JERUSALEM – Massive structures dating to the time period of King David’s battle with Goliath were discovered this summer at Tel es-Safi (biblical Gath). Before this season, decades of excavation at the massive philistine site had mostly uncovered the later biblical city – not the city made famous as being Goliath’s home town.

However, this year, to the surprise of excavation director Prof. Aren Maeir, excavators found stones and walls directly under the 9th century B.C.E. city. So far, this earlier city from the Iron I period looks to be bigger and more impressive than the later remains, dovetailing nicely with descriptions in the biblical text.

On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal, discusses reporting of the breakthrough, as well as how this adds more support to the biblical narrative from King David’s time.

Times of Israel - Large 3,500-year-old staircase hints at conquered Canaanite kingdom’s grandeur

Haaretz - Goliath’s True Hometown Found? Lost 3,000-year-old Philistine City Emerges Beneath Gath

Times of Israel - Colossal ancient structures found at Gath may explain origin of story of Goliath

2500 years ago, the cupbearer to the most powerful king in the world requested a twelve-year-leave to defend his struggling native people from would-be attackers. Despite countless attempts at his life, the cupbearer succeeded in building a defensive wall around the city ensuring the survival of the Jewish presence in Jerusalem.

The Bible’s telling of the history of Nehemiah is so compelling and descriptive that many have doubted its accuracy. Yet numerous individuals, including his foremost adversaries, are proven historical figures. On today’s program, we talk with Christopher Eames about what the Elephantine Papyri tell us about the time of Nehemiah.

Elephantine Papyrus: Proving the book of Nehemiah

Nehemiah: A Man and a Momentous Wall

“Generic” Biblical Names: What Archaeology Says

JERUSALEM - We have found biblical Ziklag,” declared a press release from the Khirbet a-Ra’i excavation team this week. A massive archaeological effort has taken place at the site over the past three years, excavating through a square kilometer of the tel and providing evidence for what could be considered King David’s “first” city.

On today’s program host Brent Nagtegaal looks at the claim that Khirbet a-Ra’i is biblical Ziklag and the larger point that another Davidic-era city has been discovered.

‘We Have Found Biblical Ziklag’

DNA Study Confirms Biblical Account of Philistine Origins

Archaeologists propose new site as biblical Ziklag. Is it so? – Luke Chandler

JERUSALEM – A recent DNA study of the ancient Philistines revealed that one of ancient Israel’s most formidable foes traveled to the land from southern Europe, confirming what many historians and archaeologists have long believed.

The media quickly picked up on the study with articles being published in Live Science, the New York Times, the Washington Post and most other papers of note.

Stunningly, one fact was left out of most of the reports. The DNA study actually confirms what the Bible records about Philistine origins. On the first half of today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal discusses the study and what it means for confirming the Biblical text.

On the second half, Nagtegaal discusses the recent discovery of the first –biblical-era facility for manufacturing purple dye, and its possible use in adorning of King Solomon’s Temple.

Uncovering the Bible’s Buried Civilizations: The Philistines

Know thine enemy: DNA study solves ancient riddle of origins of the Philistines

DNA Study

3,000-Year-Old Purple Dye Industry Revealed Near Haifa

Following the recapture of Jerusalem after the Six-Day War, there was an immediate interest in conducting excavations in the Holy City. Prof. Benjamin Mazar led a massive team in undertaking a decade-long project that became known as the “Big Dig” around the southern wall of the Temple Mount (1968–1976). The dig was supported in 50-50 partnership by the leader of our parent organization, Herbert W. Armstrong, chancellor of Ambassador College. Hundreds of Ambassador students participated in the effort. These major excavations laid the foundation for our continuing digs in Jerusalem and relationship with the Mazar family. Today, Armstrong College students continue to participate in excavations led by Professor Mazar’s granddaughter, Dr. Eilat Mazar.

On today’s program, host Christopher Eames interviews one of the early Ambassador students who served under Prof. Benjamin Mazar to find out what life was like on the “Big Dig.” Some of the details, anecdotes and coincidences might surprise you!

https://watchjerusalem.co.il/42-an-iron-bridge-partnership
https://watchjerusalem.co.il/41-living-working-and-thriving-in-jerusalem
https://watchjerusalem.co.il/369-celebrating-50-years-of-partnership-in-jerusalem
https://watchjerusalem.co.il/literature/1630-a-warm-friend-of-israel

JERUSALEM – On June 13, Iran attacked two tankers just outside the Strait of Hormuz, the most critical oil choke point in the world. This follows attacks on four different tankers a month earlier. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal discusses Iran’s strategy in stepping up these attacks.

On the second half of the program, Nagtegaal analyzes the surge in anti-Semitic attacks in the Western world, and the weak-willed response to them. He attended a recent Jerusalem symposium were world leaders in the study of mainstream anti-Semitism discussed this worrying trend.

Analysis: The Hezekiah Bulla -

Tankers on Fire in Gulf of Oman

Anti-Semitism: Why You Should Be Alarmed

A joint press conference between United States Security of State Mike Pompeo and German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass on Friday confirmed that Germany is looking to increase its involvement in Syria, potential safeguarding safe zones in northeastern Syria. “Germany, thus, becomes the first European country to publicly express its willingness to participate in maintaining the security zone…” Kurdistan 24 wrote concerning Germany’s decision.

On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal discusses how Germany’s entrance into the Syrian arena is prophesied. In the second half of the show, Christopher Eames details some stunning miracles that allowed Israel to take back Jerusalem in the Six-Day-War.

How the Syrian Crisis Will End

Germany backs US plans for safe zone in Syria

Miracles in Six Days

Host Christopher Eames examines Earth’s early history, comparing the scientific evidence and the biblical account of creation—with some surprising parallels.

Scientists have discovered much regarding the earliest history of the Earth, dinosaurs, “ice age” creatures, and early man. This early “prehistory” is seen as completely contradictory to the biblical account. As such, Bible believers promote many different forms of creationism, such as theistic evolution, to explain away supposed contradictions. But is the biblical account of creation really the opposite of what has been discovered by the various fields of science? Or is it really a much mistaken interpretation of the biblical account—together with some scientific misconceptions?

On today’s program, host Christopher Eames examines Earth’s early history, comparing the scientific evidence with the biblical account of creation. There are some surprising parallels.

Dinosaurs, the Bible, and a 6,000-year-old Earth?

The Carbon Dating Game

Clothing: A ‘Cultural Universal’ in Archaeology and the Bible

The Case for Adam and Eve

All humans may be descended from just TWO people and a catastrophic event almost wiped out ALL species 100,000 years ago, study suggests

JERUSALEM – Two weeks ago, scholars from Tel Aviv University and the College de France published a paper dismissing the notion that the name of king David could be found on the Mesha Stele, an almost 3,000-year-old stone inscription. Instead, they proposed it mentions the Moabite king Balak.

On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal briefly discusses the outrageous new claim, as well as further evidence for the traditional reading of the inscription.

Mesha portion begins at 18:50.

Is the United States the Aggressor in the Middle East?

The King of the South

High-tech study of ancient stone suggests new proof of King David’s dynasty

ASHKELON – In the past 24 hours, Iranian-backed terrorist groups operating in the Gaza Strip fired over 600 rockets at Israel, killing four civilians. On Sunday, amidst the attack, Watch Jerusalem host Brent Nagtegaal visited the Gaza Strip border region on a media tour and had to seek refuge from more rockets. Ironically, that safety was found with family members of a man that died from an attack overnight.

Here is the account of that visit.

Jerusalem in Prophecy