Hezekiah’s tunnel
Hezekiah’s tunnel. As Assyria prepared to attack Jerusalem, the city faced a crisis, since its water supply was outside the city walls. King Hezekiah responded… Read More »Hezekiah’s tunnel
Biblical Facts
Siege mounds
Siege mounds were mounds or ramps built out of dirt, rubble, and timbers. They were designed so that soldiers could batter down a city’s walls… Read More »Siege mounds
“Please speak in Aramaic.”
“Please speak in Aramaic.” As Assyria tried to conquer Judah, they sent a delegation to Jerusalem to engage in “psychological warfare” (18:17–37). They made public… Read More »“Please speak in Aramaic.”
Why were the Israelites deported?
Why were the Israelites deported? The Babylonians had learned that destroying an enemy’s land but allowing them to remain in it was a bad idea.… Read More »Why were the Israelites deported?
Menahem’s tax receipts?
Menahem’s tax receipts? Archaeologists working at the site of Samaria have discovered 63 shards of pottery, dating to about the time of King Menahem, on… Read More »Menahem’s tax receipts?
Elath
Elath (14:22) was a strategic seaport on the northernmost tip of the Red Sea. It was located at the southern end of the King’s Highway,… Read More »Elath
Hazael
Hazael (12:17) was king of Syria from 843–796 b.c. He threatened Israel during the reigns of Jehu (1 Kings 19:17), Joram (8:28), and Jehoahaz (13:22).
Joash
Joash (or Jehoash) became King of Judah at the age of seven. Joash listened to the godly instruction of Jehoiada the priest and obeyed the… Read More »Joash
Jehu pays tribute
Jehu pays tribute. Archaeologists have found a stone carving that shows King Jehu of Israel paying tribute to Shalmaneser III, king of Assyria. Known as… Read More »Jehu pays tribute
Levirate marriage
Levirate marriage is the practice of a man marrying the widow of his deceased brother, if she had no children (38:8). A child of this… Read More »Levirate marriage
A costly demonstration of grief
A costly demonstration of grief. The Hebrew custom of tearing one’s garments (37:29, 34) was an expression of grief, often after learning of the death… Read More »A costly demonstration of grief
A long walk!
A long walk! Jacob sent Joseph to see how his brothers were doing, as they tended their sheep (37:14). Joseph headed northward, probably walking, and… Read More »A long walk!