WhatsappThis is a 1500-year-old Church discovered in the area of Bet Shemesh! Israel is full of amazing archaeological sites and there are just so many more waiting to be discovered.
Bet Shemesh
Although the modern city of Bet Shemesh was founded in 1950. However, there are many archaeological sites in the area that date the city back to ancient times. Today, this is an up and coming city. With a population of over 120,000.
Ancient City
Additionally, this city goes way back even to the Bible. It is mentioned in Joshua 15:10, where they are splitting the land between the 12 Tribes of Israel. “And the border turned about from Baalah westward unto mount Seir, and passed along unto the side of mount Jearim on the north–the same is Chesalon–and went down to Beth-shemesh, and passed along by Timnah.”
Furthermore, it is mentioned again later as a city specifically made for the Priests. Joshua 21:16 “and Ain with the open land about it, and Juttah with the open land about it, and Beth-shemesh with the open land about it; nine cities out of those two tribes.”
It is in this area that Samson is buried. Samson was a Judge of Israel for 20 years. Many people know Samson as the Nazarite. A person who does not drink any form of alcohol nor does not cut his hair and not to become ritually impure, by coming into contact with gravesites. Samson is also known for his great strength.
This amazing historical city is yet again mentioned in the Bible. Samuel 1, 6:12-13 “And the kine took the straight way by the way to Beth-shemesh; they went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border of Beth-shemesh. And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley, and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it” This is when the Ark of the Covenant was taking by the Philistines and being returned to the Israelites.
Finally, this is just one fascinating city. There is so much to learn and see from all these amazing historical sites.
