Summary: For decades, critics have claimed there was no evidence for the destruction of the biblical city of Ai. See what archaeologists have found to answer this challenge!
And the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear and do not be dismayed. Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, his city, and his land.– Joshua 8:1 (ESV)
The Fortress of Ai’s Location
The location of the fortress of Ai – destroyed by Joshua during the Conquest – has been a mystery and controversy since archaeological research began in Israel. Now, after 40 years of excavation and research there is overwhelming evidence matching the biblical account. In the summer of 2017, archaeologists Scott Stripling and Bryant Wood of Associates of Biblical Research (ABR) took Egyptologist David Rohl to visit the site of Ai.
The video featurette above is a part of a new Thinking Man Films Lecture Series “Have We Found the Tabernacle of the Lord?” In this series archaeologist Dr. Scott Stripling explores evidence for the tabernacle and the Israelite sacrificial system at Shiloh. The Tabernacle rested at Shiloh for over three centuries from the time of Joshua through the days of Samuel. Available for purchase here
Go now to my place that was in Shiloh, where I made my name dwell at first, and see what I did to it because of the evil of my people Israel. – Jeremiah 7:12 (ESV)
The Associates for Biblical Research launched a major excavation in 2017 that is already revealing exciting evidence showing multiple connections between biblical history and the archaeological finds at Israel’s first capital.
As a Director of the Patterns of Evidence Foundation, I would like to invite you to learn more about the Bible and its connection at Shiloh as this month’s featured subject on our community platform, The Historical Faith Society: historicalfaithsociety.com – Keep Thinking!
Timothy Mahoney
Director – Patterns of Evidence Foundation
TOP PHOTO: Archaeologists Scott Stripling and Bryant Wood are joined by Egyptologist David Rohl at the fortress location of Ai . (credit: Patterns of Evidence LLC)
