Mary, The Ark of the New Covenant
Journey to the Judean Hills and discover how Mary, the Blessed Mother, embodies the "Ark of the New Covenant." Explore remarkable parallels between Mary's role and the Old Testament Ark, revealing a deeper understanding of her place in salvation history. This exploration unveils the enduring presence of God, weaving together geographical echoes, symbolic actions, and the beauty of Mary's role in the New Covenant.
4/6/20244 min read
The Judean Hill Country, a land etched with history and faith, becomes a fascinating stage for understanding Mary, the Blessed Mother, as the "Ark of the New Covenant." Here, amidst the rolling hills and rugged terrain, we discover echoes of the divine presence traversing centuries, connecting the Old and New Testaments through remarkable geographical and narrative parallels.
Echoes in the Judean Hills: Mary and the Ark's Journey
Two pivotal encounters, separated by centuries, unfold within the Judean Hills, highlighting the enduring nature of God's presence. In the Old Testament, the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest symbolizing God's presence with the Israelites, finds itself nestled within these very hills. The Ark's journey itself becomes a fascinating point of connection. Consider the physical proximity of Mary and the Ark's resting place: Ein Kerem, where Elizabeth lived, and Abu Ghosh, where the Ark resided for a time, are just a short walk apart. This geographical closeness adds weight to the concept of Mary as the New Ark, for both embarked on journeys that led them to the Judean Hill Country.
David's Awe and Elizabeth's Recognition: Echoes of Words and Actions
Fast forward to the New Testament. The Virgin Mary, pregnant with Jesus, travels to visit her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:39). This seemingly ordinary visit takes on profound significance when Elizabeth recognizes the divine presence within Mary. The Judean Hills once again become a backdrop for acknowledging the extraordinary – the presence of God dwelling within Mary, the New Ark of the New Covenant.
The parallels extend beyond geography. King David's awe upon receiving the Ark is mirrored in Elizabeth's response to Mary. David exclaims, "Who am I that the ark of the Lord should come to me?" (2 Samuel 6:9). Elizabeth echoes these words centuries later, saying, "Why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:43). This repetition suggests that Luke, the Gospel writer, is drawing our attention back to the Old Testament, revealing a powerful typology between Mary and the Ark.
Further Parallels: Leaping with Joy and Time Spent
The parallels extend even further. When David approached the Ark, he expressed his joy through shouts, dancing, and leaping – actions typically associated with a priest (2 Samuel 6:14). Similarly, when Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant, arrives, John the Baptist leaps within Elizabeth's womb (Luke 1:44). John, from the priestly line of Aaron, mirrors David's physical response in the presence of the Ark.
The time spent in the Judean Hills also reveals a connection. The Ark of the Old Covenant remained in the house of Obed-edom for three months (2 Samuel 6:11). Similarly, Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months (Luke 1:56). This shared timeframe suggests a blessing bestowed upon the place that housed the divine presence. Indeed, Elizabeth uses the word "blessed" three times in her short greeting to Mary, underlining the profound impact of Mary's presence.
Shouts of Joy and the Return to Jerusalem
The arrival of both the Ark and Mary is marked by joyous greetings. The word used for Elizabeth's cry is a rare Greek term associated with Old Testament liturgical ceremonies centered around the Ark (cf. Word Biblical Commentary, 67). This word choice would have resonated deeply with any knowledgeable Jew, further solidifying the connection between Mary and the Ark.
Finally, both the Ark and Mary find their ultimate destinations in Jerusalem. The Ark's arrival signifies the presence and glory of God revealed in the temple (2 Samuel 6:12; 1 Kings 8:9-11). Similarly, Mary returns home and eventually presents God incarnate in the temple (Luke 1:56; 2:21-22). This parallel journey highlights the culmination of God's plan, with Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant, leading the way to the revelation of Jesus in the holy city.
The Book of Revelation and the Woman Clothed with the Sun
The Book of Revelation adds another layer to this intriguing connection, though geographically removed from the Judean Hills. In Revelation 11:19, John describes a vision of heaven opening, revealing "the ark of his covenant" within God's temple. Interestingly, this is followed by a description of a "woman clothed with the sun" (Revelation 12:1). While interpretations vary, some scholars see this woman as a representation of Mary, especially when considering her association with the "New Ark" mentioned earlier. This connection to the Ark strengthens the understanding of Mary as the bearer of the divine presence, the one who carries within her the Christ child, the true fulfillment of the covenant.
Conclusion
The Judean Hills become a sacred stage where echoes of the Old Testament prefigure the arrival of the New Covenant in Mary. Through geographical closeness, mirrored actions, and symbolic language, Mary's role as the Ark of the New Covenant is illuminated. She is the vessel carrying the true presence of God, not physical tablets of law, but the living Word made flesh. This understanding deepens our appreciation for Mary's unique place in salvation history and the profound mystery of God's enduring love for humanity.
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