Biblical City of Gath Unearthed

“Archaeologists think they may have discovered in Israel the home of biblical giant Goliath. The… Bar-Ilan University Expedition, led by Professor Aren Maeir, located the lost city of Gath during excavations of an area now divided between... Palestine and Israel… The recent discovery of the entrance gate of the biblical city has been the biggest finding” (The Daily Telegraph, August 13, 2015). The Bible refers to Gath as the home of “a champion… of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath” (1 Samuel 17:4). David also hid in Gath to avoid King Saul (1 Samuel 21:10). Ten years ago, “Archaeologists digging at the biblical home of Goliath… unearthed a shard of pottery bearing an inscription of the Philistine’s name, lending historical credence to the Bible’s tale of David’s battle” (The Independent, November 12, 2005).

While critics claim there is no evidence to support Bible stories, archaeological finds continue to validate the content of Scripture. Jesus stated, “For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light” (Luke 8:17). Even though “scoffers” were predicted to come in our modern age (2 Peter 3:3), the actual evidence demonstrates that God’s word is truth (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17). This is why God calls upon us to “prove all things” by using evidence to validate His Scriptures (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

To learn why the Bible is unlike any other book, read our booklet, The Bible: Fact or Fiction?