2,750-year-old temple near Jerusalem uncovered

During excavations at the Tel Motza archaeological site, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) west of Jerusalem, during preparations for work on a new section of Israeli's Highway 1, Archaeologists have uncovered a 2,750-year-old temple near Jerusalem, along with pottery and clay figurines that suggest the site was the home base for a ritual cult.

The excavation's directors say the Tel Motza temple must have been active in an era "prior to the religious reforms throughout the kingdom at the end of the monarchic period (at the time of Hezekiah and Isaiah), which abolished all ritual sites, concentrating ritual practices solely at the Temple in Jerusalem."

Tel Motza was thought to be associated with the ancient settlement called "Mozah" in the Book of Joshua. During previous work, archaeologists uncovered a large structure with storehouses and a number of silos. They said that structure might have served as a storage facility for Jerusalem's grain supplies.

The items discovered, near an altar of a temple, include ritual pottery vessels, fragments of chalices and figurines of animals.

Skyview / IAA

An overhead view shows the Tel Motza archaeological site.

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Invitation for the Studyday about Isaiah Messenger of joy

This Saturday we shall be able to enjoy a Bible-study day in Dutch about Isaiah, the one who brought a message of good News.

 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace; that brings good tidings of good, that publishes salvation; that says unto Zion, Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7 KJBPNV)

  “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent you, and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:15 KJBPNV)

  “Hear you this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and have come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of Yahweh, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.” (Isaiah 48:1 KJBPNV)

  “Thus says Yahweh the King of Israel, and his redeemer Yahweh of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them show unto them.” (Isaiah 44:6-7 KJBPNV)

  “He trusted in Yahweh God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.” (2 Kings 18:5 KJBPNV) 

Find more about this interesting day:

Proclaiming shalom, bringing good news of good things, announcing salvation

Programme

1. 10.30 first study: The world of Jesaja/Isaiah
   About those who swear by Gods name and confess the God of Israel (Isaiah 48:1)
2. 11.30 second study: Who is such as am I?
   About Elohim, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts (Isaiah 44:6-7)
   
3. 12.15-13.45 occasion for conversations and warm meal.
   
4. 14.00 third study: No king such as he… but nevertheless
   There was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, but is there some one to look for who shall be a bigger king. (2 Kings 18:5)
5. 14.45 fourth study: Deliver from the hand of `the strong
   Can we be rescued? (Isaiah 49:24-25)
   
6. 15.30-15.45 pauses
   
7. 15.45-16.30 common discussion and answer of questions.
   
8. 16.30-18.00 occasion for conversations and bread meal.