Watch Jerusalem

While COVID-19 may be slowing down the world, it isn't slowing down biblical archaeology! Here are our picks for the top 10 discoveries in ascending order of significance.

On today's program, host Brent Nagtegaal addresses many of journalist Andrew Lawler's claims, defending the scientific integrity of Dr. Mazar's work. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1399-unearthing-davids-city-and-defending-dr-eilat-mazar

In the first half of today's program, host Brent Nagtegaal discusses the effort the Associated Press went to in order to blot out any connection of the discovery to the Bible. Then, using an example of a recent article about Persian period Jerusalem, Nagtegaal talks about the ease with which archaeologists themselves can dismiss discoveries that provide corroboratory evidence for the Bible. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1364-an-ancient-judean-toilet-seat-and-proof-of-nehemiahs-wall

An interview with Prof. Yosef Garfinkel WATCH VIDEO HERE

On today's program, host Brent Nagtegaal shows how Iran has backed the Taliban for years as it pushed for the fall of the Afghan government and the surrender of United States forces. VIDEO HERE - https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1325-irans-role-in-the-talibans-takeover-of-afghanistan

And evidence of Amos's earthquake discovered in Jerusalem Click HERE to watch the video

JERUSALEM – Archaeologists in Jerusalem have discovered remains of the eastern wall of the ancient city from 2,700 years ago. From the same period, they also uncovered remains of a domesticated pig, ready to be carved up for a non-kosher meal.In today's program, archaeologist Brent Nagtegaal discusses the parallels between these Jerusalem discoveries and the Bible. He also speaks about his recent experience volunteering on the excavation of Khirbet el-Ra'i. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1300-domesticated-pigs-city-walls-and-the-real-reason-jerusalem-wasnt-conquered-by-sennacherib

For the first time in history, archaeologists excavating in southern Israel have uncovered an inscription bearing the name of a biblical period judge. On today's program, host Brent Nagtegaal visits the excavation site of Khirbet Al-Ra'i to talk with leader archaeologist Dr. Yosef Garfinkel of Hebrew University about the discovery. More - https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1290-jerubbaal-alias-of-biblical-judge-gideon-discovered-in-southern-israel

A look at the all-too-common problem of rushing to claim Bible error—and what biblical archaeology was originally intended to be Full post

Iran is confidently riding a wave of belief that God is strongly endorsing their biblically prophesied push for power in the Middle East. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1275-radical-islams-new-president

An inside look at some of Dr. Mazar's most significant archaeological discoveries. It is recommended to watch the video. Click on the following link. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1265-digging-with-dr-eilat-mazar

This was not a war to defeat Israel; it was fought to win the hearts and minds of both the Palestinians in the West Bank and, crucially, the 1.2 million Arab citizens of Israel. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1249-hamas-emerges-victorious-after-gaza-war

On today’s program host Brent Nagtegaal talks with Dr. Kingsley about his journey of discovery on the trail of King Solomon’s maritime ventures. www.wreckwatchmag.com

JERUSALEM - The final anti-Israel action of the Obama presidency turns into the opening scene of the Biden Administration’s Jerusalem policy. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1237-obamas-third-term-supporting-an-arab-takeover-of-east-jerusalem

Over the past week, violent riots between Arabs and Jews have upset the peace of Jerusalem. What could be next? https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1225-where-jerusalem-violence-is-leading

A 3,500-year-old piece of writing discovered at Tel Lachish is the earliest alphabetic script ever found in the land of Israel https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1220-moses-era-writing-discovered-in-israel

EILAT, ISRAEL - Israel’s recent attacks in the Red Sea expose Iran’s prophesied takeover. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1216-the-red-sea-in-bible-prophecy

Remnants of a massive 2000-year-old arch jutting out of Jerusalem’s Western Wall have long puzzled archaeologists as to its purpose. Now, Jerusalem archaeologist Dr. Eilat Mazar has a brand new theory: The arch was part of a monumental four-way staircase, a structure completely unique among ancient classical architecture. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal describes this amazing interpretation as documented in Dr. Mazar’s recently published book, Over the Crossroads of Time: Jerusalem’s Temple Mount Monumental Staircases.

JERUSALEM - A leaked copy of America’s roadmap to resetting ties with the Palestinians shows how Biden’s policy could lead to the prophesied split between the United States and Israel.

Israel must be fuming. On March 11, unnamed United States officials released bombshell information to the Wall Street Journal stating that since 2019, Israel has targeted at least a dozen Iranian vessels bound for Syria. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal connects the recent attacks with the timing of the WSJ story. Put together, they reveal that the U.S. is once again attempting to justify empowering Iran, at the expense of its ally Israel. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1183-bidens-pr-campaign-to-paint-israel-as-an-aggressor

The Biden administration has insisted that the Middle East is not a priority. Concrete actions prove otherwise. In his first month in office, Mr. Biden has resurrected the pro-Iran foreign policy of Barack Obama, downgrading ties with traditional allies such as Israel and Saudi Arabia. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal discusses why the United States is bent on empowering a fanatical regime that regularly chants “death to America,” and even more threateningly—“death to Israel!” https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1173-why-does-the-biden-administration-support-irans-takeover-of-the-middle-east

JERUSALEM - Royal purple, known as Argamon in the Hebrew Bible, was one of the precious shellfish-derived dyes that colored the tabernacle, temple, and the finest clothing of the biblical court. Now, for the first time, this dye has been found from the time of David, predating by 1000 years previously discovered samples. Royal Purple Fabric Discovered from King David’s Era Discovered

On today's program, Brent Nagtegaal appreciates Hershal Shanks’s unwavering support for scholars who would be bold enough to use the Bible as a guide in excavations Sign up to Watch Jerusalem email BAS statement on the death of Hershel Shanks Is This the Prophet Isaiah's Signature? By Eilat Mazar First Person: In Defense of Eilat Mazar by Hershel Shanks First Person: The Bible as a Source of Testable Hypothesesby Hershel Shanks

Why did the Trump Administration declare ancient Jerusalem part of the glorious heritage of the United States of America? https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1145-the-battle-over-history-from-ancient-jerusalem-to-washington-dc

Coronavirus aside, 2020 was another major year in biblical archaeology. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal and archaeological writer Christopher Eames reveal Watch Jerusalem’s choice of the top discoveries from the past year. These include inscriptions, major building programs and seal impressions – all of which affirm the biblical text as well as key biblical personalities. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1132-top-biblical-archaeology-finds-from-2020

President Trump’s Middle East peace deals are redefining the Middle East in an irreversible way. The United States is using its withdrawing presence in the region, coupled with a growing Iranian threat, to pressure Arab states to publicly recognize their relationship with Israel. How will Iran respond? This week, longtime geopolitical thinker George Friedman forecast that “Iran’s move is to adopt the Palestinian cause as its own, and speak to the Arab public in terms of the betrayal of the Palestinians and capitulation to Israel.” This forecast is one that aligns with biblical prophecy. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal discusses how these deals came about, and why they will cause Arab citizens in some countries to rise up in support of Iran. The Bible reveals the revolt will be so strong in Egypt that it https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1114-me-peace-deals-will-drive-palestinians-towards-iran

King Jereboam II was confirmed as being an historical personality this past week as his name is mentioned on a recently authenticated seal impression. Known as a bulla, the seal impression from 2,800 years ago bears the name of Shema, servant/minister of Jeroboam. The bulla mentioning Jeroboam II highlights the reign of one of the most enigmatic figures in biblical history. Although numbered among the wicked kings of the northern tribes of Israel, Jeroboam II's history and archaeology bear out that his reign underscored a massive resurgence in the ancient Israelite state. On today's program, host Brent Nagtegaal discusses details about the newly authenticated bulla, as well the larger context of Jeroboam's reign. He also compares the reign of the ancient king to the leader of the United States, President Donald Trump. Uncovering Biblical King Jeroboam II

Shortly after conquering Jerusalem, King David brought the Ark of the Covenant to the city and placed it near the Gihon Spring. According to the Bible, the Ark stayed in that location for almost 50 years while the Temple was being constructed. On Sunday, host Brent Nagtegaal toured the area surrounding the Gihon Spring with City of David Director of International Affairs, Ze’ev Orenstein. On today’s show, Brent discusses his visit to the Gihon spring, including the recent discovery of religious rooms that could have held the Ark during the time of King David. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1098-is-this-where-king-david-placed-the-ark-of-the-covenant

Jerusalem - On Wednesday, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced the discovery of a fortress on the Golan Heights built during the time of King David. Excavators believe the building was part of the kingdom of Geshur, an elusive people who were in league with King David for a time. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal looks at the discovery of the Golan fortress in the context of King David’s reign. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1086-davidic-era-fortress-on-golan-aligns-with-biblical-history

The nation of Israel was bitterly divided when King David came to the throne 3,000 years ago. The kingly dynasty of Saul was finished, and the northern tribes were worried that the Judean King David would not rule fairly. David proved them wrong by establishing a new political and religious capital for the nation. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal details how King David united the nation around the throne and the city that God had chosen. He also shows why God awarded him the most amazing blessing in the Bible. The Jeremiah Seals Restore Hope in David’s Throne Was God’s Covenant with David Conditional? Mystery of the Ages

Once again, Haaretz is using archaeological discoveries to try and debunk biblical history. Their October 30 article, entitled “Israeli Archaeologists Are Uncovering the Lost Legacy of a Cursed Biblical King,” takes aim at the biblical description of King Manasseh, Judah’s longest-reigning king. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal reviews the article and shows a clear misreading of the biblical narrative. In doing so, he also discusses one of the most undervalued stories of repentance in the Bible. A Summer of Discoveries From King Hezekiah’s Jerusalem Esarhaddon Prism Proves King Manasseh

It’s been a long and difficult summer, with coronavirus lockdowns shuttering many in Israel and abroad. One of the victims is the archaeology “industry,” with regular excavations largely grinding to a halt. There has, therefore, been a corresponding lull in archaeological reporting—leading some journalists to write almost humorously grand articles on more “mundane” finds! Nevertheless—despite a summer’s lockdown—in the world of archaeology, you never know what exciting new discovery is about to be unveiled. (The Isaiah bulla a case in point—released eight years after its excavation!) So stay tuned. At Watch Jerusalem, we’ve maintained a steady stream of articles and analyses on past (and even future!) discoveries—everything from a bullae “timeline” to Leviathan to the Tomb of King David. On today’s podcast, host Christopher Eames provides a rundown of some of Watch Jerusalem’s latest archaeology articles, as well as some upcoming pieces (King Ahab’s horses, and a Philistine seal discovered in Ireland). He also summarizes his new three-part series on the ancient Hebrew alphabet—how we English-speakers have come to adopt it as our own. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1069-archaeology-journalism-during-lockdown-and-our-israelite-alphabet

The Jewish historian Josephus records a chilling event that took place shortly before his own life began. In the account, King Herod and a few of his closest friends secretly raided the tomb of the biblical house of David to find the treasure to fund his extravagant projects. However, just as his men were reaching the very bones of King David and King Solomon, they were killed by a “flame that burst out.” Shaken by the incident, Josephus relates that Herod installed a large white stone monument at the entrance to warn others from entering. Clearly, God intended the discovery of the tombs of David to be preserved for a later time. On today’s program host, Brent Nagtegaal looks at the historical references of the tomb of the kings from both the Bible and secular sources and shows why the discovery of King David’s could be imminent. The Tombs of the Kings DISCOVERED: Nehemiah’s Wall The Tombs of the Kings Are a Sign

“Did God Destroy the Walls of Jericho?,” titled one of Haaretz’s most popular articles this past week. Given the source, you won’t be surprised to find out that the author answers that question in the negative, and even uses archaeological discovery to support that claim. At Watch Jerusalem, we too use archaeology but have come to a different conclusion. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal looks at the claims of Jericho’s destruction, as well as other cases, in the context of the culture of scoffing that exists inside academia and the media against the Bible. Uncovering the Bible’s Buried Cities: Jericho The Gezer Calendar

In 2019, a groundbreaking study showed that the tin discovered on the Israelite coast during the time of the judges was sourced as far away as the United Kingdom—specifically, the regions of Cornwall and Devon. While the study attributed the trade of the tin to the Phoenicians, the Bible describes Israelite tribes being heavily invested in seafaring trade at the same time. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal describes his recent visit to a tin mine in Cornwall, as well as the connection between the region and the Israelite tribes of Dan and Asher. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1038-the-israelites-and-ancient-tin-trade-from-the-british-isles

The first-ever direct flight from Israel to the United Arab Emirates by an Israeli commercial airline took place this week. The flight comes just two weeks after President Trump announced that the U.A.E. would normalize its ties with the Jewish State. Commentators have called the deal historic, and rightly so. On today’s show, host Brent Nagtegaal shows how the deal also moves forward biblical prophecies that will culminate in the coming of the Messiah. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/1026-the-uae-ndash-israel-deal-and-bible-prophecy

What happened to the ‘lost’ tribes of Israel? Where did they go after they vanished some 2,700 years ago? The modern identity of the “lost tribes” of Israel has intrigued people for centuries, if not millennia. Explorers of antiquity have attempted to identify them with uncontacted native islanders. Theories abound. Some claim that they simply no longer exist, swallowed up by time, war, captivity. Can we know what happened to them? Book: The United States and Britain in Prophecy Booklet: The Proof of the Bible Article: “Were the Celtic Druids Pagan Israelite Priests?”

For over a decade Watch Jerusalem editor in chief Gerald Flurry has said that Europe will replace Iran as the dominant force inside Lebanon. He made this forecast at a time when Hezbollah was strong and Europe’s power in the nation was virtually nil. In the aftermath of last week’s Beirut blast that killed over 150 people and injured thousands, we are witnessing this biblically based forecast quickly take place. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal discusses how the Beirut explosion could act as a catalyst for the fulfillment of this prophecy. Vive la Révolution Libanaise Why You Need to Watch Lebanon

Last week, archaeologists in Jerusalem showcased a recently discovered administration storage center from the time period of biblical king Hezekiah. On today’s podcast, host Brent Nagtegaal talks with archaeologist Christopher Eames about the significance of the discovery. Nagtegaal also discusses a recent study from Tel Aviv University that overturns the assumption that greater efficiency of the human brain accounts for its superior output when compared to animals. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/998-more-archaeological-proof-of-king-hezekiahs-kingdom

For the past three weeks, several explosions at Iran’s nuclear facilities have again raised the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran. According to the New York Times, Israel was behind many of the attacks that may have set back Iran’s nuclear program. Nevertheless, in an unsettling interview with the Times of Israel, former Mossad chief Shabtai Shavit said that it is only a matter of time before Iran attains a nuclear weapon. More troubling was the assertion from Shavit that Iran could be deterred from using the bomb by traditional means. In his view, it would be unlikely for Iran to use a nuclear weapon as it would mean the simultaneous destruction of Iran by a nuclear counter-attack. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal looks at the recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear program and discusses why such “cold war” logic from Shavit does not apply to Iran. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/991-the-reality-of-a-nuclear-armed-iran

In his seminal work The United States and Britain in Prophecy, Herbert W. Armstrong established that the United States and British Commonwealth represent the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, respectively—one tribe prophesied to become a great nation, and the other, a company, or commonwealth, of nations. While his book focused primarily on those two birthright tribes, Mr. Armstrong identified several other nations of western Europe, Scandinavia and the British Isles as descending from the ‘lost’ tribes of Israel. We have covered these nations one by one throughout this “Modern Identity of the 12 Tribes” podcast series. But the final two tribes of this series, Simeon and Levi, are somewhat different—these were prophesied to be “scattered” within Israel. On today’s program, host Christopher Eames examines the evidence for where these tribes went—including, in particular, a significant connection to Scotland, Wales and Cornwall. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/972-scotland-and-wales-the-lost-tribes-of-simeon-and-levi

As statues of eminent historical figures fall around the world, another effort is underway to "topple" the biblical "image" of David. Did the king exist? And if so, was he really ruler over a kingdom of any significance? That's the premise of the recent New Yorker exposé by Ruth Margalit. Spoiler alert: The article concludes that there is little, if any, evidence--and even if David existed, he certainly didn't rule a significant kingdom. The conclusion was not surprising from the New Yorker. What was surprising was that the article content was not about archaeology. In fact, the article was hardly about King David himself! On today's program, host Christopher Eames examines the "evidence" presented against King David (or rather, the lack thereof) and the primary focus of the article: a fawning biography of the "generous, witty, courtly, overwhelmingly charming," anti-David theorist Prof. Israel Finkelstein. Article - New Yorker’s ‘Did David Exist?’ Exposé Falls Epicly Short

On December 23, 2016, the United States failed to veto a United Nations Security Council resolution that called Israel’s control of the Old City of Jerusalem illegal. The decision to let the anti-Israel resolution pass was largely seen as a parting shot against the state of Israel by the outgoing Obama administration. Reporting on the event at the time, we asked if President Obama was planning on pushing another anti-Israel resolution in his final weeks. While no resolution came forward, reporting this past week revealed for the first time that Obama was indeed preparing another anti-Israel resolution at the UN. It was withdrawn after Russian officials told the Obama administration that Moscow would not let it pass. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal details the proof of President Obama’s plan at the UN as well as the deeper motivations behind his hatred for the State of Israel. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/976-obamas-hatred-for-israel-exposed-in-second-planned-un-resolution

On today’s program, host Christopher Eames examines the evidence for identifying modern-day Norway and Iceland with the “wolf” tribe of Benjamin. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/960-norway-the-lost-tribe-of-benjamin

Judahite worshipers in a temple at Tel Arad burned cannabis as part of their ritual worship some 2,700 years ago, new research has revealed. In light of the discovery, some are now questing whether such a practice was endorsed by God. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal talks with archaeologist Christopher Eames about the discovery, as well as the largely unreported link to the Bible. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/966-the-missing-connection-between-the-arad-cannabis-altar-and-the-bible

In an earlier podcast, we identified the Irish as the modern-day descendants of the tribe of Dan. But anciently, Dan was split into two distinct parts: A western tribe, that migrated to Ireland c. 3,000 years ago; and a northern tribe, that was taken captive by the Assyrians and migrated into the European continent with the other Israelite tribes. These northern Danites are represented by the modern-day nation of Denmark (Danish: Danmark). On today’s program, host Christopher Eames examines the evidence for identifying modern-day Denmark with the tribe of Dan. He also examines some of the evidence for the modern identity of the tribe of Issachar. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/943-denmark-the-lost-tribe-of-dan

President Trump’s first National Security Advisor Michael Flynn only lasted a couple of weeks in office before he was brought down by President Obama’s administration through unlawful spying and leaking to the media of classified discussions. The question of why Obama targeted Flynn was answered on Thursday in an article entitled “How Russiagate Began with Obama’s Iran Deal Domestic Spying Campaign,” written by Lee Smith in Tablet Magazine. Smith shows how Flynn threatened to dismantle Obama’s legacy move in the Middle East: Empowering Iran. He also shows how Obama’s policy of spying on U.S. citizens on Trump’s team during the transition also took place for years on those who opposed the Iran Nuclear Deal. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal, reveals the deeper reason as to why Obama sought to empower Iran at the expense of America’s ally - Israel. What Inspires President Obama’s Relationship With Israel? By Gerald Flurry How Russiagate Began With Obama’s Iran Deal Domestic Spying Campaign by Lee Smith

The identity of the “Lost 10 Tribes” of Israel has intrigued people for millennia. While the identity of the Jews—those of the southern Kingdom of Judah—remains known, what about those 10 tribes of the northern Kingdom of Israel, conquered and deported long before by the Assyrian Empire? In his seminal work The United States and Britain in Prophecy, Herbert W. Armstrong established that the United States and British Commonwealth represent the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, respectively. While his book focused primarily on those two birthright tribes, Mr. Armstrong identified the Swedish as descendants of these ancient Israelites. On today’s program, host Christopher Eames examines the evidence for identifying modern-day Sweden with the Tribe of Naphtali. https://watchjerusalem.co.il/929-sweden-the-lost-tribe-of-naphtali

The identity of the “lost 10 tribes” of Israel has intrigued people for millennia. While the identity of the Jews—those of the southern kingdom of Judah—remains known, what about those 10 tribes of the northern kingdom of Israel, conquered and deported long before by the Assyrian Empire? In his seminal work The United States and Britain in Prophecy, Herbert W. Armstrong established that the United States and British Commonwealth represent the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, respectively. While his book focused primarily on those two birthright tribes, Mr. Armstrong identified the Swiss as descendants of these ancient Israelites. On today’s program, host Christopher Eames examines the evidence for identifying modern-day Switzerland with the tribe of Gad. Book: The United States and Britain in Prophecy Article: Why Switzerland Will Not Remain Neutral Podcast: France: The ‘Lost’ Tribe of Reuben? Podcast: Ireland: The ‘Lost’ Tribe of Dan? Podcast: Modern-Day Israel: The Tribe of Judah Podcast: Great Britain: The ‘Lost’ Tribe of Ephraim? Podcast: The Netherlands: The ‘Lost’ Tribe of Zebulun? Podcast: The United States of America: The ‘Lost’ Tribe of Manasseh? Podcast: Belgium: The ‘Lost’ Tribe of Asher?

JERUSALEM - One hundred years ago, world powers assembled at San Remo, Italy to discuss how to divide the Ottoman Empire. In respect to the Jewish people, the so-called San Remo Declaration charged the British with implementing the Balfour Declaration, which three years earlier had endorsed “the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people.” The decision was unanimous by the allied powers at San Remo, and was later confirmed by all 59 members of the League of Nations. There was to be a Jewish Homeland, overseen by the British until statehood could be affirmed. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal looks back at the San Remo declaration and shows how it received complete support throughout the world. This included, significantly, the Arab leadership in the region. He also shows why recent retelling of Israel’s birth seeks to downplay the history of San Remo, and focus more on the post-holocaust establishment of the Jewish State. Netanyahu Puts Sovereignty Above All Else in Unity Deal Will the Trump Peace Plan Bring Peace to Israel? San Remo: The original ‘deal of the century’

The identity of the “Lost 10 Tribes” of Israel has intrigued people for millennia. While the identity of the Jews—those of the southern kingdom of Judah—remains known, what about those 10 tribes of the northern kingdom of Israel, conquered and deported long before by the Assyrian Empire? In his seminal work The United States and Britain in Prophecy, Herbert W. Armstrong established that the United States and British Commonwealth represent the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, respectively. While his book focused primarily on those two birthright tribes, Mr. Armstrong identified the nations of Belgium and Luxembourg as descendants of these ancient Israelites. On today’s program, host Christopher Eames examines the evidence for identifying modern-day Belgium and Luxembourg as the tribe of Asher. Book: The United States and Britain in Prophecy Article: Luxembourg—Vassal State of Europe’s Dominant Power Article: The Answer to Belgium’s Leadership Crisis Podcast: France: The ‘Lost’ Tribe of Reuben? Podcast: Ireland: The ‘Lost’ Tribe of Dan? Podcast: Modern-Day Israel: The Tribe of Judah Podcast: Great Britain: The ‘Lost’ Tribe of Ephraim? Podcast: The Netherlands: The ‘Lost’ Tribe of Zebulun? Podcast: The United States of America: The ‘Lost’ Tribe of Manasseh?