Upon the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar, 2 Maccabees 2: 4-8 says that ancient records stated that Jeremiah had taken the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle and had hidden them in a cave on Mount Nebo.
While 1 Samuel 4-5 records the capture of the Ark by the Philistines, and its return, there is no mention of it being taken by the Babylonians, so the ancient record of the Ark being hidden must be correct.
Not exactly. There are several theories as to the location of the ark, citing various references. Besides, if the ark was intentionally hidden in a super-secret place, then why would ancient records plainly state its location?
More importantly, though, is the verse oft quoted in supposed reference to this throne:
Jeremiah 33:17 For thus saith the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel;
If the author's interpretation is correct, then how could he have explained verse 18?
Jeremiah 33:14 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.
Jeremiah 33:15 In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.
Jeremiah 33:16 In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.
Jeremiah 33:17 For thus saith the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel;
Jeremiah 33:18 Neither shall the priests the Levites want a man before me to offer burnt offerings, and to kindle meat offerings, and to do sacrifice continually.
Jeremiah 33:19 And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, saying,
Jeremiah 33:20 Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season;
Jeremiah 33:21 Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.
Jeremiah 33:22 As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.
Where are the continual burnt offerings?
Exactly.
Reading on, we can see that as day and night continue, so shall this covenant. Well, the Levitical sacrifices stopped so why should verse 17 mean that there must be a continual physically present reigning king? However, it does appear in the context that the Lord promised to preserve the lineage of David and that of the priests, regardless of their ability to perform these functions.
Ezekiel 37 decribes the day when the House of Judah and House of Israel are reunited, and "in that day",
Ezekiel 37:22 And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all:
Ezekiel 37:23 Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.
Ezekiel 37:24 And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.
Ezekiel 37:25 And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever.
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I find these topics of immense interest, but when their foundational text just can't support the main premise, than this theory has a huge problem right out of the starting gate.
That said, the House of Israel and the House of Judah can be ID'd in modern times, hiding in plain sight, but the implications tend to scare or annoy people. It's easier just to mock or shoot the messenger, and associate him with the anti-semitic "identity" groups.
Ironically, the King James translation makes it look like there is no desire to have a descendant of David on the throne, or that there is no desire for the offerings to continue. "Want" = "lack", but I suppose it may not be all that incorrect to look at it both ways. As in, people preferring to do what is right in their own minds.