Remembering the lost ark: The ark narrative in its contexts

The ark endures not as physical artifact, but as cultural memory and verbal icon embedded in the textual icon of the Bible. This article examines the ark narrative (1 Sam. 4-6) in its various contexts, including its biblical and ancient Near Eastern ones, and posits icons as a profitable heuristic device. I present the ways that the ark and its story respond to ancient Near Eastern tropes and suggest that the reason for the ark's capture lies in the characters' failure to communicate with and obey the deity. My primary contribution lies in reading the narrative alongside its sequel, 1 Samuel 7, which recontextualizes the story by displaying divine power without the ark and retrojecting a Deuteronomistic rationale for the Israelite loss. I also consider its (post-)exilic reception and place it alongside Priestly and Deuteronomic presentations of the ark, which differ in detail but share a common goal, especially when read as part of a single sacred document.

Automated summary

This article explores the significance of the ark as cultural memory and symbol, examines the ark narrative in different contexts, and analyzes its response to ancient Near Eastern tropes. It also discusses the reasons for the ark's capture and recontextualizes the story through its sequel.