One of the biggest biblical mysteries might just have been unveiled as archaeologists appear to have found the long lost site of the Tabernacle, which could potentially lead to the eventual discovery of the Ark of the Covenant.
Scientists, historians, and archaeologists have been able to use modern research techniques and even new technology to source the answers to highly desirable religious questions, to the extent where some have even been able to pinpoint the 'real life' Adam and Eve in the past.
Many people, locations, and objects still remain a mystery waiting to be discovered though, yet a new find might just have provided a resolution to one of the most significant lost aspects across Christian and Israelite history.
What have archaeologists found?
As reported by the Express, a team of archaeologists led by Dr Scott Stripling have performed a fascinating excavation on the ancient city of Shiloh in the Palestinian West Bank, uncovering a major structure that could relate to the Tabernacle, otherwise known as the Tent of the Congregation.
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Ancient scripture denotes that the Tabernacle was a sacred sanctuary or tent that was used to transport the iconic Ark of the Covenant, which in turn housed the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments that Moses was given on Mount Sinai.
It is estimated that the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle were built around 3,000 years ago by the Israelites, yet the location of both has remained a complete mystery to historians and archaeologists — until now, of course.
The team behind the find are confident in their discovery due to the structure's similarities to descriptions laid out in the Book of Exodus, as Dr Stripling outlines:
"We've uncovered a monumental building from the Iron I period that matches the biblical dimensions of the Tabernacle. The structure is oriented east-west and divided in a 2:1 ratio, just as described in the scripture."
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In addition, the team also found more than 100,000 animal bones in the excavation process — most of which come from the right side of the animal which which matches Leviticus law, indicating that this side was designated for sacred offerings.
"This isn't a coincidence," argued Dr Stripling. "The evidence of sacrificial rituals here is overwhelming, and it matches the biblical account to a degree that's hard to ignore."
Does this help archaeologists find the Ark of the Covenant?
Unfortunately the Ark of the Covenant – what some would consider the 'true' prize – wasn't found in the excavation of Shiloh, but in solving the mystery of the Tabernacle archaeologists could find themselves feeling more confident of a resolution in the future.
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Currently there are a number of different theories regarding it's whereabouts, with some believing that it is inside the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Aksum, Ethiopia, whereas others insist that it remains hidden somewhere in Jerusalem, or trapped by the Lemba people in South Africa, in the Dumghe Mountains.
Perhaps uncovering the Tabernacle could suggest that the Ark is closer than we might think though, as it wouldn't necessarily be too difficult to believe that the two would remain in close proximity, even thousands of years after they were lost.