Research Articles: All posts tagged 'joshua'

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Zebulun by the Sea? Zebulun's Mysterious Borders 7/18/2018 - by Col. (Ret.) David G. Hansen PhD

After the Tabernacle was moved from the vicinity of Gilgal in the Jordan Valley to Shiloh in the Hill Country (Jos 18:1), seven tribes remained “who had not yet received their inheritance” (Jos 18:2)...

Digging for Truth-Episode 13: Finding the Lost City of Ai (Part Two) 7/9/2018 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

For decades, scholars have claimed that the archaeological record shows that the account found in Joshua 7-8 is not historical. Join co-host Henry Smith and Dr. Bryant Wood, Director of Excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir (1995-2013). See how the archaeological evidence matches the Biblical account (Part Two).

Digging for Truth-Episode 12: Finding the Lost City of Ai (Part One) 7/2/2018 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

For decades, scholars have claimed that the archaeological record shows that the account found in Joshua 7-8 is not historical. Join co-host Henry Smith and Dr. Bryant Wood, Director of Excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir (1995-2013). See how the archaeological evidence matches the Biblical account (Part One).

Digging for Truth-Episode 11: The Walls of Jericho (Part Two) 6/21/2018 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

Did the Walls of Jericho come tumbling down at the time indicated in the book of Joshua? Join co-host Scott Lanser as he explores this question with expert archaeologist Dr. Bryant Wood in part two of this two part interview.

Digging for Truth-Episode 10: The Walls of Jericho (Part One) 6/15/2018 - by Scott Lanser MA

Did the Walls of Jericho come tumbling down at the time indicated in the book of Joshua? Join co-host Scott Lanser as he explores this question with expert archaeologist Dr. Bryant Wood in part one of this two part interview.

The Grand Finale at Khirbet el-Maqatir 1/8/2017 - by Scott Stripling DMin

Happy New Year from Jerusalem! Upon our arrival in Israel, we organized our office and met with our volunteers for orientation...

Confessions of an Armchair Archaeologist 5/5/2016 - by Vanessa Morton

In memory of Vanessa Morton, ABR supporter, author and archaeology enthusiast, who went home to be with Christ on May 3, 2016.

Archaeology 101: With Dr. Scott Stripling 2/19/2016 - by Scott Stripling DMin

Logos Bible Software has added Archaeology 101 video material to its product offerings. The video features Dr. Scott Stripling, ABR Director of Excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir, Israel.

"New Evidence from Underground" radio interview 2/2/2016 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

Are the stories of the Bible history, or mythology? The science of archaeology can help to provide the answer. On January 30, 2016, Kevin Conover of the Educate for Life radio program interviewed Dr. Scott Stripling and Dr. Bryant Wood of ABR.

Secrets of the Bible: The Fall of Jericho with Dr. Bryant Wood 3/19/2015 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

The battle of Jericho is one of the bloodiest episodes of the Old Testament. It’s a fantastic tale of victory through faith—but is there any truth behind the story? Archaeologist Dr. Bryant Wood believes the physical evidence indicates the biblical account is true.

2014 Excavations at Kh. el-Maqatir: A Proposed New Location for Ai and Ephraim 3/9/2015 - by Scott Stripling DMin

ABR's ongoing excavation at Khirbet el-Maqatir in 2014 brought to light some exciting new finds.

Is It Time to Throw Away Your Bible? The Walls of Jericho Part Three 9/18/2014 - by ABR Staff

For many years, Jericho has been a "problem" in Biblical archaeology since scholars claimed that there was no city there at the time of Joshua and therefore the Bible must be in error. Here in Part Three, biblical archaeologist Dr. Bryant Wood and members of the ABR staff finish their discussion of the archaeological findings at Jericho that relate to the conquest of the Canaanite city by the Israelites.

Is It Time to Throw Away Your Bible? The Walls of Jericho Part Two 9/6/2014 - by ABR Staff

For many years, Jericho has been a "problem" in Biblical archaeology since scholars claimed that there was no city there at the time of Joshua and therefore the Bible must be in error. Here in Part Two, biblical archaeologist Dr. Bryant Wood and members of the ABR staff discuss the archaeological findings at Jericho that relate to the conquest of the Canaanite city by the Israelites.

Is It Time to Throw Away Your Bible? The Walls of Jericho Part One 8/15/2014 - by ABR Staff

For many years, Jericho has been a "problem" in Biblical archaeology since scholars claimed that there was no city there at the time of Joshua and therefore the Bible must be in error. Biblical archaeologist Dr. Bryant Wood and members of the ABR staff discuss the archaeological findings at Jericho that relate to the conquest of the Canaanite city by the Israelites.

Ai and Old Testament Chronology: Who Cares? 4/9/2014 - by Eugene H Merrill PhD

On February 8, 2014, a symposium was held at Houston Baptist University in conjunction with the new archaeological exhibit, " Khirbet el-Maqatir: History of a Biblical Site." In this video, Dr. Eugene Merrill presents, "Ai and Old Testament Chronology: Who Cares?"

Ritual Purity at Khirbet el-Maqatir's First Century Village and The First Jewish Revolt against Rome 4/3/2014 - by Scott Stripling DMin

On February 8, 2014, a symposium was held at Houston Baptist University in conjunction with the new archaeological exhibit, " Khirbet el-Maqatir: History of a Biblical Site." Dr. Scott Stripling presents: "Ritual Purity at Khirbet el-Maqatir's First Century Village and First Jewish Revolt against Rome"

Khirbet el-Maqatir: A Fortress in the Highlands of Canaan and Proposed New Site for Joshua's Ai 3/3/2014 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

On February 8, 2014, a symposium was held at Houston Baptist University in conjunction with the new archaeological exhibit, " Khirbet el-Maqatir: History of a Biblical Site." Dr. Bryant Wood presented the evidence from eleven seasons of excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir. No other site meets all the criteria necessary to be the Ai of Joshua 7-8.

Interview on WFIL with Henry Smith 1/27/2014 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

Mark Daniels of WFIL in Philadelphia interviews ABR Director of Development, Henry Smith.

Joshua's Ai Exhibit At Houston Baptist University Interview with Scott Stripling 1/27/2014 - by Scott Stripling DMin

The exhibit, “Khirbet el-Maqatir: History of a Biblical Site,” will feature a Symposium and Conference that will take place on Saturday February 8, 2014.

2013 Winter Dig at Khirbet el-Maqatir 1/16/2014 - by Scott Stripling DMin

To understand the Winter 2013 excavation at Khirbet el-Maqatir, we have to go back to the last day of the summer 2013 dig.

Is It Time to Throw Away Your Bible? A Roundtable Discussion: "Joshua and the Battle of Ai" 11/22/2013 - by ABR Staff

We presently live in a culture of great skepticism and confusion. Many scholars, scientists, historians and forces within culture believe the Bible is an outdated, irrelevant book, filled with fables, stories, and mythological constructs that are not based on reality. Members of the ABR staff gathered together in a roundtable discussion to talk about some of the criticisms presently being leveled against the Bible. In this 11 part series (on a 2 DVD set), find out why you can trust the Bible.

Victory at Ai: Archaeology and Joshua 7-8 on DVD 7/3/2013 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

"Ai is simply an embarrassment to every view of the conquest that takes the biblical and archaeological evidence seriously." This is what Bible critics have been saying for decades about the Israelite battle at Ai in Joshua 7-8...

Follow up Report on the 2013 Season at Khirbet el-Maqatir 7/1/2013 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

Thank you for praying for our 11th season of excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir May 20–31. God gave us safety, with only one noteworthy accident (a broken rib), wonderful volunteers and many significant discoveries. I reported a year ago that our 2012 season was the best yet, apart from the finding of the gate in our first season. But the 2013 season eclipsed the 2012 season in terms of the importance of the finds.

In Search of Joshua’s Ai: 11th Season of Excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir Now Complete 6/6/2013 - by Gary Byers MA

The 11th season of excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir is now in the books. The first week was pretty amazing so that would make the second week almost spectacular!

The Search for Ai: Audio Presentation 8/17/2012 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

In March of 2012, Dr. Bryant Wood visited the campus of Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary. During that time, he presented ABR's research to the DBTS faculty. This audio presentation concerns ABR's work at Khirbet el-Maqatir and the City of Ai from Joshua 7 and 8.

Outstanding Finds Made at Khirbet el-Maqatir: May 28–June 8, 2012 7/17/2012 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

The tenth excavation season of the ABR-sponsored dig at Khirbet el-Maqatir was conducted from May 28 to June 8, 2012, under the direction of the author.[1] The following report provides readers with the most up to date information from our excavations in Israel as we continue to uncover evidence related to the events of Joshua chapters 7-8.

Khirbet el-Maqatir: Week Two 2012 6/14/2012 - by Gary Byers MA

At our final debriefing on Friday evening June 8th, Dig Director Dr. Bryant Wood, noted that this was probably the most productive season in our 10-year excavation at Khirbet el-Maqatir (KeM) in relation to illuminating all 4 occupation periods at our site – Late Bronze 1 (time of Joshua), Iron Age 1 (period of the Judges), Early Roman (New Testament time) and the Byzantine period (5th century AD).

Khirbet el-Maqatir: Week One 2012 6/4/2012 - by Gary Byers MA

With our dig team of almost 40 people, this may have been our most productive and interesting week in 10 years of our excavation. With 15 squares open we have found stuff from the time of Joshua (15th century BC) to the Byzantines (5th century AD).

Excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir: 1995 to 2000 and 2009 to 2011 4/4/2012 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

"A Border Fortress in the Highlands of Canaan and a Proposed New Location for the Ai of Joshua 7–8."

Dating Jericho's Destruction: Bienkowski is Wrong on All Counts 3/28/2012 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

In 1990, Dr. Bryant Wood published his well known article in Biblical Archaeology Review (BAR) on the destruction of Jericho and its correlation with the Biblical account. In the Sep./Oct. 1990 issue of BAR, Piotr Bienkowski wrote an article disputing Dr. Wood's conclusions. The following article engages with Bienkowski's criticisms, providing the reader with an in-depth analysis of some of the work done at Jericho, and demonstrating Dr. Wood's expertise and thorough familiarity with the evidence. This article provides some additional data not published in Dr. Wood's first BAR article, thus adding to the mountain of evidence demonstrating that Jericho was destroyed around 1400 B.C., the same time the Bible records that the events of Joshua 3-6 took place.

ABR Associate Scott Stripling Appears on the Michael Fernandez Show 3/19/2012 - by Scott Stripling DMin

Dr. Scott Stripling is interviewed by Michael Fernandez in this video.

Digging Up Joshua's Ai: The 2009–2010 Seasons at Khirbet el-Maqatir 3/9/2012 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

After a hiatus of nine years due to political unrest in Israel, the Associates for Biblical Research resumed excavations at Kh. el-Maqatir for a seventh season May 22–June 5, 2009, and an eighth season May 24–June 4, 2010, under the direction of the author. In 2009, 23 volunteers from the US and Canada, plus a number of local residents participated. In 2010, 38 volunteers from the US, Australia and Israel made up the dig team. The site is located in the West Bank 9 mi (15 km) north of Jerusalem. Finds continue to support the identification of the site as the Ai of Joshua 7–8.

Join ABR on the Dig in Israel 1/30/2012 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

The location of Joshua's Ai has been a matter of mystery and controversy since the beginnings of archaeological research in Israel. Scholars have concluded that the location of Joshua’s Ai is at et-Tell. They have also used this conclusion to discredit the Biblical account of Joshua 7-8 because there is no evidence of occupation at et-Tell during the time of Joshua. We believe they are incorrect, not the Bible.

The Search for Joshua's Ai: Digging in Israel with ABR 10/18/2011 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

"Ai is simply an embarrassment to every view of the conquest that takes the biblical and archaeological evidence seriously." Or at least, that is what many of the critics say...

Fall of Jericho: DVD 8/18/2011 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

The fall of Jericho is a well-known story, fascinating children and adults alike. But what really happened there thousands of years ago? Did God work a miracle to bring down the walls of Jericho as the Bible says? The answers, previously buried under rubble and dirt for three and a half millennia, have been uncovered in the past century of excavations at the site. The Fall of Jericho explores what really happened as Joshua and the Israelites experienced one of the Bible’s greatest military victories.

The Search for Joshua’s Ai at Khirbet el-Maqatir 2011 7/18/2011 - by Gary Byers MA

The 9th season of the Associates for Biblical Research’s (ABR) excavation at Khirbet el-Maqatir was held in May and June, 2011. All 9 seasons have been sponsored by ABR and under the direction of Dr. Bryant Wood. Located 9 miles north of Jerusalem in Israel’s West Bank, we call this dig “The Search for Joshua’s Ai at Khirbet el-Maqatir”.

The Search for Joshua’s Ai at Khirbet el-Maqatir, 2011: Days Seven to Ten 6/6/2011 - by Gary Byers MA

On Friday June 3, we finished the 9th season of ABR’s Excavation at Khirbet el-Maqatir. Before the day was over, we had been treated to a second breakfast by the Palestinian family who has stored our tools for the last 3 dig seasons, we hosted a visit by the Master’s College IBEX study tour group, we filmed 3 YouTube videos and wrapped up our excavation.

The Search for Joshua’s Ai at Khirbet el-Maqatir, 2011: Day Six 5/30/2011 - by Gary Byers MA

We have now started our second week at Khirbet el-Maqatir. Much to Dr. Bryant Wood’s chagrin, we have not made much progress on the Late Bronze 1 fortress (the Ai of Joshua).

The Search for Joshua’s Ai at Khirbet el-Maqatir, 2011: Days Three to Five 5/28/2011 - by Gary Byers MA

I got lost in a flurry of activity this week and have missed a couple days of reporting. Today is Saturday and a bunch of us went to the Shabbat service with Jewish believers in Jesus here at Yad HaShmonah. Earlier this morning we actually experienced the latter (spring) rains frequently mentioned in the Scriptures. This one, a short but hard downpour about 9 AM, was a really later latter (spring) rain for this country. But, in all honestly, it brought no significant relief from the heat – 96 degrees yesterday!

The Search for Joshua’s Ai at Khirbet el-Maqatir, 2011: Day Two 5/24/2011 - by Gary Byers MA

For the first day of the dig, we were pretty pleased at how well we got things going. Today, we got into our squares in earnest. While pottery, tools, weapons and jewelry are interesting, my favorite find in archaeology is architecture. Walls and floors make me a happy archaeologist, and today I was really feeling it!

The Search for Joshua’s Ai at Khirbet el-Maqatir: Season 9-Day One 5/23/2011 - by Gary Byers MA

At 4:30 this morning, I believe we had the best early breakfast ready and waiting for us in the 9 years I have been digging at Khirbet el-Maqatir and staying at Yad Hashmona!

The Search for Joshua’s Ai at Khirbet el-Maqatir: Season 9-Set Up Day 5/22/2011 - by Gary Byers MA

Tomorrow we begin the first day of excavation at Khirbet el-Maqatir, 10 miles north of Jerusalem in Israel’s West Bank. Directed by Dr. Bryant Wood, this is the dig’s 9th season, all sponsored by the Associates for Biblical Research.

Finding the Lost City of Ai: Joshua 7-8 with Dr. Bryant Wood (Part Eight) 2/22/2011 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

Dr. Bryant Wood answers questions after his presentation on Joshua's Ai and ABR's excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir, Israel.

Finding the Lost City of Ai: Joshua 7-8 with Dr. Bryant Wood (Part Seven) 2/13/2011 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

Dr. Bryant Wood walks the audience through the archaeological evidence pertaining to the Conquest of the Biblical city of Ai, discussing the scholarly debate, the evidence he has encovered, and the case for Khirbet el-Maqatir as the Ai of Joshua.

Finding the Lost City of Ai: Joshua 7-8 with Dr. Bryant Wood (Part Six) 2/7/2011 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

Dr. Bryant Wood walks the audience through the archaeological evidence pertaining to the Conquest of the Biblical city of Ai, discussing the scholarly debate, the evidence he has encovered, and the case for Khirbet el-Maqatir as the Ai of Joshua.

Finding the Lost City of Ai: Joshua 7-8 with Dr. Bryant Wood (Part Five) 2/1/2011 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

Dr. Bryant Wood walks the audience through the archaeological evidence pertaining to the Conquest of the Biblical city of Ai, discussing the scholarly debate, the evidence he has encovered, and the case for Khirbet el-Maqatir as the Ai of Joshua.

Finding the Lost City of Ai: Joshua 7-8 with Dr. Bryant Wood (Part Four) 1/21/2011 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

Dr. Bryant Wood walks the audience through the archaeological evidence pertaining to the Conquest of the Biblical city of Ai, discussing the scholarly debate, the evidence he has encovered, and the case for Khirbet el-Maqatir as the Ai of Joshua.

The Dating of Hazor's Destruction in Joshua 11 Via Biblical, Archaeological, and Epigraphical Evidence 1/6/2011 - by Doug Petrovich ThM MA

Undoubtedly, one of the hottest topics in the field of OT biblical studies in recent years is the dating of the Exodus.[1] Essentially, there are two prevailing positions: the early Exodus view, which contends that the Israelite Exodus transpired during the middle of the 15th century BC, and the late Exodus view, which purports that the Israelites actually left Egypt nearly 200 years later, during the 13th century BC. On the side of the latter view, biblical archaeologists such as James Hoffmeier contend that a 13th century BC Exodus better fits the material evidence, in large part due to alleged connections between sites mentioned in the biblical text—such as the store-city of Raamses (Exod 1:11), which he asserts “is likely to be equated with the Delta capital built by and named for Ramesses II, that is, Pi-Ramesses”[2]—and excavated or identifiable sites in Egypt.

Finding the Lost City of Ai: Joshua 7-8 with Dr. Bryant Wood (Part Three) 12/8/2010 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

Dr. Bryant Wood walks the audience through the archaeological evidence pertaining to the Conquest of the Biblical city of Ai, discussing the scholarly debate, the evidence he has encovered, and the case for Khirbet el-Maqatir as the Ai of Joshua.

Finding the Lost City of Ai: Joshua 7-8 with Dr. Bryant Wood (Part Two) 11/29/2010 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

Dr. Bryant Wood walks the audience through the archaeological evidence pertaining to the Conquest of the Biblical city of Ai, discussing the scholarly debate, the evidence he has encovered, and the case for Khirbet el-Maqatir as the Ai of Joshua.

Finding the Lost City of Ai: Joshua 7-8 with Dr. Bryant Wood (Part One) 11/1/2010 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

Dr. Bryant Wood walks the audience through the archaeological evidence pertaining to the Conquest of the Biblical city of Ai, discussing the scholarly debate, the evidence he has encovered, and the case for Khirbet el-Maqatir as the Ai of Joshua.

Search for and Discovery of Joshua's Ai 6/24/2010 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

Please watch this four minute video created by ABR Volunteer Roy Crase from the 2010 Season at Khirbet el-Maqatir...

ABR Excavation Timelapse 6/9/2010 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

Here are moving pictures from the 2010 season of The Search for Joshua's Ai at Khirbet el-Maqatir. This video and accompanying music were produced by Nathan Lundquist. Many thanks to Nathan and his wife Whitney for this excellent video and for helping ABR on the Dig.

Researching Ai 5/14/2010 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

After the Israelites defeated Jericho in the southern Jordan Valley, they then attacked the fortress of Ai in the highlands (Jos 7–8). Both of these sites have produced archaeological findings that have seemed to be in conflict with the Bible. Scholars have been quick to point out that these discrepancies lead to the conclusion that there was no Conquest as described in the book of Joshua. But is the problem with the Bible or with the interpretations of the archaeologists?

Reflections on the 2009 Season at Hazor 8/27/2009 - by Gordon Franz MA

This year the Hazor archaeological excavation was conducted from June 21-July 31, 2009 under the able leadership of the co-directors: Professor Amnon Ben-Tor and Dr. Sharon Zuckerman. Most of our efforts for this season were concentrated in Area M on the northern slopes of the Upper City overlooking the Lower City. In charge of this area were the co-area supervisors: Sharon Zuckerman and Shlomit Becher...

The ABR Excavation at Khirbet el-Maqatir: Review of Past Work and Report on the 2009 Season 7/17/2009 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

After a hiatus of nine years, ABR has resumed work at Kh. el-Maqatir, a promising candidate for Joshua’s Ai (Joshua 7–8). The site is located approximately 9 mi north of Jerusalem and 0.6 mi west of et-Tell, the site most scholars identify as Joshua’s Ai. There is a major problem identifying et-Tell as Joshua’s Ai, however, as the site was unoccupied at the time of the Israelite Conquest of Canaan...

Update from Khirbet el-Maqatir Week Two 6/7/2009 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

Dr. Bryant Wood describes some of the work from the second week of the 2009 season at Khirbet el-Maqatir...

Update from Khirbet el-Maqatir Week One 5/29/2009 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

Dr. Bryant Wood describes some of the work from the first week at Khirbet el-Maqatir...

Jericho: Does the Evidence Disprove or Prove the Bible? 1/30/2009 - by Scott Ashley and Jerold Aust

Kathleen Kenyon declared the Biblical story to be false and the academic world accepted her conclusions. Do her conclusions hold up to scrutiny?

Did the Israelites Conquer Jericho? A New Look at the Archaeological Evidence 5/1/2008 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

The story of the Israelite conquest of Jericho (Joshua 2-6) is one of the best known and best loved in the entire Bible. The vivid description of faith and victory has been a source of inspiration for countless generations of Bible readers. But did it really happen as the Bible describes it?

"The Cites are Great and Walled Up to Heaven" 1/30/2006 - by Col. (Ret.) David G. Hansen PhD

One of the most vociferously attacked historical accounts in the Bible is the Old Testament description of the Israelite Conquest of Canaan as recorded in the book of Joshua. According to many critics, the archaeological evidence does not support either the Biblical version or date of the Conquest events...

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