Rioters burned tires and spray painted Palestinian flags and Arabic inscriptions on the historical remains at Joshua’s Altar on Mount Ebal just over a week ago, reports The Jerusalem Post. This significant archaeological site is located in the West Bank and has garnered much excitement and controversy.
Why is this site important? In the providence of God, the image featured on SWRC’s “Unseen Israel” January 2024 calendar page is Joshua’s Altar on Mount Ebal. This is the description of this site from the calendar page: “These random-looking stones are actually an Israelite altar dating to the 13th century B.C. In the center of the structure, a smaller, round altar – likely erected by Joshua – was discovered, made of uncut fieldstones dating to the 15th century.”
It seems like a far-fetched claim to say that the altar was erected by Joshua during his conquest of this land. How could such a claim be substantiated? First, the animal bones discovered at this site match Israelite sacrificial animals and procedures. This helps to verify the altar was an Israelite altar.
Further, perhaps the most important discovery at Joshua’s Altar was made in recent years when a team of archaeologists applied a newer wet sifting technique to the dump pile of rocks and fragments removed during the excavation process. As the fragments were washed and sifted an astute observer noticed a small lead tablet.
By applying numerous technological methods, ancient writing was discovered and reconstructed. The writing inside this folded lead tablet is thought to be the earliest written Hebrew form of the name of God. This offers further proof that the Israelites were living in this territory during the 15th century B.C.
That is why this property is so hotly contested. There is no archaeological evidence to verify the Palestinian claims to the land. Archaeological evidence continues to emerge to support Israel’s claims, as my SWRC colleague and archaeologist Clayton Van Huss has pointed out.
In God’s providence, SWRC’s Watchman on the Wall program featured two interviews about Joshua’s Altar with Clayton Van Huss and Abigail Leavitt. These programs aired January 4-5, 2024, and are available on swrc.com, on the SWRC mobile app, and on your favorite podcast platform. I strongly encourage you to listen to those programs to gain more understanding of this important site.
Abigail was part of the team working at Mount Ebal when the lead tablet was discovered. She writes about it in her book, “The El-Burnat (A) Structure(s): Joshua’s Altar?” This book is available at SWRC for those who are interested in studying more about this structure and the significant discoveries made there.
The acts of vandalism at this site are not the only recent attempts to destroy it. Muslim Palestinians have made numerous attempts to destroy this site while Israeli authorities have sought to have it protected as an important historical and archaeological site. In the last two years, the site’s wall was irreparably damaged and the Palestinian Authority had plans to build a residential neighborhood on the altar site so that it could not be excavated, according to The Jerusalem Post.
While in Israel in September 2023, Pastor Larry Spargimino and I had the opportunity to film two interviews with Avi Lipkin. He spoke at length about the plans to destroy Joshua’s Altar and the need to protect it. That important conversation is available on DVD from SWRC and is called “Heritage Under Attack.”
The fact is God unconditionally promised the land to Israel. Archaeological proof continues to reveal that they lived there. The Palestinian Authority is attempting to erase history and destroy important sites in so doing. What saddens me more than the destruction of property is the destruction of people. How many have bought the lies and turned a blind eye to the truth – to God’s truth that will save their souls!
“Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4).
Join us as we continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).
Posts