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Ezra Ben Zafrir
The Yerushalmi (Shekalim 6:1) brings two opinions on the matter. R. Yuda says that there were two arks. One contained a sefer Torah and was kept within the sanctuary of the Mishkan. The other one contained the broken, first tablets and went out with the army to battle. Rabbanan say that there was only one aron, and it was kept in the Mishkan. One time, it was taken out by the sons of Eili to battle, and it fell into captivity. The Bavli does not comment on this issue.
Ibn Ezra tries to bring a proof on this matter from a pasuk in our parasha. It says "... I placed the tablets in the ark that I made, and they were there, as Hashem commanded me" (Devarim 10:5). He understands that this is a reference to the same aron about which it was commanded elsewhere. Yet Ibn Ezra concludes that the tradition (apparently referring to the first opinion in the Yerushalmi) that there were two arks wins.
Actually the simple understanding of many p’sukim is that an aron did travel with the army. Let us examine the use of the aron in the one example where all agree that it was taken to war (see Shmuel I, 4). Bnei Yisrael were fighting the Plishtim, and the latter had the upper hand in the preliminary battle. Instead of taking the opportunity to improve their fortune by repenting, the elders decided to bring the aron with them. This was actually an idolatrous type approach. Instead of finding favor in Hashem’s eyes by following his commandments, they tried to "force Hashem" into battle on their behalf by bringing a tangible object that was supposed to represent His Presence. While the Plishtim were initially afraid to take on the G-d who had smitten the Egyptians, they called on each other to raise their spirits and were successful not only against the Israelites but were able to seize the aron.
It may very well be that the reason the discussion of the aron’s role is mentioned in our parasha is related to our parasha’s discussion of the dangers of an idolatrous approach. We see that this concept even applies to those who misuse the authentic symbols of our religion.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
