history of israel

history of israel Latest

Aug 31 Blog

53 People in the Bible Confirmed Archaeologically

How many people mentioned in the Hebrew Bible have been confirmed archaeologically? Lawrence Mykytiuk reveals the surprising number—from Israelite kings to Mesopotamian monarchs—and some lesser figures as well.

A rock-hewn altar carved out of limestone located about a mile from Shiloh. The four corners point to the four directions on a compass (Exodus 27:1-2). Photo: Yoel Elitzur

Jun 12 Blog

High Places, Altars and the Bamah

By: Ellen White

The open-air altar shrine, called a bamah (plural bamot), is known through several books of the Biblical canon. Often referred to as “high places” in translations of the Bible, bamot were worship sites that usually contained an altar.

Late-15th-century painting by the Spanish artist known as the Master of Perea depicts a Last Supper of lamb, unleavened bread and wine. Photo: Christie’s Images/Superstock

May 20 Blog

Was Jesus a Jew?

By: BAS Staff

Was Jesus a Jew? Some people claim that Jesus was a Christian. Some have claimed that he was an Aryan Christian. But in recent decades scholars have been returning to ancient historical settings and discovering the Jewish Jesus.

Feb 6 Blog

Who Was Moses? Was He More than an Exodus Hero?

By: BAS Staff

Who was Moses? Was he more than an Exodus hero? Discover the Biblical Moses with Peter Machinist in his article “The Man Moses.”

Dec 10 Blog

2018 BAS Scholarship Winners

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

Straight from the field to you, hear from the individuals who were awarded BAS dig scholarships in 2018.

Jul 22 Blog

Why Study Prehistoric Israel?

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

Studying prehistoric Israel can give us a better perspective on Israel in the Biblical period, says archaeologist Daniel Nadel.

Jun 1 Blog

Beyond the Texts

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

Richard Elliott Friedman reviews Beyond the Texts by William G. Dever.

Jul 5 Blog

BAR Interview with Elie Wiesel and Frank Moore Cross

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel died on July 2, 2016. Read an interview BAR Editor Hershel Shanks conducted with Wiesel and Biblical scholar Frank Moore Cross, republished from BAR, July/August 2004.

Nov 26 Blog

BAF Lecture: Ammonites v. Israelites

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

On December 17, 2014, the Biblical Archaeology Forum will host the lecture “Ammonites v Israelites: Battle of Jephthah (Judges 11)” by Dr. Elizabeth Bloch-Smith of the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Sep 29 Blog

Ancient Israel Through a Social Scientific Lens

By: Yigal Levin

Archaeology has come a long way since 19th-century explorers first mapped Biblical sites. Two recent volumes highlight the value of a new interdisciplinary approach as archaeologist Avraham Faust explores Israelite and Judahite society and the extent of the Babylonian destruction.

Must-Read Free eBooks

The Dead Sea Scrolls: Past, Present, and Future

Biblical Peoples—The World of Ancient Israel

Who Was Jesus? Exploring the History of Jesus’ Life

Ancient Israel in Egypt and the Exodus

More Free eBooks

Want more Bible history?

Join Us on an Educational Journey

For more than 40 years, the Biblical Archaeology Society has partnered with world-renowned hosts and guides to provide you exceptional educational offerings in the archaeology of the Biblical lands and in Biblical studies.

Learn More