Gath of the Philistines, a once prominent thriving city on a mountain top overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, is now being excavated and is shedding new light on the historical reliability of the Scriptures. The remains of this ancient city are sharing details that support and enhance the narratives given in the Scriptures.

Gath, known today as Tel es-Safi, is situated near the modern city of Ashdod in the land of Israel. It is being excavated by lead archeologist Dr. Aren Maeir of Bar Ilan University. The current archeological dig has been in progress for the past ten years and is scheduled to continue for another decade. Each new season of excavation uncovers new evidence of a culture dating back at least 3,200 years, including the newest discovery of a pottery shard with the Goliath-like name inscribed on it.

Many Bible characters lived in Gath, or were associated with Gath in some way. Goliath was the Philistine champion from Gath killed by David. Achish is a Philistine king that ruled in Gath. Years later David himself was a resident of Gath along with two of his wives. According to I Samuel 5 the Ark of the Covenant was also in Gath for a period of time until God cursed them with unpleasant swellings. Dr. Maeir's team has discovered sculptures with disproportionate features that can be dated to this time period and can only be explained by the biblical narrative.

Archaeology is now confirming the history of Gath that is chronicled in Scripture. The Syrian king Hazael laid siege to Gath around 800 BC and burned the city when it fell. A complete layer of collapsed, charred stone has been uncovered by the team of archeologists and details this event. The siege trench built by the Syrian's is also visible at the site. Later, king Uzziah of Judah also destroys the city and breaks down the walls. Finally the city was taken by Nebuchadnezzar in 604 BC and the Philistines were exiled throughout the Babylonian empire.

Dr. Maeir states that there is no ethnic or cultural connection between the Philistines of the biblical text and the modern day Palestinians. The Philistines disappeared from history about 100 years after the Babylonians destroyed their cities and sent them into captivity. During the time of the Roman Empire when the Jewish people revolted under the leadership of Bar-kokhba, circa 132 AD, Hadrian, the Roman Emperor, put down the revolt and called the entire land Palestina instead of Judea as a punishment to the Jewish people. From then on the residents of Canaan have been called "Palestinians". Modern day "Palestinians" have adopted the name in an effort to associate themselves with anyone who inhabited the land before the nation of Israel.

God says in Genesis 12 that he would bless those that bless Israel and curse those who curse her. We can see not only through the biblical narrative but through the archeological evidence as well that God keeps his promises. The Philistines were sworn enemies of Israel from her conception, and there are only buried remains of the Philistine culture left for archeologists to uncover today.

Each summer, Dr. Maeir assembles a new team of volunteers to assist in the excavation of Gath. A minimum of 2 weeks is required and you must be over the age of 18. If you are interested in participating you can visit www.dig-gath.org for more information.