by
William
K. Bissey
In the Royal Arch degree, the
candidates undertake a symbolic journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. After they prove themselves to be Most
Excellent Masters, the candidates are handed the working tools of the
degree. They are then informed that the
rubbish of the old temple must be cleared to prepare for the building of the
new temple. The candidates are also
instructed to bring up for inspection anything that might be of importance in
building the new temple. Thus, the scene
is established for the discovery of the imitation of the Ark of the Covenant
with its precious treasures.
Upon opening the Ark, it is
discovered that that it contains among the three treasures an imitation of
Aaron’s rod. In the ritual, Joshua
describes the unique characteristics of this precious relic. Shortly thereafter the candidates are read an
incomplete verse from the Volume of Sacred Law (Numbers 17:10).
After the reading of the passage
from the book of Numbers, the candidates may wonder why was Aaron’s rod in the
Ark of the Covenant. For that matter, if
the candidates have listened closely, they may even wonder if Aaron’s rod was
placed in the Ark of the Covenant.
However, the candidates, especially if they have forgotten their Sunday
school lessons, may have several more questions. Questions such as, who was Aaron and what was
his importance to the children of Israel?
What happened to the Ark of the Covenant and its precious relics?
