Posted by Steve from ppp-3.COL.cableone.net on June 17, 1999 at 15:10:58:
In Reply to: Ark Clarification posted by Indiana John on June 17, 1999 at 14:36:30:
: : : I was reading the Ark theories on this site and I have some questions. Someone in this forum (I don't remember who) said that "Raiders" depiction of the Ark was inaccurate. Is this so?
: : : I know that the Bible gives very detailed descriptions of how the Ark was to be built; measurements, the angels on top, etc. How closely did Spielberg follow these.
: : Actually, the angels do not sit atop the ark. They are separate items that sat on either side of the ark in the Holy of Holies. The lid of the Ark was called the Bema Seat, because God was supposed to have sat there while the High Priest made sacrifices.
: : Also, the poles are wrong in the film (and most artistic depictions). They should run along the short sides so that it would be carried like a portable throne.
: : Third, the poles were not removable.
: The Bema Seat relates to God's judgement throne.
: The Mercy Seat did indeed sit above the Ark, with angels on either end. You can check Exodus 25:21 to verify this.
: I have not seen scripture to back up the position of the staves;
: you'll have to send me the reference for that one.
: As far as the staves go; God commanded that they not be removed.
: It may have been possible; but who would have dared!
: I am going to open a section about the Ark at Indy Gear for future reference & clarification.
I was under the impression that the poles were removed when the Ark was put in it's final resting place. They were not necessay at this point since the Hebrews were no longer nomadic, having found the promise land. Steve