s," but does not specify who hid it.
To summarize, there is no biblical nor extrabiblical account, contemporary to the event, that explains when the ark disappeared or where it went. The only ancient source that speaks to this question is 2 Maccabees, which was composed 500 years after the events it supposedly recorded.
Ellen White and the Ark of the Covenant
Many Seventh-day Adventists are especially interested in finding the ark because they see in its recovery the fulfilling of one of Ellen White's prophecies. I have read Ellen White's statements about the finding of the Ark of the Covenant many times and it seems to me those who think they are fulfilling God's plan are really trying to disprove a prediction of Ellen White! Consider her words:
That sacred ark is yet hidden. It has never been disturbed since it was secreted. Prophets and Kings, p. 453
The precious record of the law was placed in the ark of the testament and is still there, safely hidden from the human family. But in God's appointed time He will bring forth these tables of stone to be a testimony to all the world. . . .The tables of stone are hidden by God, to be produced in the great judgment-day, just as He wrote them I BC 1109 (emphasis supplied)
When God's temple in heaven is opened, what a triumphant time that will be for all who have been faithful and true! In the temple will be seen the ark of the testament. . . .These tables of stone will be brought forth from their hiding place, and on them will be seen the Ten Commandments engraved by the finger of God. These tables of stone now lying in the ark of the testament will be a convincing testimony to the truth and binding claims of God's law. 7 BC 972 (emphasis supplied)
What I understand from these statements is:
1. The Ark of the Covenant was hidden
2. The ark has remained hidden
3. The ark will be brought forth by God on the great judgment-day
On the other hand, from these and numerous other Ellen White statements it is obvious that Mrs. White's emphasis, contrary to the ark searchers, is on the Ten Commandments, not on the ark of the covenant. It is equally clear that the purpose of displaying the commandments is not to bring universal salvation, for this display occurs at the final judgment as testimony against the wicked by God's eternal law.
More than one sincere church member has contacted the Institute of Archaeology claiming they have good news from God. They see themselves as helping to bring about the end of all things because they know where the ark of the covenant is. Sincere as they may be, those who are now avidly searching for the ark must either believe they are "God" or they must believe that this is the great-judgment day or they must believe that Ellen White is wrong in her prediction. Her words are clear that God himself will bring-forth the ark of the covenant and He will do it on the great judgment-day.
Claims that the Ark of the Covenant has been found
According to the claims of seven different people, the Ark of the Covenant can be found in seven different locations. Where is the ark?
1. The ark is located in a cave near Gordon's calvary, the hill where since the late 19th century a few people believe Christ was crucified. This site was found when God took physical control of the finder's mouth and arm, making him aware that he had found the ark. The spot where this person thinks Christ was crucified was probably a stone quarry during Jesus' time and the tomb itself is known not to have been a "new" tomb in Jesus' day, contrary to the Bible (Mtt 27:59-60). Also, if the finders claims are true (that he has seen it), then the words of Ellen White are not true. She says that when the ark is seen it will be seen by the whole world on the day of judgment.
2. The ark was also discovered in Iraq. Almost a year ago I received a letter from a friend which included a Chinese newspaper and a translation of an article from that paper. According to this newspaper account the Ten Commandments were discovered near Kuwait 100 meters below ground. The article said Iraqi troops were hiding 