical relics. A decidedly less fun possibility.
It shouldn't be surprising, then, that this tale of the Aron, with it’s excitement and drama, has taken on a life of its own. In some circles, it’s a given that part of the Messiah must entail the uncovering of the Ark and its return to its rightful place in Jerusalem. Undoubtedly, this is because of the clear importance and holiness bestowed upon the Ark in our Parshah, as it alone resides in the Holy of Holies, decorated with elaborate golden Cherubim. But while it is clear that the Ark is important, I think a closer look at the Ark in our Parshah may complicate the messianic meaning in Raiders of the Lost Ark....continued
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