BLOG 548
January 8, 2022
WISE ON THE MIDDLE EAST
Having traveled and worked in the Middle East since l968, Robert L. Wise has journeyed through the region, giving him insights from behind the scenes. Two of his sons taught in Jordan and Lebanon. Each week he attempts to present an objective view of current events.
A NEW YEAR WITH NEW FINDS
Most of what we discuss about the Middle East proves to be disconcerting or troubling. However, since we have just plunged into a new year let’s stand back, take a deep breath, and look on the lighter side. How about archeology? Something old for the new day? We haven’t considered this field in awhile.
No country in the world has as much going on archeologically as does Israel. Everywhere I looked in the past I found someone with a shovel in hand. For example ….
The area around the Temple Mount always sheds light on where both the Temple and the Kingdom of Judah’s treasuries once stood. Dr. Zachi Dvira and Dr. Gabriel Barkay, analyzed dozens of clay seals that were found over the decades by sifting soil from the holy area where archaeological digs are not allowed as well as from excavations at Ophel Park, adjacent to the southern wall of the Old City. Clay seals were used in antiquity to sign documents or containers, ensuring they would reach their recipients closed and untouched. The seals often bear symbols or inscriptions of kings, prophets, and businessmen and important people mentioned in the Bible. They continue to find important clues that verify the history found in the Old Testament.
Now here’s a different twist. Could the ancient Ark of the Covenant be resting in Ethiopia? Really? But Ethiopia? My oldest son once taught at the University of Addis Abba, in Ethiopia and went to the place where the Ark might be found. The legend says that 3,000 years ago the Queen of Sheba (now in Ethiopia) met with King Solomon. During this exchange, a man named Menelik brought the Ark to Ethiopia for safe keeping while an exact replica was left in hiding for protection. Another perspective maintains that a Jewish group during the time of King Manasseh took the Ark to Egypt and then sailed up the Nile to Ethiopia.
Either way, today that Ark is in the Church of Our Lady of Zion in the town of Aksium where a man called “The Guardian of the Ark of the Covenant” is the only one who can view it. The guardian lives in a fenced-off area for his entire life protecting the treasure. When he dies, a new guardian will replace him for the rest of that man’s life.
Who believes this story? Well, Haile Selassie, the former emperor of Ethiopia did and claimed to be a direct descendant of Menelik. Haile Selassie claimed to be the 225th descendant of King David as well.
Great shades of Indiana Jones! Except this isn’t out of the movies. It has been believed by a multitude for 3,000 years. Give it some thought. A fascinating way to kick off 2022!
I have a new books coming out.
MAN ON FIRE can be ordered on Amazon or at your local book store.
I hope you’ll avail yourself of this inspiring story!
Also these fine books are available now:
I Marched with Patton: A Firsthand Account of World War II
Alongside One of the U.S. Army’s Greatest Generals!
by Frank Sisson (Author), Robert L. Wise (Author)
You can find I MARCHED WITH PATTON on Amazon.
82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable
Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle!
You can find 82 DAYS ON OKINAWA on Amazon.
by Art Shaw (Author), Robert L. Wise (Author)
Dr. Robert L. Wise 