West Benjamin - Joshua Passing River Jordan with Ark of the Covenant Art Print

An archival premium Quality Art Print of Joshua Passing the River Jordan with the Ark of the Covenant by Benjamin West for sale by Brandywine General Store. This oil on wood was completed by artist in 1800 with the original size being 27 by 35 inches and now resides at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. According to the Book of Exodus in the Bible the Ark of the Covenant was a chest containing the Tablets of Stone on which the Ten Commandments were written. According to some other interpretations the Ark also contained Aaron's Rod, a Jar of Manna and the first Torah Scroll as written by Moses. The Ark was built by Moses under the command of God, it was to be 2 1/2 cubits in length, 1 1/2 in breadth and 1 1/2 in height, which is approximately 52 x 31 x 31 inches in today's measurements. The whole box was then to be plated in gold, and a crown or molding of gold to be put around it. Four rings of gold are to be attached to its four feet, two on each side and through these rings staves of shittim wood overlaid with gold for carrying the Ark are to be inserted and these are not to be removed. After the Ark's creation by Moses, it was carried by the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the desert. Whenever the Israelites camped, the Ark was placed in a special and sacred tent called the Tabernacle. When the Israelites, led by Joshua towards the Promised Land, arrived at the Banks of the River Jordan, the Ark was carried in the lead preceding the people and was the signal for their advance. During the crossing, the river grew dry as soon as the feet of the priests carrying the Ark touched its waters and remained so until the Priests with the Ark left the river after the people had passed over. This crossing of the River Jordan is what the scene in this painting represents. Religious art print #23