What In the World Happened to All that Gold?

North Miami Beach, Florida 3-11-2000 Aaron H. Schectman

THINKING ALLOWED
Essays on issues, ideas and reflections on the times. Published now and
then. Opinions pro or con are welcome.

WHERE IN THE WORLD DID THEY GET ALL THAT GOLD?

In our Torah study group this morning we read the section in Exodus dealing
with building the Ark and "Mishkan" or Tent of Meeting intended to house the
"Pact" or Covenant between God and the Hebrews along with the tablets of the
Commandments.

As might be expected, this was a weighty task demanded by God. It had to
be done exactly as outlined in a sort of blueprint detailing fine points
that are lost in meaning to us today. One of the most surprising
requirements was the amount of gold that was to be used in the construction.
Where in the world did those former slaves in Egypt get all that gold?

The easiest answer is from the Egyptians as the Hebrews were getting ready
to depart. However, you and I will ask how they could have transported all
that heavy metal and all the woven materials the Mishkan required through
the desert in their wanderings. One would think that water would be a prime
requirement and that is heavy enough on its own. Some might say, "God will
provide."

The "Mishkan" or God's dwelling place on earth within the Tent of Meeting
in the interior space in the Holy of Holies was meant to be a traveling
resting-place. One might also ask, how could all the weight in what they
wrought be made portable? It seems it was and this was the Ark that was
brought eventually and installed in the Temple built by Solomon in
Jerusalem, the City of David.

What happened to all that wealth in precious metals that is described in
Biblical stories and other ancient documents? Ancient looters and explorers
seeking what has been pictured in the modern "Raiders of the Lost Ark"
coveted it. From that time to this thieves who want to enrich themselves by
plunder have sought the house of God.

I must wonder that after the careful detail put into the building of the
Mishkan it seems to have been abandoned by God after it was built and the
Hebrews continued on their path to conquest of a Promised Land. Carol's
Evaluation: 9 out of 10. (What do you think happened?)