january-february 2020

Burying the Truth Could Egypt Fall to Iran? JERUSALEM’S ORIGINS JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2020 | VOL. 2, NO. 1 | circulation: 1,193

from the editor The Incredible Origins of Ancient Jerusalem 1

Burying the Truth 6

Iran to Shift Focus to Africa? 11 Could Egypt Fall to Iran? 12

infographic Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries of 2019 16

Archaeology Reveals Jerusalem’s Origins 22

julia goddard (cover) gary dorning (inside spread)/Watch Jerusalem

Artist'sii watch rendition jerusalem of the Garden of Eden from the editor | By Gerald Flurry

The Incredible Origins of Ancient Jerusalem An inspiring overview of the world’s most important and famous city

he history of Jerusalem is the history of the world.” That is the opening line of “TJerusalem, an illuminating book chronicling the history of this city, written by British historian Simon Sebag Montefiore. In the introduction, Montefiore describes how absolutely central Jerusalem is in the history of human civilization, especially in the history and theology of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Using examples and anecdotes, he shows that Jerusalem has been a focal point for humanity from the beginning. He then asks this crucial question: “Of all the places in the world, why Jerusalem?” This question gets to the essence of understanding Jerusalem. Montefiore writes, “The site was remote from the trade routes of the Mediterranean coast; it was short of water, baked in the summer sun, chilled by winter winds, its jagged rocks blistered and inhospitable.” Despite these disadvantages, Jerusalem became the “center of the Earth.” Why? Anyone who is even the slightest bit familiar with the Bible knows that Jerusalem is at the heart of the biblical narrative. This city is introduced in Genesis and is featured all the way through Chronicles. But the Bible doesn’t just record events that happen in and around Jerusalem. It also answers the essential question: Why Jerusalem? In this article, I will show that the exciting history and prophecy of Jerusalem began all

january-february 2020 1 the way back in Genesis. In fact, there is evidence that the history of this utterly unique city started even before human beings were created. THE LAND The Garden of Eden T OF EDEN Haran ig The history of mankind begins in the Garden of Eden. r is In Genesis 1, God renewed the face of the Earth and, on R iv the sixth day, created human beings. Genesis 2 shows e r that He placed the first man in this magnificent garden, a small area in the eastern part of a much larger area called Eden (verse 8). Eu Where was Eden, and this garden within Eden, ph ra te located? The Bible gives some fascinating clues. s n R rranea i Notice the remarkable geography described in edite ve M Sea r Genesis 2: A great river originated at a point outside Cain’s journey the garden, flowed through it, and then divided Eden? into the into four branches (verse 10). The first branch was Garden of Eden? land of Nod Jerusalem the Pishon River, which flowed through the land of Havilah. The second, the Gihon River, wended through Dead the land of Cush. Third was the Tigris, which ran Sea Land of Nod? through Asshur. And finally, the Euphrates flowed through Shinar (verses 11-14). Adam and Eve’s relocation from t The historian Josephus shed further light on these r e the garden er v four rivers in his epic work Antiquities of the Jews. He i es R D e wrote that the Pishon was associated with the Ganges l n i bia River, and the Gihon with the Nile. The Tigris and N Ara Euphrates retain their original names today. As we will see, the biblical record suggests that the greater land of Eden was what we now think of as the entire coastal region on the east side of the Red Gulf of Sea Mediterranean Sea—the general area surrounding Aden Jerusalem. It may also have included the region of the Red Sea in the south, down to the conspicuously named port city and gulf of Aden (a location tradition claims is as old as human history). It is possible that this garden, where God Jerusalem is not the highest point in the region today. placed Adam and Eve, was located precisely where However, Scripture reveals that when the Messiah present-day Jerusalem is located. comes, a great earthquake will elevate Jerusalem—and Genesis 2 strongly indicates that the garden existed open up rivers of living waters (Zechariah 14:8-10). A near the opening of the Gihon Spring. This spring, great river will flow eastward out the door of God’s which is today a mere trickle compared to what it once temple into the Dead Sea (Ezekiel 47). Once this sea was, originates just outside of what is now the Old City becomes full of living water, it will spill over and of Jerusalem. streams will flow through the surrounding region. The picture in the Bible suggests that the Earth at this Jerusalem is repeatedly named in the Bible as God's time was a paradise with a mild climate, and that these “holy mountain” (Isaiah 11:9; Joel 3:17, etc.). Ezekiel four tributaries were wide, gentle rivers that flowed 28:13-14 use exactly the same same language in connec- eastward toward the seas. Geologic changes, especially tion to the Garden of Eden: “Thou wast in Eden the

caused by the biblical Flood, would have since altered garden of God; ... thou wast upon the holy mountain ....” reese zoellner/Watch Jerusalem the drainage pattern. As a result, these rivers now have Could it be because these two are one and the same— separate sources and flow in different directions. Jerusalem and the Garden of Eden—both God's “holy Verse 10 says the source that divided into four rivers mountain”? “went out of Eden.” This indicates that the Garden Isn’t it logical to think that when God makes this of Eden was perhaps the highest point in the land. change, He will be restoring the region’s geography

2 watch jerusalem jerusalem ’ s

More recently, archaeologists have associated Tel origins ed-Damiyeh, ancient ruins near the Jabbok River, with Caspian Sea the “city of Adam.” Nearby is Damia Bridge, or Adam Bridge, an ancient bridge that crosses the Jordan River. All these signs agree that Adam and Eve settled in T Haran ig r territory adjacent east of the Garden of Eden, in the is R region we now call the Jordan Valley. Considering iv e how important Jerusalem is to God and the central r role it plays in God’s master plan both historically and in the future, isn’t it logical to think God would have established this city in the same place that He Eu ph Abram’s journey created mankind? ra te from Ur to Canaan s When Adam’s son Cain murdered his brother Ri ver Abel, God exiled him from the land of his mother and Cain’s journey father. “And Cain went out from the presence of the into the Babylon lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden” land of Nod (Genesis 4:16). We do not know the precise borders of the land of Nod, but this passage makes clear that it was further east of the Jordan Valley region, where Adam and Land of Nod? Ur Eve had settled. “Land of Nod” means “land of wandering,” Eridu an apt description of the barren deserts of Arabia. t Verse 17 says that after they arrived in the land er of Nod, Cain and his descendants built the first city, es called Enoch. Some have associated Enoch with Eridu, n D Persian bia Gulf an archaeological site in southern Mesopotamia and Ara one of the world’s oldest cities. Enoch has also been associated with Babylon, which is in the same general area. Both biblical as well as ancient Sumerian and Babylonian records clearly identify Babylon as the seat Gulf of of rebellious government and pagan religion. Genesis Aden 10 and 11, for example, record that the arch-rebel Nimrod, the tyrant who built the tower of Babel, was headquartered in Babylon. Isn’t it rational to think that Nimrod would have established his headquarters in the same region—and perhaps rebuilt the city—of his to the way it was when He first created man? The forefather Cain, the original rebel and tyrant? picture the Bible paints for the future could reveal how conditions were in the past. Melchizedek Founds Jerusalem Genesis 3:23-24 show that after Adam and Eve ate Roughly 2,000 years after Cain, God founded His from the forbidden tree, God removed them from the chosen nation through a man named Abram. Genesis Garden of Eden. He then placed an angel with a flaming 12:1 says that God told him, “Get thee out of thy sword “at the east of the garden of Eden,” indicating country … unto the land that I will show thee.” Abram that Adam and his family settled in territory east of lived in the city of Ur in Babylon, in the same general the Garden of Eden. region as Cain and Nimrod—a region historical There is further evidence of this in Joshua 3:16, records show was steeped in paganism. God told which records that when the children of Israel Abram to leave and relocate to a land He had chosen. crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Abram obeyed and “went forth to go into the Land around 2,500 years later, they returned through land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they “Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan.” This city was came” (verse 5). in the region of “the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt When Abram left Ur and traveled to Canaan, he Sea,” an obvious reference to the Dead Sea, further reversed Cain’s journey. Rebellious Adam and Cain confirmation that Adam and Eve settled on land east traveled away from Eden. Obedient and faithful Abram of the garden. traveled west from Babylon back toward Eden.

january-february 2020 3 God later gave Abraham the most difficult test of his life—a test unlike any He gave to any other man. This test occurred in the region of Jerusalem.

After Abram obeyed God and returned to Canaan, wine; and he was priest of God the Most High. And he God made this wonderful promise: “Unto thy seed blessed him, and said: ‘Blessed be Abram of God Most will I give this land” (verse 7). This promise is what High, Maker of heaven and earth; and blessed be God made this land, Canaan, the “Promised Land.” It was to the Most High, who hath delivered thine enemies into this land that God would later bring the nation of Israel, thy hand.’ And he [Abraham] gave him [Melchizedek] which comprised the descendants of this patriarch. a tenth of all.” This land was clearly very special to God. Why was it Abram and Melchizedek clearly had a close special? Isn’t it logical that the Garden of Eden, the place relationship. Melchizedek had tremendous affection where God first created man, was in this same area? for Abram, and this great patriarch, whom God later Abram moved to Canaan around 1900 b.c.e.; this renamed Abraham, tithed to this “king of Salem”! is when God made this epic promise. Archaeological Melchizedek was not only a king, he was also a “priest excavations and ancient writings confirm that the of God the Most High.” This unique individual was land of Canaan at this time was already home to some called “king of Salem.” “Salem” is translated as “peace” important cities, including Jerusalem. and “completeness.” Genesis 14 describes Abram’s encounter with The city of Salem eventually became known as “Melchizedek king of Salem.” Who was this great Jeru-salem. In the Bible, Salem is synonymous with the king? Verses 1 through 17 describe Abram’s great terms Zion, City of David, Jebus, Moriah and Jerusalem. military victories over four powerful Assyrian kings. For example, Psalm 76:3 says, “In Salem also is set His Verses 18-20 record that following these victories, tabernacle, And His dwelling-place in Zion.” A number “Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and of scriptures indicate that Melchizedek founded the city of Jerusalem! (See Archaeology Reveals Jerusalem’s Origins on page 22). Who was Melchizedek, exactly? Ancient Jewish records, including text on the Dead Sea Scrolls, show that certain Jews in the second and first centuries b.c.e. believed Melchizedek was a divine being. Many Jews referred to him using the same Hebrew terms used to describe God, and believed that he would one day atone for, and later judge, his people. This early Jewish belief is consistent with the later writings of the New Testament Apostle Paul, who recorded in Hebrews 7:3 that Melchizedek was “[w]ithout father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life …” (King James Version). If we believe these early Jews, their testimony that Melchizedek was a divine being adds additional significance to His establishment of Jerusalem, underscoring that city’s importance to God.

Abraham’s Sacrifice The patriarch Abraham loved family. He

yearned for a son, yet for decades he and Gary Dorning/Watch Jerusalem Sarah could not conceive. Nevertheless, God promised him that a son would come—a son through whom He would give Abraham descendants without number (Genesis 15:1-5). Abraham prepares to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham waited 25 years for this promised son and was

4 watch jerusalem jerusalem ’ s

100 years old when Isaac was born. origins It was through Isaac that God later gave Abraham the most difficult test of his life—a test unlike any He gave to any other man. This test occurred in the region of Jerusalem. Genesis 22:1-2 state, “And it came to pass after these things, that God did prove Abraham, and said unto him: ‘Abraham’; and he said: ‘Here am I.’ And He said: ‘Take now thy son, thine only son, whom thou lovest, even Isaac, and get thee into the land of Moriah; Ancient Israel gathers around and offer him there for a burnt- the tabernacle in the wilderness. offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.’” The land of Moriah includes This tabernacle would later be Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 3:1 records that the first temple was later replaced by a spectacular temple constructed by King Solomon “at at the headquarters in Jerusalem. Jerusalem in mount Moriah.” Genesis 22:10-12 show that Abraham, in a supreme At Sinai, God gave Israel an unparalleled gift: His law act of faith, was prepared to sacrifice his son—but that (Exodus 20). This was a detailed, codified form of God’s God stopped him just in time. After this, God knew that spiritual law, which had existed even before human Abraham would withhold nothing from Him. This was beings were created. This God-given system of law not a mere act of obedience. It may have been an act distinguished Israel from every other nation on Earth. of faith without parallel by a created man! And it God also gave Moses detailed plans for the happened right around Jerusalem, God’s special city. construction of a tabernacle (Exodus 25-30). At the heart of this sacred tent was the ark of the covenant, God Establishes His Chosen Nation which was covered by the mercy seat, symbolizing God had promised Abraham and his descendants God’s own throne. The Israelites built this impressive, the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:5, 7). This promise movable tabernacle, where God came down and transferred down through Isaac, then Jacob. dwelled in it in spirit (Exodus 35-40). This tabernacle Sometime around the 17th century b.c.e., Jacob and would later be replaced by a spectacular temple at the his large family were forced to move to Egypt where headquarters in Jerusalem. his son Joseph was a high official. The Israelites lived in Goshen, the choicest region in Egypt, found favor Inheriting the Promised Land with the Egyptians, and prospered. Before He took Israel to the Promised Land, God After Joseph died, a new king arose in Egypt “who instructed Moses to send spies into the land to preview knew not Joseph” (Exodus 1:8). He was concerned about the marvelous inheritance He was giving them the rising power of the Israelites and grew to despise (Numbers 13). However, all but two of the spies brought them. For many years, the Israelites received terribly back a faithless report, and the people grew fearful. They harsh treatment from the Egyptians. God heard their didn’t trust God to deliver the land to them—and God anguished cries and promised to return the Israelites cursed them (Numbers 14). That generation of Israelites to the land He had promised Abraham—back to the ended up wandering around the wilderness for 40 years. area of Jerusalem! After that generation of Israelites died, the next God then raised up a man of character who feared generation entered the Promised Land under Joshua. God and obeyed His commands: Moses. Under Moses’s With a high hand, they crossed the Jordan River, leadership, God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. routed the walled city of Jericho, and settled in Canaan. He brought them through the Red Sea and led them to This prosperous land, flowing with milk and honey,

iStock.com/bauhaus1000, Goddard/Watch jerusalem Julia Mount Sinai through a series of spectacular miracles. JERUSALEM PAGE 20 u

january-february 2020 5 U.S. Ambassador David Friedman breaks through a ceremonial wall at “Pilgrim's Road.”

been invited to the ceremony, where, instead of cutting a ribbon, he opened the new tourist park by doing Burying something more akin to archaeological work. For many, the video of Donald Trump’s ambassador visiting East Jerusalem and demolishing what could be a the Truth Palestinian home was an opportunity too good to ignore. To these people the story was obvious: President Trump’s Political bias is silencing important racist administration was working with an ultra- Zionist, far-right Jewish settler organization to oppress and wonderful archaeological Palestinians and demolish Palestinian statehood. discoveries in ancient Jerusalem. Blinded by bias, many in the media overlooked the real story, which was genuinely important: The City By Brad Macdonald and Brent Nagtegaal of David Foundation, after enormous investment and years of meticulous engineering and excavation, had hen United States Ambassador David uncovered part of a 2,000-year-old road that connected Friedman struck an underground wall the Siloam Pool to the Temple Mount. Called “Pilgrim’s W in East Jerusalem with a sledgehammer Road,” this impeccably crafted stone path was the main last June, little did he know he was single-handedly thoroughfare used by Jerusalemites and pilgrims 2,000 starting World War iii. years ago to travel to the temple from the ritual cleaning “Trump’s Envoys Take a Hammer to Mideast Peace,” pool. Jesus Christ Himself walked on these stones. cried the Washington Post. “With His Hammer, Friedman This is a remarkable discovery. Ambassador Smashed U.S. Status as Fair Mediator in Israeli- Friedman explained its importance to Jews and Palestinian Conflict” decried Haaretz. The New York Christians alike. “The pilgrimage road and the Breikhat facebook/screen capture/times of israel capture/times facebook/screen Times’ headline read, “U.S. Envoy Swings Sledgehammer HaShiloah, the Pool of Siloam, really enables us to do in East Jerusalem, and a Metaphor Is Born.” something which is so hard to do,” he said. It allows us As it turns out, the wall Mr. Friedman bashed to “go back in time. To go back into history. It brings was a fake, built only a few days earlier. It had been the Bible to life” (emphasis added throughout). constructed by the City of David Foundation (Elad) as The Bible is fundamental to the identity and faith part of the opening ceremony of a new archaeological of both Jews and Christians. It is the seminal work site in the City of David. America’s ambassador had underpinning Judeo-Christian society. Even today,

6 watch jerusalem the Bible is the world’s most popular book. Pilgrim’s to Judeo-Christian history and theology. And all these Road “brings the Bible to life” for literally millions epic accounts unfolded in and around the City of David. of people around the world. Today the City of David falls within the borders But rather than focus on this astonishing of East Jerusalem, on land that was controlled by archaeological discovery (not to mention the incredible Jordan from 1948 to June 1967. It sits in the densely feat of engineering), many exploited the occasion to populated Arab neighborhood of Silwan and is part of advance a political agenda. Rather than commend, the territory many believe and hope will be included they criticized. Instead of reporting objectively and in a future Palestinian state. telling the whole story, many simply attacked Israel. The tension surrounding the City of David turns Sadly, this is not surprising. With archaeology in on one basic question: How can the past be reconciled the Jewish state, especially in Jerusalem, this happens with the present and future? often. New discoveries are routinely reported through a political prism that is nearly always biased against Israel. The ultimate victim here is Israel’s biblical New discoveries history and our access to it. Many remarkable, biblically significant discoveries—and, more are routinely importantly, the messages these ruins and artifacts carry—are overlooked and ignored. reported This is tragic, not just for Jews and Israel, but for all humanity. Jerusalem's ancient history is important to through a all of us. political prism. Sorting Fact From Fiction The City of David is a roughly 20-acre patch of land To many, the answer is simple: Israel is an apartheid situated along a ridge adjacent south of the Temple state, and all Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria, Mount. Many visitors don’t know it, but it is the oldest especially in East Jerusalem, are illegal. Israel must part of Jerusalem. The City of David revolves around not be allowed to resurrect and preserve its ancient the Gihon Spring, Jerusalem’s perennial water source. history, since this only undermines the Palestinian Archaeological evidence shows human activity in the claims on Jerusalem. area of the Gihon as early as 2000 b.c.e. But in a city as old as Jerusalem, nothing is this For those seeking to understand ancient and simple. For example, while the City of David today is biblical Jerusalem, the City of David is where it situated in an Arab neighborhood, it wasn’t always all began. Abraham, David, Solomon, the Jewish this way. Photographs of the ridge taken in the early prophets, the first and second temples—each of 20th-century show only a handful of dwellings. these towering biblical figures and stories is central Photos from the 1970s show the area was still largely

The City of David from the southwest (circa 1915) The City of David from the southwest (2005) The American Colony and Eric Matson Collection: erusalem | Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, LC-DIG-matpc-05424

january-february 2020 7 uninhabited. The truth is, the majority of the buildings No one denies that the politics of the City of David in Silwan were constructed in the 1980s and onwards, are delicate. Jews and Christians seeking to better and many without approval. understand ancient Jerusalem want to resurrect and It is also important to note that Silwan has been preserve the ruins on this hill—yet, though most of its an important archaeological site for almost 150 structures are relatively new, Silwan is today a densely years. This isn’t surprising, populated Arab village. considering the extraordi- What to do? nary history beneath the These incredible ruins For many journalists soil. Nevertheless, it is a and politicians, the reality few consider when and artifacts—and the answer is, again, simple: conversing on this issue. history they bring to life— Any effort by Israel to Today only Israeli archaeolo- restore its history must gists dig in the City of David. are the primary reason be reported as an attack Before them, however, this Jewish archaeologists dig on the Palestinians. New land was the laboratory of discoveries, no matter how prominent archaeologists in the City of David. culturally and historically from France, America, valuable, must be ignored Germany and Great Britain. The first known excavation or maligned. Some journalists even repackage the was conducted by Britain’s Charles Warren in 1867. evidence as a sign of Israel’s hatred of Palestinians. Archaeology was practiced in the City of David Many developments in the City of David are reported long before 1967, long before the arrival of major as little more than Jewish sleight of hand. This effort is Arab settlements, and long before the arrival of Elad. made easier by the area being largely controlled by the The motivation these 19th-century British, French City of David Foundation (Elad), a Zionist organization and German archaeologists had to dig here wasn’t that funds excavations, operates the tourist center, and political: They recognized the centrality of this land occasionally purchases Arab properties. to the Bible and to Western civilization. They wanted However, though it is routinely demonized, Elad to understand the ancient past. is not doing anything illegal or immoral. It is privately MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Images Getty

A member of the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Nature and Parks Authority walks on the “Pilgrim's Road.”

8 watch jerusalem owned, but it operates similarly to the National Trust The author has no quarrel with the science, and in the United Kingdom, the Department of the Interior even concedes that there “is no doubt that Israeli in America, or many museums around the world. Its archaeologists are among the best trained in the main objective is to uncover, preserve and share Jewish world.” But these brilliant scientists, he says, are history, not with Jews only, but with people of all races merely soldiers in a political battle. “Yet there’s also no and religions. When you visit the City of David one hears doubt that archaeology is wielded as a political weapon languages and accents from the four corners of the Earth. in the Arab-Israeli conflict, with Israelis having the Caught in the crossfire are the archaeologists, edge since they control all excavation permits in and individuals like Dr. Eilat Mazar, Ronny Reich around Jerusalem.” and Eli Shukron, to name a few. These people are In a way, he is right. Archaeology today is scientists, not activists. They maintain brandished as a political weapon in the Arab-Israeli their independence through the academic conflict. But Israel’s archaeologists are not the ones institutions they represent, but they are weaponizing it. The author presents no often falsely portrayed as foot soldiers in evidence of Israeli archaeologists, or even the battle for the City of David. Jewish officials, using archaeology to One respected archaeologist who has harm Palestinians. The truth is that it excavated in the City of David told Watch is individuals like this author Jerusalem recently that digging in this area (Top) Hezekiah bulla who wield archaeology as is now so dangerous to one’s reputation (Left) Jehucal bulla a “political weapon” to stoke (Right) Gedaliah bulla and career that many archaeologists no longer (Bottom) Isaiah bulla tensions and conflict. want to excavate ancient Jerusalem. To Jews, They do this when they Christians and others interested in the ancient divine motives that do not exist in Elad or the history contained here, this is disheartening. Yet it no archaeologists—when they conjure emotive headlines doubt pleases Israel’s detractors. designed to arouse frustration and hate—and when they refuse to report fairly and objectively on new Israel Bad, Palestinians Good discoveries and projects. The cover story of the December 2019 issue of National In March 2019, the New York Times published an Geographic is an apt example of the prejudiced article titled “Can an Archaeological Dig Change the reporting now so routine. Its title, “Under Jerusalem: Future of Jerusalem?” The lavishly photographed, New Excavations Reveal the Ancient City—and Stoke delightfully written piece by Bari Weiss does a Modern Tensions,” is a bit misleading, since there relatively good job of exploring the controversy. But it is little about the ancient city and much about the too is clearly biased against Israel. “modern tensions.” To her credit, Weiss interviewed both Jewish and This article perfunctorily recites a handful of Arab residents of the City of David and presented archaeological discoveries in the City of David, both sides reasonably fairly. But by the end of the including what the author insolently terms the article, there is no doubt about which team Weiss “putative palace of King David.” There is no mention supports. “There is a strong case to be made that the of the massive walls of King Solomon’s palace or the modern should always trump the ancient, even on an bulla of King Hezekiah. Nothing is said of the recent archaeological gold mine,” she concludes. “That the discovery of the bulla of Isaiah, or the bullae of the needs of people living in a particular spot in the here Judean princes mentioned by name in Jeremiah 37. Not and now are far more important than uncovering the a word is written about Nehemiah’s wall. lives of those who once did.” These are despicable omissions. These ruins and This sounds rational and wise. But the assertion artifacts, and the biblical history they resurrect, are that the “modern should always trump the ancient” the reason Jewish archaeologists dig in the City of and that the needs of Silwan’s Arabs “are far more David. These artifacts explain why Israel and Elad, important than uncovering the lives of those who invest so heavily in this area. They reveal the priceless once” lived in this area ought to be challenged. The value of excavating here, not just to Jews or Christians, ancient trumps the present all over the world; think but to all humanity. of the great “heritage sites,” holy and historic, that These relics prove that the City of David is the are vigilantly protected by national and international crucible of Jewish and Christian history, and therefore laws. Places like Petra, the Great Wall of China, the indispensable to Jewish identity. Yet, this article did Acropolis of Athens and “heritage sites” in London

ELIYAHU YANAI, CITY OF DAVID | OURIA TADMOR/© EILAT MAZAR | Courtesy of Eilat Mazar (2) not feature any of them. and Washington, D.C., Western governments the

january-february 2020 9 world over have legislation, even entire departments massive amount of development, archaeologically sustained by millions in funding, established to and commercially, that has already occurred without restore, preserve and protect the ancient past. catastrophic consequences for the Palestinians. Why is Israel not allowed to do the same? The City To be sure, Elad and Silwan’s Arab population do of David contains ruins and artifacts up to 4,000 years not dwell together in perfect unity and peace. The old—among the oldest in the world, and far more situation is fragile. But this only highlights how ancient than any relic dutifully preserved in America. important it is that developments in this prized plot These ruins and artifacts obviously embody the vast are reported on dispassionately and objectively. history of the Jewish people. But the history buried beneath the City of David is Behold Your God not just Jewish. The history of America and Britain Jerusalem is one of the fastest-growing tourist is also buried in the City of David. The origins of our destinations in the world. In 2019, close to 1 million Judeo-Christian culture and theology are buried here. people visited the ruins of ancient Jerusalem in the City of David. Elad officials believe this number will eclipse a million in 2020. Why The biblical events that took is this acreage so popular to both locals place in the City of David form the and tourists? Ambassador Friedman answered this beating heart of the Bible. Isn’t that question: A visit to the City of David allows history worth exploring, worth people to “go back in time. To go back into history. It brings the Bible to life!” excavating and worth retelling? The fact that 1 million people will visit the City of David this year shows that this history In fact, the history of Western civilization can be continues to resonate—with Jews, with Christians and traced back to this narrow ridge—making the City of with others the world over. For many, seeing tangible David valuable to humanity! evidence of the Bible—including ancient buildings, Weiss also suggests archaeology in the City of David biblical era writings and artifacts bearing the names is a zero-sum game; that digging in this area inevitably of biblical kings, prophets and other personalities— means the destruction of Palestinian lives. In fact, the strengthens their faith and provides hope and situation is far more nuanced. There is no recognition inspiration. There is nothing else like it on Earth! that many Arab homes in Silwan are illegal and can Clearly there is an appetite for the history buried be lawfully removed (this too happens in Western in the City of David. But mainstream media minimize, nations). Nothing is said of the fact that Palestinians discredit or ignore the archaeological finds from this who own legally built homes and want to sell are area because these finds undermine the beliefs and paid handsomely. And little is mentioned about the aspirations of those who despise Israel and want to see the Jews’ presence curtailed or even removed. Another reason discoveries in this area are despised is because they reflect positively on the Bible. Archaeologically, no terrain on Earth contains more evidence proving the biblical narrative than the City of David. Yet across the West and especially in

Britain, America and parts of menahem kahana/AFP via Images Getty Members of the Jewish state, culture and the French society are turning against Parliament tour the ancient the Bible and biblical morality “Pilgrim’s Road” and tradition. Radical secu- tunnel at the City of David. larists now control the media, CONTROVERSY PAGE 28 u

10 watch jerusalem Iranians raise portraits of the newly appointed head of the IRGC Quds Force, Ismail Qaani.

In August 1988, as a reward for his heroic actions in the war, Qaani was appointed the new deputy Iran to Shift commander of the irgc Ground Forces in Mashhad. Four years later, in June 1992, he managed the brutal Focus to Africa? crackdown on Kurdish protesters in the province. Qaani was made deputy commander of the Quds Force in 1997, the same year Suleimani was made The identity of the new Quds commander. boss could indicate a significant Close Relations With Africa shift in Iran’s terrorist strategy. Much of Qaani’s role revolved around overseeing By Warren Reinsch the distribution of funds and military shipments to Iran’s proxies across the region. While the char- n January 3, just hours after the assassina- ismatic and Arabic-speaking Suleimani focused on tion of Cmdr. Qassem Suleimani, Brig. expanding Iranian influence in Syria and Lebanon, O Gen. Ismail Qaani was installed as the new Qaani focused on doing the same in Afghanistan and commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force. across Africa. Who is this man, and what does his appointment Qaani traveled to Africa regularly, often with mean for Iran’s foreign policy? top Iranian politicians, including a November 2009 The 62-year-old Qaani was born in Mashhad, Iran’s trip with then President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. second-largest city and an important pilgrimage site According to the Jerusalem Post, Qaani “was respon- for Shiite Muslims. Like Suleimani, Qaani joined the sible throughout the years for the distribution of funds Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (irgc) when he to proxy groups such as Hezbollah and other terrorists was 20 years old. Qaani has referred to himself and in Africa” (January 6). Suleimani as “children of war.” A March 2012 U.S. Treasury Department statement During the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988), Qaani served in said that Qaani oversaw the “financial disburse- various divisions of the irgc. In December 1982, he was ments to [Quds Force] elements, including elements in appointed commander of the newly established Fifth Africa.” The Treasury Department held Qaani respon- Nasr Division, and later of the 21st Imam Reza Division. sible for a 2010 weapons shipment—which included As Qaani’s star rose, he developed close relations with grenades, rockets, mortars and ammunition—bound

ATTA KENARE/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. IRAN PAGE 28 u

january-february 2020 11 Could Egypt Fall to Iran? Bible prophecy counters the conventional wisdom. By Warren Reinsch

any today believe that Iran and Egypt Bouazizi set himself and the Middle East on fire. His could never be allies. The differences between self-immolation ignited a region fuming over civil M these two nations are too great. Egypt is Arab injustices, widespread corruption and extreme and Sunni; Iran is Persian and Shiite. Egypt has one poverty. Thousands of anti-government protests of the most brutal counterterrorism programs in the started in Algeria, Lebanon and Syria, and consumed Middle East; Iran is the world’s largest state sponsor of entire regimes in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Yemen. terrorism. Egypt has a peace pact with Israel and close The greatest casualty of the Arab Spring was economic and military ties with America; Iran wants Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted

to incinerate “the little Satan” and “the great Satan.” in February 2011. In May and June 2012, Egypt held Daniel Images Berehulak/Getty Yet despite these glaring differences, the Bible its first and only free democratic elections and prophesies that Egypt will ally with Iran in the chose Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Morsi end time. as president. This bold forecast has come close to being fulfilled This decision by the Egyptian people shocked and once already. In December 2010, Tunisian Mohammed worried many in the West. In 2011, Stratfor Worldview

12 watch jerusalem political ties, economic cooperation and other common goals. Within 12 months, Iran and Egypt had reestablished bilateral diplomatic relations. Trade between the two countries jumped. Each nation opened an embassy in the other’s capital. Egypt nominated its first ambassador to Iran and direct flights resumed between Cairo and Tehran. An Iranian warship passed through the Suez Canal for the first time since the 1970s. “Mohamed Morsi completed Egypt’s transformation into an Islamist state,” Jerusalem Post columnist Caroline Glick wrote in 2013, warning that Morsi held “dictatorial powers surpassing by far those of erstwhile President Hosni Mubarak.” That is quite a statement: Mubarak had held, to say the least, a high degree of dictatorial power. Fortunately for Israel and the West, Morsi’s tenure was short. In July 2013, Egypt’s Islamist president was overthrown in a military coup and replaced by Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Sisi was and is the choice of the military. But the choice of the people was Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood. Morsi’s departure halted Egypt’s rapid transfor- mation into an Islamist state and key Iranian ally. Disappointed government officials in Tehran blamed Morsi’s fall on his failure to separate from Saudi Arabia and restructure Egypt’s military. Morsi’s departure, however, did not stop Tehran from drawing closer to the Muslim Brotherhood. On Nov. 18, 2019, the New York Times and The Intercept reported on a trove of leaked files from Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security. The leaked files show that since Morsi’s fall in 2013, Iran has worked Supporters of Egyptian President closely with the Muslim Brotherhood and its London Mohamed Morsi and members of the office to organize meetings between the two groups. Muslim Brotherhood chant slogans. For example, one document revealed a secret meeting between top officials of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force and the Muslim Brotherhood. warned that the most dangerous threat to the Middle The meeting took place in Turkey, less than a year East, other than Iran getting a nuclear bomb, was after Morsi was deposed. Representing the Muslim radical Islamists gaining control of Egypt. This is Brotherhood were four prominent Egyptian leaders, exactly what happened, virtually overnight. including Ibrahim Munir Mustafa, the Brotherhood’s From the moment Morsi became president, Egypt deputy supreme guide. began strengthening its relationship with Iran. Although the Shiite Iranians and the Sunni Muslim Brotherhood have a deep religious rivalry, Muslim If at First You Don’t Succeed Brotherhood leaders said at the meeting that the two In August 2012, Morsi became the first Egyptian sides should “focus on joint grounds for cooperation”; president to visit Iran since the 1979 Iranian join forces in Yemen against Saudi Arabia, their Revolution. Six months later, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad “common enemy”; and “defuse” the Sunni-Shiite became the first Iranian president to visit Egypt’s conflict in Iraq. capital since 1979. Morsi and Ahmadinejad disagreed According to the Carnegie Middle East Center, on Syria and other issues, but they quickly improved since 2016, at least two organizations close to the

january-february 2020 13 In November 2019, the New York Times and The Intercept reported on a trove of leaked files from Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security. The documents reveal a secret 2014 meeting between

Iran’s IRGC Quds Force and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Iranian government have invited Muslim Brotherhood North Africa. But Tehran wants more than just close members to attend conferences in Iran. At the Islamic relations with the Brotherhood. It wants the Muslim Unity Forum in July 2017, Ayatollah Mohsen Araki, an Brotherhood to control Egypt. adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, met In the meantime, the Muslim Brotherhood is with Munir to continue improving ties. waiting for “the right political context to reemerge as Despite their differences, Iran and the Muslim a force in Egypt” (ibid). Brotherhood share the geopolitical goals of driving out the United States from the region, destroying Israel, Try, Try Again and spreading political Islamic rule. Six and a half years have elapsed since Egypt’s military Iran sees the Brotherhood as a “bridge for pushed the Muslim Brotherhood from power, and improving relations with the Sunni Muslim world,” the Egypt is again volatile. Poverty persists. Government Carnegie Middle East Center wrote (March 19, 2019). figures show that one third of Egyptians now live Given the movement’s broad reach and contacts, it below the poverty line, an increase of more than 4 could be a persuasive advocate for the Iranian-led “axis million people since 2015. Many worry that another of resistance” against U.S. influence in the region and, Arab Spring is imminent. importantly, a mediator with fellow Sunni Islamist Last September, thousands of Egyptians marched groups hostile to Tehran. in the streets of Cairo to protest Sisi’s government. Iran’s partnership with the Muslim Brotherhood Security forces dispersed the rioters with tear gas, gives it significant influence in Egypt and even across rubber bullets and even live ammunition. More than 3,000 protesters were arrested, many of whom have Egyptian children pose for a picture at ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. their home in the village of al-Nehaya, The protests have died down—for one of the poorest in the country. now. President Sisi reacted quickly and forcefully because he was concerned that the Muslim Brotherhood would exploit the crisis to regain power. On Sept. 20, 2019, Egypt’s mbc Masr television broadcast a Muslim MOHAMED EL-SHAHED/AFP via Images Getty Brotherhood leader calling on the Egyptian people to gather at city squares to protest President Sisi. Muslim Brotherhood members are again actively spreading an anti-government

14 watch jerusalem message throughout Egypt. They want a second Arab Spring. Statistics show that Egypt is ripe for another THE KING OF THE SOUTH revolution. A 2017 Pew Research Center survey found that 75 percent of Egyptian Muslims favor Daniel 11:40-44 prophesies of a coming Islamist alliance in the Islamic influence in the nation’s politics, and Middle East, and it all revolves around Iran. Iran’s influence across 74 percent favor making Sharia the region continues to grow, bringing the prophecy to reality. law into the official civil law. Of those who support Sharia law, 81 percent support stoning caspian adulterers, 70 percent support sea cutting off the hands of thieves, and 29 percent believe suicide LEBANON SYRIA IRAN bombings that kill civilians can mediterranean ISRAEL be justified. sea IRAQ “What happened in January and February of this year [2011] was only a small dress rehearsal Persian Gulf Gulf of what is about to explode in the LIBYA EGYPT of Middle East!” wrote Gerald Flurry, Oman editor in chief of Watch Jerusalem. “This all plays into the hands of Iran and its strong ties to the Muslim Red SEA Brotherhood. What happened to Iran in ERITREA 1979 is somewhat similar to what will happen in YEMEN Egypt” (Philadelphia Trumpet, April 2011).

The King of the South Egypt’s alliance with the Islamic Republic of Iran is prophesied in the Bible. ETHIOPIA “And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him; and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he “The radical Islamic shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow, as movement, led by Iran, he passes through” (Daniel 11:40). is very strong in Egypt, Algeria, Libya and Ethiopia,” This verse refers to a clash in the “time of the end” Mr. Flurry writes in The King of the South. “This between two powerful entities, the “king of the south” religion will probably take control of these countries and the “king of the north.” Since 1992, Mr. Flurry has very soon.” identified the king of the south as an alliance of radical This prophecy in Daniel tells Islamist nations and organizations led by Iran. The us to expect Iran to gain more king of the north is a German-led European superstate. influence in Egypt, prior to a What is prophesied for Egypt? major war with Europe. Daniel “He [referring to the king of north] shall stretch 11:42 shows that relations forth his hand also upon the countries; and the land between Cairo and Tehran of Egypt shall not escape. But he shall have power will improve, and that Iran in over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the the coming months and years precious things of Egypt; and the Libyans and the will establish a much stronger Ethiopians shall be at his steps” (verses 42-43). presence on Israel’s southern These verses state plainly that Egypt, Libya and border. Ethiopia will be conquered by the king of the north. We have seen an Iran-Egypt That means they must be allied with Iran as part of axis develop once already—and

reese zoellner/watch jerusalem zoellner/watch reese the king of the south! we will soon see it again! n Free booklet

january-february 2020 15 Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries of 2019

Aviv. The elusive evidence of conflict or destruction Prof. Yosef Garfinkel at Khirbet a-Ra'i biblical city has was discovered, indicating that Ziklag an unusual story: changed hands peaceably. Originally belonging Further, a later burn layer appears to to the Philistines, it match the biblical account: While David was gifted to David and his men were out on an expedition, and his men by the the Amalekites entered Ziklag and king of Gath, while “burned it with fire” (1 Samuel 30:1), they were on the taking the women and children captive. run from King Saul David and his men quickly routed the (1 Samuel 27:5-6). invaders and reclaimed their families The excavation and possessions. furnished substantial While it is impossible to state evidence of Philistine absolutely that Khirbet a-Ra’i is biblical settlement of the Ziklag, the city most importantly 1. Found: Biblical Ziklag city from the 12th to attests to the growing evidence of early, e have found biblical Ziklag.” 11th centuries b.c.e. However, remains significant Israelite cities dating to “WThat was the bold declaration found in layers dating to the turn the reign of King David. The city joins made in a July press release by the of the 10th century b.c.e. show that Khirbet Qeiyafa, Tel ‘Eton, Timna, Tel Khirbet a-Ra’i excavation team led by by then it had become a Judahite Dan, Geshur, the City of David and others Prof. Yosef Garfinkel. It came after settlement, closely paralleling the across Israel in dispelling the theory that extensive work at the site, located remains found at another Davidic David was a petty tribal chieftain over a halfway between Jerusalem and Tel site, Khirbet Qeiyafa. No transitional hilltop village.

Among the City of David bullae before he became king over Judah. found on the ancient royal acropolis, Whether or not this bulla refers to King one is of particular note. Its inscription Zedekiah and thus belongs to one of his reads: "Belonging to Nathan-Melech, sons is unclear, but the discovery at least Servant of the King.” This man is corroborates the use of the name in the identified in 2 Kings 23:11 as an Bible. officer in King Josiah’s royal court; he The final bulla, unearthed near the occupied a chamber near the temple Temple Mount, reads “Belonging to Nathan-Melech bulla entrance. The bulla matches the Adonijah the Royal Steward.” Three biblical figure in name, royal position, biblical individuals are named Adonijah, dating and find-spot, thus confirming and although this does not relate to any 2. Biblical Bullae his existence. of them, it again corroborates the use hree bullae (clay seal impressions) The second City of David bulla was of the name. The title royal steward T of note were discovered in Jerusalem inscribed with the name “Ikar, son of (literally, “over the house”) is also a last year: two in the City of David Givati Mattaniah.” Mattaniah is a common common biblical term, believed to be excavations, and one from Robinson’s biblical name (used 16 times), and was the highest-ranking ministerial position Arch, all dating to the 7th-century b.c.e. also the original name of Zedekiah beneath the king. jerusalem ’ s

origins

Last year, many exciting finds were unearthed, including a number of biblically significant artifacts.

Excavation of Edomite copper mine

Excavation of Philistine bones 4. Philistine Genes n July, a groundbreaking article Ipublished in the journal Science Advances revealed dna evidence of the origins of the biblical Philistines. Scientists and 3. Kingdom of Edom historians have long speculated about the origin of these peoples, positing that the Philistines originated in the Levant or n September, two ancient control to the native Edomites. perhaps were the “sea peoples” described in I copper mines just south of the Haaretz’s Ariel David commented ancient Egyptian records. The Bible states Dead Sea put to rest a debate over that this biblical corroboration that the Philistines came, in large part, the kingdom of Edom. Analysis was “unexpected.” from Caphtor, a land generally identified of slag, a mining byproduct, Analysis of the slag deposit as the Mediterranean island of Crete, just showed that these Edomite mines layers shows that the Edomites south of Greece (Jeremiah 47:4; Amos 9:7). in Timna and Faynan were in used different processing Excavations at the major Philistine city operation from at least 1100 b.c.e. techniques than the Egyptians did, of Ashkelon over the past several years and probably earlier, and that they and that these new techniques have yielded the first-discovered Philistine were operated by a functioning were implemented at both cemetery, and scientists have since state with a centralized authority. Timna and Faynan, suggesting conducted a full formal dna analysis of the The Bible states explicitly that a centralized authority Philistines. The Philistine bodies, dating to that the kingdom of Edom was controlled both mines. Further the 13th-century b.c.e., were identified in the formed long before the kingdom evidence shows that building Science Advances article using the genetic of Israel (Genesis 36:31). However, styles, clothing and diet changed labeling “Bronze Age Crete_Odigitria_BA.” Bible skeptics argued that Edom's around 1000 b.c.e. and that Dr. Daniel M. Master, who led the Ashkelon kingdom was formed centuries copper production peaked at excavation and participated in the study, later. Scientific analysis now this time. This matches 2 Samuel told the Times of Israel that the study clearly shows that both mines were 8:14, which states that King David showed “better matches from Crete.” operating at least 200 years before conquered the land of Edom in This major report received plenty of Israel became a nation. Evidence the 10th-century b.c.e. Israel attention in the global press, yet few noted shows they were initially run by also imported vast quantities the obvious and exciting fact that dna Egypt, which withdrew from the of bronze (an alloy of copper) at evidence indicated that the Philistines, at region during the 12th-century this time to build the first temple least in part, originated from Crete, thereby Bronze Age Collapse, leaving (1 Chronicles 22, 29). proving true the biblical record.

Menahem Kahana/AFP/Getty Images | Eliyahu Yanai, City of David | E. Ben-Yosef and the Central Timna Valley Project | Dan Porges/Getty Images a city of enormous size, significantly larger than the city that was later built on top of its ruins. The lead excavator, 5. Goliath-Era Gath Prof. Aren Maeir of Bar-Ilan University, told Haaretz on July 24, 2019, “I’ve been digging here for 23 years, and this place still manages to surprise me. All along we had this older, giant city that was hiding just a meter under the city we were digging.” Professor Maeir and his team dated this new layer to the Iron i period, the time of King Saul and a young David. In other words, these archaeologists were standing in the hometown of the infamous biblical Philistine giant, Goliath of Gath. This was the Gath where the ark of the covenant was taken; the Gath that David entered while on the run from Excavation site of the King Saul. Philistine capital Gath The ruins are consistent with 1 Samuel 10-13, which label Gath as one of the Philistines’ greatest cities. The walls ince 1997, Tel es-Safi, a site identified as the biblical of Iron Age i Gath were more than four meters thick, with SPhilistine capital city of Gath, has been excavated every individual stones as long as two meters, and bricks being year. During last summer’s dig, archaeologists exposed oven-fired rather than only sun-baked.

6. Moabite Altar Inscription iMoabite stone of the tribe of Gad describes the defeat A altar, dating to occupied the former of an army, the taking the late ninth-to-early Moabite stronghold of plunder from eighth century b.c.e., of Ataroth. 2 Kings 3 “Hebrews,” and its Altar horn was discovered in describes a rebellion apparent dedication discovered at Shiloh 2010 at the Jordanian by the Moabite King to a cultic temple. site of Khirbet Ataruz Mesha in which, Evidence from the (biblical Ataroth). according to the site, the Mesha Stele But it was not until Mesha Stele, he retook and the biblical 7. Tel Shiloh Altar Horns 2019 that the two Ataroth. The Moabite account suggest that ontinuing excavations at the biblical taber- inscriptions on the altar inscription this pagan temple was, C nacle site of Tel Shiloh have revealed three altar were translated. in fact, an Israelite stone “altar horns.” These horns are characteris- The translation “high place,” and tically Israelite: In the Bible, God commands that provides evidence that this very altar altars be constructed with these cornerstones, of an early Moabite stand was perhaps which contained special significance and are nation, a developing, an Israelite one, mentioned in commands concerning offering independent Moabite inscribed secondarily sacrifices (Exodus 27:2) and manslaughter inquiries script, evidence of in Moabite script (Exodus 21:14). the nation’s cultic (1 Kings 22:44). While the stone altar horns were discov- practices, and If this altar ered outside of their original context, they what epigraphers does use the term were all discovered in the vicinity of a monu- have identified “Hebrews,” it is the mental Iron Age i building, oriented east-west (a as (possibly) the earliest-known direction suggesting religious significance). Further, earliest reference to inscription to do they were discovered in the same area as a ritually “Hebrews.” so, excepting the significant ivory pomegranate (pomegranates The Bible, as well 14th-century b.c.e. are mentioned in the Bible in connection with the as the famous Mesha use of the term Habiru temple and tabernacle). This evidence indicates that Moabite altar stand, likely Stele, records that inscribed with the word in the Amarna letters the altar horns relate to altar use during the Iron Hebrews (Israelites) “Hebrews” (see pages 25-27). Age i period of the tabernacle. jerusalem ’ s

origins 8. Tel et-Tell Tells of Geshur n 2019, excavators at Tel This city is identified in later I et-Tell discovered one of the history as Bethsaida, mentioned largest gatehouses in northern numerous times in the New Israel (preserved to a height of Testament as a significant three meters), in use during the Roman-period city (and the site reign of King David. At this time, of the miracle of the “loaves the site is believed to have been and fishes”). Other discoveries the capital city of the Geshurite at this site support the biblical Davidic-era gatehouse tribe. King David is recorded as account. Archaeologists have having raided Geshur, and later uncovered evidence of Shishak’s married the daughter of the Geshurite king, leading to 10th-century b.c.e. conquests (2 Chronicles 12), as well speculation that such a marital “transaction” may have as Assyrian King Tiglath-Pileser’s eighth-century b.c.e. been arranged—as was typical—within this city gatehouse. invasion (2 Kings 15).

9. Defending Israel, Past and Present his discovery is almost as significant for sentiment as for science. In a poetic moment, a brigade of Israel Paratroopers uncover T 2,700-year-old watchtower. Defense Forces paratroopers on an archaeology outreach discovered a 2,700-year-old watchtower used by their ancient brothers-in-arms. The dating sets the tower’s use during the reign of King Hezekiah (a king whose rule as described in the Bible has almost entirely been corroborated by archaeology). It is theorized that the tower served as a fire-beacon post, of the type referenced in Jeremiah 6:1 and Judges 20. The geographical position of the outpost shows that it was an early warning system against the Philistines. The Bible, as well as Sennacherib’s inscriptions, relates Hezekiah’s military and political successes against the Philistines (2 Kings 18:8).

b.c.e. raised platform at Kirjath Jearim. Kirjath Jearim is well known in the biblical account as the city that housed the ark of the covenant for two decades, before it was moved to Jerusalem (1 Samuel 7:1-2). Codirector of the excavations, Prof. Israel Finkelstein, identified the peculiar 1.7-hectare platform as a memorial “shrine” to the placement of the ark of the covenant in the city. In December, excavators at Beth Shemesh revealed a massive ritual stone table in a room of worship, dating to around 1100 b.c.e. The peculiar table was linked Shrine found at Beth Shemesh by the directors to 1 Samuel 6, which describes the delivery of the ark of the covenant to Beth Shemesh around this time period. The ark was placed by the 10. Trail of the Lost Ark? inhabitants “on the great stone” (verse 15). The curious 019 began and ended with discoveries potentially citizens took the forbidden step of peering inside the 2 related to the ark of the covenant. Reports broke in mysterious ark—as a result, a large number of the January about the discovery of a massive, eighth-century population were killed.

Aren Maeir/Tell es-Safi/Gath Archaeological Project | Adam Bean | Associates for Biblical Research | Stephen G. Rosenberg | Israel Antiquities Authority | Shmunis Family Excavations at Kiriath-jearim u JERUSALEM FROM PAGE 5 was the land of their father Abraham. An abundance and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, of archaeological evidence today confirms the biblical that are hated of David’s soul, he shall be chief and record of Jericho, including its miraculous destruction captain” (verse 8; kjv). Joab accepted the challenge and by God—evidence that the walls really did “come penetrated the city through underground tunnels used tumbling down.” to collect water. During the period of the judges, Jerusalem was “Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion; called Jebus (Joshua 18:28; Judges 19:10). Although the same is the city of David. … And David dwelt in the the city was the inheritance of the tribes of Judah and stronghold, and called it the city of David. And David Benjamin, Jebus remained inhabited by the Jebusites, built round about from Millo and inward. And David a Canaanite people descended from Ham. The city was waxed greater and greater; for the lord, the God of well fortified, and the Jebusites were confident it could hosts, was with him” (verses 7, 9-10). not be conquered. King David’s conquest of Jerusalem marked the start of a golden period in Israel’s history. For a brief David Conquers Jerusalem moment, the entire nation united under a godly Israel’s greatest king, David, assumed rulership king with Jerusalem as the capital. around 1000 b.c.e. He was about 30 years old. For the Under King David, Jerusalem was once again at first seven years, David ruled Israel from the city of the center of God’s work on Earth! The history of this Hebron, which was situated about 20 miles southwest city from the period of King David onward is well of Jerusalem in the land assigned to the tribe of Judah. documented, not only in the Bible but also in secular But King David wanted to control Jebus. He knew this historical records and by archaeological evidence. was God’s special city; he was aware of its glorious history with Abraham and Melchizedek. As soon as House for God he was coronated king over the northern tribes of Sometime after David took control of Jerusalem, he Israel, uniting the nation, he set about conquering was inspired to build a permanent home for the ark Jebus. These events are recorded in 2 Samuel 5 and (2 Samuel 7). God was pleased with David’s desire 1 Chronicles 11. to build the temple, but He did not want David 2 Samuel 5:6 records the Jebusites taunting Israel’s constructing the building. So God told him only to king, telling him that even blind and deaf people could plan and prepare for the temple construction. David defend the well-fortified city. David then made a bold embraced the opportunity with all his heart! offer to his troops: “Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, 1 Chronicles 22:5 says that from the moment he received this instruction, David “prepared abundantly”! He gave and gathered a hundred thousand talents of gold and a million talents of silver, as well as vast amounts of brass and iron, timber and stone (verse 14). During the latter years of his reign, King David devoted his energies to preparing for the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. Why did David want to build God’s house in Jerusalem? “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains” (2 Samuel 7:2) David was bothered by the fact that he lived in a magnificent palace and the ark of the covenant remained in a tent. To him, this was a travesty, and he wanted to rectify it. David wanted to build God a house so impressive that it would be famous throughout the whole world—to magnify God’s name forever! David wanted the temple in Jerusalem to be the center of worship for the whole nation. That is why he was so excited to build God’s house. Everything in

Israel would revolve around Jerusalem and the temple! Gustave Doré Cedars of Lebanon are transported to Jerusalem to build the temple. Toward the end of his life, David learned another powerful lesson. 1 Chronicles 21 records that the

20 watch jerusalem jerusalem ’ s

devil, who was aware of God’s exalted plans for David, origins convinced him to take a census. God was upset by this faithless act and cursed the nation. Seventy thousand people died as a result of David’s sin (2 Samuel 24:15). But then something truly inspiring happened. When David repented, God sent the Prophet Gad with a message for him: “Go up, rear an altar unto the lord in the threshing-floor of Araunah the Jebusite” (verse 18). The king visited this man and offered to buy his land. But this Jebusite man offered to simply give it to his king (verses 20-23). David insisted on paying for it (verse 24). He wanted to give an offering to God, and he wanted there to be some sacrifice in it. Once he acquired the land, King David built an altar on it and made offerings to God. The location of that altar ended up being the exact location of the holy place in the temple that Solomon would build.

Building the Temple King Solomon and the Queen of The beginning of Solomon’s reign as king of Israel Sheba in the Jerusalem temple truly was magnificent (2 Chronicles 1:1). Solomon had a humble attitude before God, and that made it easy for God to use him. Solomon comes from the Hebrew When King Solomon told his people that God had shalom, which means peace. The words Salem and chosen Jerusalem, he was referring to the past, present Solomon share the same root: shalam, meaning peace, and future! King Solomon was no doubt aware of completeness. Jerusalem’s history with Abraham and Melchizedek. Solomon had 200,000 workers build the most Perhaps he was also aware that Jerusalem was situated magnificent structure ever to grace the Earth. He in the same region as the Garden of Eden. commissioned the most skilled laborers available. God If you study the Scriptures, including Proverbs said of Solomon, “He shall build a house for My name …” and the book of Ecclesiastes, it is evident that King (1 Chronicles 22:10). Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem Solomon—like his father David, and Abraham long was God’s temple! before him, and all the Jewish prophets—understood When the temple was finished, Solomon had the God’s future plans for Jerusalem. He understood that ark of the covenant brought in with unparalleled the temple he constructed for God was just a type of pomp and pageantry, including a huge orchestra with a future temple, the third temple that will be erected 120 priests blowing trumpets! (2 Chronicles 5:12). when the Messiah comes. God was so pleased that “the house was filled with a Like the first and second temples, the third temple cloud … for the glory of the lord filled the house of will be constructed in Jerusalem. This is made clear by God” (verses 13-14). After all the fanfare, King Solomon the prophets, including Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. stood up and said, “The lord hath said that He would This coming temple is described in Ezekiel chapters 40 dwell in the thick darkness. But I have built Thee a through 48. “In the visions of God brought He me into house of habitation, And a place for Thee to dwell in the land of Israel, and set me down upon a very high for ever” (2 Chronicles 6:1-2). mountain, whereon was as it were the frame of a city Solomon reminded the people what God had told on the south” (Ezekiel 40:2). his father David: “Since the day that I brought forth In many ways, this is perhaps the strongest proof that My people out of the land of Egypt, I chose no city Jerusalem today is situated in land that was part of the out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house in, that Garden of Eden. God does everything with great purpose, My name might be there; neither chose I any man to logic and design. He plans meticulously, and He follows be prince over My people Israel; but I have chosen through perfectly. It makes perfect sense that when the Jerusalem, that My name might be there; and Messiah comes, He will establish His headquarters, the have chosen David to be over My people Israel” third temple, in exactly the place from which God has

brooke livingston/Watchbrooke jerusalem (verses 5-6). worked with man from the very beginning! n

january-february 2020 21 Archaeology Reveals Jerusalem’s Origins What artifacts show us about the city—before it became the capital of Israel By Christopher Eames

ust how old is Jerusalem? Archaeology has corroborated numerous biblical events in the city, J including the construction of David’s palace in the 10th century b.c.e., Solomon’s expansion, Uzziah’s tower-building, Hezekiah’s siege preparations, Josiah’s royal administration, Jeremiah’s persecution, Babylon’s destruction, and Nehemiah’s rebuilding in the fifth century b.c.e. Archaeology has confirmed at least six biblical kings of Judah and 10 other royal and priestly personalities. But what about Jerusalem before David? The Bible contains many references to the city prior to its establishment as the nation’s capital. What does the archaeological record tell us?

Small Beginnings Today, Jerusalem and its suburbs constitute the largest city in Israel. But ancient Jerusalem was much smaller. Before King Solomon’s expansions, Jerusalem consisted of only 12 acres centered on a small, crescent-shaped ridge later known as Mount Zion. The city was dependent on the gushing, crystal-clear waters of the Gihon Spring.

22 watch jerusalem jerusalem ’ s

origins

Diorama of the pre-temple City of David at the Archaeology Reveals Tower of David museum in Jerusalem, Israel Jerusalem’s Origins

Michael Ventura / Alamy Stock Photo

january-february 2020 23 A wall from the “Spring Citadel” that dates back to the time of the patriarch Abraham (Middle Bronze II)

The earliest remains discovered in Jerusalem are stones were the work of the mythical, giant Cyclopes scattered, piecemeal potsherds found embedded race. in cracks in the bedrock. The potsherds have been Besides these boulders, the Gihon “Spring Citadel” dated to around 4000 b.c.e. These artifacts show that walls were up to 7 meters wide at their foundations. Jerusalem was inhabited early in human history, but Walls of this size were not built again in Israel until the not that it was inhabited continuously. Archaeology reign of King Herod the Great, about 1,800 years later. indicates that Jerusalem’s first city wall was not built In addition to this large ancient structure, a number until around the 1800s b.c.e. of inscriptions have been discovered indicating Archaeologists including Kathleen Kenyon, Eli Jerusalem was well established at this time. The Shukron and Ronny Reich have unearthed walls, Egyptian Execration Texts, dating to the 19th to towers, tunnels and a pool relating to this first 18th centuries b.c.e., pronounce curses on various fortification, located around the lower City of David enemies and name several cities in Canaan, including near the Gihon Spring. These structures were dated by Rushalim. Epigraphers believe this is a reference to pottery, parallel architectural style, and stratigraphy. Jerusalem (pronounced Yirushalaim in Hebrew). The In 2010, Reich and Shukron published the findings reference to Rushalim at the end of the strong Egyptian of their excavation of a large tower built around the Twelfth Dynasty (circa 2000–1800 b.c.e.) attests to Gihon Spring, which they dated to this period, known the importance of the early city. This seems peculiar, as Middle Bronze ii. The “Spring Citadel” was built however, given its small area and estimated population Ian Scott (CC BY-SA 2.0) 2.0) BY-SA (CC Scott Ian with unworked boulders as large as 2 by 2 meters, and of around 500 inhabitants. Why would the powerful constructed in a style known as “cyclopean masonry.” and mighty Egyptian empire pay it any attention at all? This is a building technique that uses massive, The answer may well be in the identity of unworked boulders: The ancient Greeks believed these Jerusalem's first-described king—Melchizedek.

24 watch jerusalem jerusalem ’ s

King of Righteousness years elapsed between this meeting between origins Melchizedek is the first king of Jerusalem mentioned Melchizedek and Abraham and the arrival of the in the Bible, and the dating of Jerusalem’s earliest Israelites in the Promised Land. During this period, construction parallels the biblical time frame for this Jerusalem was inhabited by a Canaanite tribe individual. called the Jebusites, who called the city “Jebus” Genesis 14 records that following Abraham’s (Judges 19:10). defeat of an Assyrian alliance, he was commended The Canaanites included a number of tribes, mostly and blessed by “Melchizedek king of Salem” (verse 18). the Amurru (biblical Amorites) and the Hurrians The city name Salem is the earliest biblical form of the (biblical Horites). The earliest certain mention of the name Jerusalem. (Psalm 76:3 identifies Salem as Zion, name Canaan is found on the statue of Idrimi, king of another name for Jerusalem.) Alalakh. Discovered in modern-day Syria, this statue The name “Melchizedek” means “king of righteous- dates to the 16th century b.c.e. However, other possible ness.” This individual was both king of Jerusalem and mentions of the name have been dated as far back as “priest of God the Most High” (Genesis 14:18). Genesis 14 2500 b.c.e. states that Abraham paid tithes to this remarkable king- Throughout the Middle-Late Bronze Age, Egypt priest of Jerusalem. There is a New Testament statement controlled large sections of Canaan. During the 16th to about Abraham looking toward a Jerusalem “which hath 15th centuries b.c.e. especially, the Egyptians exerted foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews strong military control over the land (including 11:10; King James Version). Evidence from both the scrip- Jerusalem), and the Canaanites were their subjects. tural account and archaeological period indicates that The end of this period is illuminated by the remarkable Melchizedek was the founder of the Holy City. Amarna letters. This is further suggested in the name of the city. The Amarna letters are a trove of nearly 400 Salem means peace (also, completeness). The alternate cuneiform clay tablet documents sent from Canaanite form, Jerusalem, means “city (or foundation) of peace.” cities to the Egyptian pharaoh. Found during the Perhaps that name was only taken on after these late 1800s in the Egyptian city of Amarna. The “foundations” were laid, during the 1800s b.c.e. letters have been dated to the decades prior to the Rabbi Jehiel Heilprin’s Seder HaDoroth, published destruction of Amarna, in the mid-14th century in 1769, states outright that Melchizedek was the first b.c.e. Many of these letters carry startling messages, to complete a wall around Jerusalem. This was written including correspondence from the Canaanite king two centuries before any corroborating archaeological of Jerusalem. evidence was discovered. When the Amarna letters were written, the land Much of Jerusalem’s original construction revolved of Canaan was being overrun by an invading group of around its all-important water source, the Gihon nomadic people identified in the letters as the Habiru Spring. The Gihon Spring is mentioned several times (alternatively, Hapiru, ‘Apiru and Habiri). Desperate for in the Bible, and has deep biblical symbolism. help, the Canaanites sent urgent dispatches to Egypt. A very early pool and channel are connected to the The repetition of Gihon. Archaeologists have dated this “upper pool,” the pleas indicates or “old pool,” to the same Middle Bronze period (of the Egyptians sent Abraham and Melchizedek). The pool’s construction little help, if any. appears to be mentioned by the Prophet Isaiah in a Many who have condemnation of King Hezekiah and the people of studied the Amarna Judah for their rebellion against God: “Ye made also letters note the a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old obvious linguistic cm 104 Height: pool: but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, similarities neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago” between Habi r u (Isaiah 22:11; kjv). and Hebrew. At this Isaiah refers to God as the ultimate “maker” of point in the biblical this pool. But through whom did God make it? Was record, the collec- it Melchizedek, the mysterious king and priest of tive term “Hebrews” Jerusalem? is used more often than “Israelites.” Canaanite Fortress The dating of the

Fine Art Images/Heritage Art Fine Images/Getty Images According to biblical chronology, about 400 Habiru invasion, in Statue of Idrimi, king of Alalakh

january-february 2020 25 the decades following 1400 b.c.e., matches with the Amarna letter EA288: “May the king give thought biblical chronology of the Hebrews’ arrival in the to his land; the land of the king is lost. All of it has Promised Land. One tablet even contains a possible attacked me. … I am situated like a ship in the midst of mention of the tribe of Judah. While the identity of the sea …. [N]ow the Habiru have taken the very cities the Habiru remains a topic of hot debate, one of the of the king. Not a single mayor remains to the king, my most convincing associations of these people with lord; all are lost.” the biblical Hebrews is the account of what they did. The letters indicate These people took possession of huge swathes of land that much of the land had in Canaan. already fallen to the Habiru. The desperation of the Canaanites is evident in the This is consistent with the Amarna letters, and the correspondence between the biblical text; the Bible does ACTUAL SIZE ACTUAL leader of Jerusalem and the king of Egypt is a case in not describe a conquest of point. Here are some excerpts from two letters sent by Jerusalem until the start of The Akkadian tablet Abdi-Heba, mayor of Jerusalem (Urushalim), to Egypt’s the book of Judges, after the contains the oldest text pharaoh. account of Joshua's death. discovered in Jerusalem. Amarna letter EA286: “Message of Abdi-Heba, your This could explain why, as servant …. May the king [Egypt’s pharaoh] provide Abdi-Heba fearfully declared, “all” the surrounding for his land! All the lands of the king, my lord, have lands of Canaan had already fallen, yet Jerusalem deserted …. Lost are all the mayors; there is not a remained—temporarily. mayor remaining to the king, my lord. The king has During excavations in Jerusalem in 2010, no lands. That Habiru has plundered all the lands of archaeologist Eilat Mazar uncovered a cuneiform the king. If there are archers this year, the lands of the tablet fragment in the same style and dating to around king, my lord, will remain ….” the same time as the Amarna letters. The tablet is the oldest piece of writing ever discovered in Jerusalem. Petrographic analysis of the tablet found that it was made from local Jerusalem clay. Its partial inscription is difficult to translate, but Dr. Mazar speculates that the tablet may have been archival correspondence, of a similar nature to the Amarna letters. Notably, the fragment is blackened by fire. This may be explained by Judges 1:8, which states that when the people of Judah eventually besieged Jerusalem, they “set the city on fire.” We do not know what happened to Abdi-Heba, the Canaanite ruler of Jerusalem. Based on the

ACTUAL SIZE Amarna letters, some speculate that he may have eventually reconciled with the Habiru. This too would fit with the biblical record; several scriptures show that after the initial destruction of Jerusalem, the Jebusites continued to occupy the city, dwelling within Israelite territory. One final note about Abdi-Heba. In one of his Images Collector/Getty Dixon/Print , CM mazar Eilat of Courtesy letters to the pharaoh, he makes an interesting statement: “As the king [pharaoh] has placed his name in Jerusalem forever, he cannot abandon it” (EA287). This phraseology is found repeatedly in the Bible: God uses it phrase to describe His relationship with Jerusalem. “I have chosen Jerusalem, that My name might be there …” (2 Chronicles 6:6); “[I]n Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, will I put My Example of an Amarna letter name for ever” (2 Chronicles 33:7). This tablet,

26 watch jerusalem jerusalem ’ s

then, confirms the historical use of such biblical as a candidate for the conduit through which Joab and origins language. his men infiltrated Jebus. Of course, the name of a pharaoh no longer has any The Jebusites were not all killed, however. A “place” or lasting memory in the Holy City—but the peculiar Bible passage in 2 Samuel 24 shows that at the name of God certainly does! end of David’s reign, a Jebusite called Araunah owned some land (including a threshingfloor) just outside the A Jebusite Thorn northern walls of the City of David. Following the initial Hebrew destruction of Jerusalem Evidently, King David allowed him to live, work in the 14th century b.c.e., the Jebusites continued to and own property in the vicinity of Jerusalem. Who inhabit the city, living alongside the Israelite tribe was this Jebusite? Araunah is not a name; ancient of Benjamin (Judges 1:21). They remained in place texts show that it is a Near Eastern title meaning lord. for some 350 years, and by the late 11th century were Araunah may have actually been the former Jebusite still safely ensconced within the fortress of Jebus, king of Jerusalem, as is indicated by verse 23: “All this one of several Canaanite thorns remaining within did Araunah the king give unto the king.” This account the kingdom of Israel (Judges 2:3). Evidence of the records the moment King David purchased Araunah’s Canaanite presence at this time has been proved land, upon which the first temple would be built. through archaeology. The Bible records that David became king just City of David before 1000 b.c.e. For the first seven years he ruled At the start of the 10th century b.c.e., Jerusalem—also from Hebron, but his ultimate ambition was to called Salem, Zion, Jebus and Moriah—got a new unite the 12 tribes and rule from a new capital: the name: the City of David (2 Samuel 5:9). King David’s symbolically significant Jerusalem. The city was arrival in the city marked the beginning of a new era located in a perfect diplomatic position, on the border of growth and development. between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin; it was Over the past 30 years, archaeologists have strategically situated atop steep Mount Zion; and the uncovered a wealth of evidence testifying to Gihon Spring provided a reliable Jerusalem’s size and importance water source. Most significantly, during the 10th century the city’s history, extending back b.c.e. This includes a massive, to Melchizedek and Abraham, Over the past elaborate palatial building would have given it distinct 30 years, (paralleling the biblical account status in the minds of the people. of David’s palace—verses The belligerent Jebusites archaeologists 11, 17); large, fortified walls taunted David, telling him have uncovered a showing Jerusalem’s northward that the steep approaches and expansion under King Solomon strength of the fortress meant wealth of evidence (1 Kings 3:1); and a massive even the “blind and the lame” testifying to Solomonic gatehouse similar could defend the city from to those unearthed at Hazor, him. David offered a military Jerusalem’s size Megiddo and Gezer—three chief captainship to whichever of his and importance. cities identified with Jerusalem men could enter the city through as part of Solomon’s nationwide a “gutter” to overcome the building program (1 Kings 9:15). Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6-9). Joab led a squad of troops Beginning with King David, Jerusalem became a into the city through this water tunnel, overpowered new, expanded city, but at its throbbing heart was the certain of the Jebusites, and opened the gates to David old city: the gushing Gihon Spring and the gigantic and the rest of his men. original fortifications. Though this city is mostly During Dr. Mazar’s 2008 excavations in the City known from the First Temple period onward, its of David, her team stumbled upon a narrow tunnel illustrious history extends much further back. dating to the 10th century b.c.e. The tunnel, though Israelis often mention their “3,000-year connection” still blocked by debris, is at least 160 feet long and with their capital. That connection actually goes had been cut and walled through a natural crack in back some 4,000 years, to the days of Abraham and the bedrock, barely allowing passage for a man to Melchizedek. This was truly a “city with foundations,” squeeze through. It may have originally been used to in which God has “placed His name forever.” channel water, and thus has been identified by Mazar This is Israel’s capital. n

january-february 2020 27 u CONTROVERSY FROM PAGE 10 u IRAN FROM PAGE 11 educational institutions and large Fundamentally, it is because for Gambia but intercepted in sections of the government in of Israel’s unique history and nearby Nigeria. these nations, and these people are relationship with God. According to a 2012 biography working aggressively to eradicate The archaeology of the City of by the American Enterprise these countries’ Judeo-Christian David declares Israel's history with Institute for Public Policy heritage, values and traditions. God. It proves the biblical record Research, Qaani considered the The City of David establishes true and points people—Jews, Arab Spring “as continuity of the credibility of the Bible, which Christians and anyone with an ‘the path of Iran’s Islamic revolu- makes it a principal target of open mind—to the Bible. This is tion.’” The Arab Spring took root radical secularists! ultimately why the archaeology throughout North Africa, causing In many respects, this war in the City of David is ignored thousands of anti-government on the archaeology of the City or rejected. This is why many protests to erupt across the conti- of David is remarkably similar journalists, looking directly at the nent, toppling regimes in Algeria, to what happened anciently and discovery of a new biblical artifact Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Yemen. is recorded in the Bible. 2 Kings in ancient Jerusalem, will use it as Qaani saw the Arab Spring as an 14:23-28, for example, describe an occasion to criticize Israel or important opportunity for Iran in the kingdom of Israel at the time Elad or “Jewish settlers.” Africa. “[B]ased on this information This approach to … while Suleimani attends to the ancient Jerusalem also security concerns in western Iran, The City of David reveals why Gerald Flurry, such as developments in Iraq, Syria our editor in chief, estab- and Lebanon,” the 2012 biography establishes the lished Watch Jerusalem: concluded, “Qaani may oversee the credibility of the We deeply value ancient [Quds Force] activities in … more Jerusalem’s biblical distant countries in Africa.” Bible, which makes it history and we celebrate Qaani’s long history directing a principal target of the many i nv a lu able Iran’s interests in Africa may archaeological discoveries suggest a shift in Tehran’s future radical secularists! made in the City of David strategic emphasis. In a January proving the Bible! interview translated by Iran of King Jeroboam ii in the eighth The primary objective of this analyst Will Fulton, Brig. Gen. 2nd century b.c.e. Verse 27 shows that magazine is to follow the admo- Class Rasoul Sanaei Rad discussed when Jeroboam became king there nition of the Prophet Isaiah, who Qaani’s selection and what it could was a conspiracy in the land to roughly 2,700 years ago declared, portend. The general noted Qaani’s “blot out the name of Israel from “[L]ift up thy voice with strength; “close relations” with resistance under heaven ….” Lift it up, be not afraid; Say unto groups in Africa. Fulton concluded, “The name of Israel” refers to the cities of Judah: ‘Behold your “More importantly, the elements of the 12 tribes of Jacob, Abraham’s God!’” (Isaiah 40:9). This message Qaani’s career that the irgc and grandson. Judah, the father of is written all over the archaeology Office of the Supreme Leader choose the Jewish people, was one of of the City of David. Be it the ruins to highlight (e.g. ties in Africa) Jacob’s sons and part of Israel. of King David’s palace or the are indicators of what might be (Prophetically, the term “Israel” gargantuan walls of Solomon’s expected from Qaani’s leadership.” often applies more specifically to palace; the bullae of King Hezekiah The day after Suleimani’s America and Britain, the descen- or Isaiah or the Judean princes who assassination and Qaani’s appoint- dants of Ephraim and Manasseh, persecuted Jeremiah the prophet; ment, Islamist militants from the two sons of Joseph that inher- or Nehemiah’s hastily built wall. It the al-Shabaab terrorist group ited the birthright promise made is written all over Pilgrim’s Road conducted their first attack against to Abraham. Request our free and the Pool of Siloam. a U.S. base in Kenya, resulting in book The United States and Britain All of these sensational finds the deaths of three Americans. in Prophecy for more information). powerfully and unequivocally The attack was hastily organized From this people’s earliest declare, “Behold your God!” This and poorly executed, and was beginnings, there have been makes the City of David a priceless retribution for Suleimani’s death. enemies who have attempted to treasure and tremendous source of The al-Shabaab militants are “blot out the name of Israel.” Why? inspiration for all man! n believed to have received training

28 watch jerusalem For our free from Iran in Afghanistan; training likely feedback products visit coordinated by Qaani in his former role. watchJerusalem.co.il This potential shift in focus to Africa is significant not only strategically, but also Truth is always there, you staff editor in chief prophetically. just have to look for it. The Gerald FlurrY In our November-December 2019 issue, we Bible and archaeology are executive editor explained in detail the prophecy in Daniel great beginnings. Keep Stephen FlurrY managing editor 11:40, which describes an epic end-time clash these coming. I’m learning Brad Macdonald between the “king of the south” and the “king and loving it. WJ is always senior editor of the north.” For nearly 30 years now, Watch super-interesting; keep joel hilliker assistant managing editor Jerusalem editor in chief Gerald Flurry has the information coming. Brent Nagtegaal identified radical Islam, led by Iran, as the So much to learn. contributing editor Christopher Eames jerusalem israel king of the south, and a German-led European Pearlie Teplitsky , contributing writers superpower as the king of the north. Warren Reinsch Callum Wood This prophecy in Daniel 11 indicates that You are great always. In the past, Eleanor Clarke Iran and its radical Islamist allies will “push” present and future, there will be no proofreaders at Germany and Europe and provoke full-scale one better than you. Teri Bailey dottie kimes war. Verses 42-43 show that when Europe Marceline Juliana Noronha jerusalem, aubrey mercado Alexa Turgeon finally confronts Iran, it will war with the king israel designers of the south in Egypt, Libya and Ethiopia. Why Steve Hercus these nations? Because Iran will have a strong I always read your pieces on what’s Edwin Trebels presence there, and perhaps other North going on in Israel and history. Reese Zoellner production assistant African nations. Gillian Cockwill inverness, uk Erin Lexa The reference to these North African artists Gary Dorning nations in this prophecy, as Mr. Flurry has We enjoy the magazine very much. Julia Goddard explained, reveals that Iran has a “Red Sea Sharon Altman beth shemesh, israel press and circulation Edwin Trebels strategy.” The Red Sea is one of the world's WATCH JERUSALEM most important trade routes. Billions of dollars’ If you are interested in January-February 2020, Vol. 2, No. worth of oil and goods travel through it every archaeological evidence of the 1 is published bimonthly by the PCG. Address all communications year. Tehran knows this; and it knows that it Bible, this is the site for you. I find it to Watch Jerusalem; PO Box 8314, Jerusalem, 9108201, Israel. will gain enormous leverage over America and very informative. It helps me to dig How your subscription has been the West if it can control this vital trade artery. deeper in my Bible. Plus, it brings paid: Watch Jerusalem has no subscription price—it is free. This “All you need to do is get a good map of stories to life. is made possible by donations freely given to the Armstrong the Middle East, with the emphasis on the Ray Roberts california, usa International Cultural Foundation. Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea,” Mr. Those who wish to voluntarily support this worldwide work are Flurry wrote. “Then you can see why the king A true precious gemstone in this gladly welcomed as co-workers. © Armstrong International Cultural of the south, or radical Islam, is so interested decaying world! Foundation. Unless otherwise noted, scriptures are quoted from in an alliance with or control over [Libya and Nelson Al albergaria-a-velha, portugal the Jewish Publication Society of Ethiopia] (as well as Egypt and Tunisia). They America of the Tanakh version of the Bible. are on the two seas that comprise the most CONTACT US important trade route in the world!” Please notify us of any change in your Iran already has extensive influence in address; include your old mailing label and the new address. The North Africa. It has a firmly established publishers assume no responsibility for return of unsolicited artwork, position in Yemen via its Houthi proxy. Iran- photographs or manuscripts. The backed radical Islamist groups now run editor reserves the right to use any letters, in whole or in part, as he rampant in Libya. The Muslim Brotherhood deems in the public interest, and to edit any letter for clarity or space. is strong in Egypt. Tehran’s tentacles stretch website www.watchJerusalem.co.il as far south as Kenya. e-mail [email protected]; subscription or literature requests: With Ismail Qaani in charge of the [email protected] phone Israel: 972-54-2609-232; United States: powerful Quds Force, expect Iran’s Red Sea We’d love to 1-800-772-8577; United Kingdom: strategy to become even more obvious and 0-800-756-6724; Australia: 1-800 22-333-0 mail: Contributions, letters for Iran to become even more influential, and hear from you! or requests may be sent to our office nearest you: PO Box 8314, Jerusalem, backpage: istock.com/John Theodor n See the next page for our contact information. dangerous, across North Africa. 9108201, Israel The city of peace will have PEACE Why is the Holy City so plagued with violence? How can this crisis ever be solved? Request our free booklet Jerusalem in Prophecy to learn this violent city’s exciting future!

online watchJerusalem.co.il e-mail [email protected] mail 30 PO watch Box jerusalem 8314, Jerusalem, 9108201, Israel