Beha’alotecha: The Two Arks of Israel |
In this week’s parasha we are told that the Ark of the Covenant traveled in front of the Israelite people to lead them as they traversed the wilderness (Numbers 10:33). Yet earlier we are told that the Tabernacle, which contained the Ark of the Covenant, traveled in the middle of the camp, representing the dwelling of God’s Presence among the people (Numbers 2:17). So did the Ark travel in front of the camp or in the middle?
One approach, advanced by Ramban, suggests that under ordinary circumstances the Ark remained in its proper place within the Tabernacle at the center of the camp. At certain moments, however—especially during miraculous or significant journeys—the Ark moved ahead as a manifestation of the Divine Presence guiding Israel through the wilderness.
Another approach, cited by Rashi, claims that there were actually two separate arks:
One traveled ahead of the camp into battle and led the way.
The other........