Strong Evidence for David's Refuge Site from Saul Discovered
by Owen Borville
July 15, 2019
Strong evidence for the ancient refuge site where David hid from Saul has been discovered, according to researchers. Evidence for the ancient place of refuge at the Biblical town of Ziklag has been found at the city of Khirbet al Ra'i. The site of this ancient Philistine town is located in the Judean foothills of Israel and is believed to be over 3,000 years old.
Archaeologists researching the site strongly believe that the site is the ancient place of refuge of David, who was hiding from his rival Saul as described in the Book of Samuel (27th chapter) with 600 soldiers of his supporting army. David found refuge at Ziklag for one year and four months until Saul had passed and it was safe to escape. The evidence comes from the discovery of ancient pottery at the site that fit with the time period of David's refuge.
Excavation at the site began in 2015 at Khirbet al Ra'i, where evidence of artifacts of Philistine culture and Davidic culture were found, including pottery and vessels. The Philistine King Achish gave David refuge at Ziklag and stayed there for an extended period of time. The city was later destroyed by the Amalekites, according to the Book of Samuel.
The discovery not only gives stronger evidence of the Biblical accounts of David but also the rich Jewish history in Israel that dates back over 3,000 years.
by Owen Borville
July 15, 2019
Strong evidence for the ancient refuge site where David hid from Saul has been discovered, according to researchers. Evidence for the ancient place of refuge at the Biblical town of Ziklag has been found at the city of Khirbet al Ra'i. The site of this ancient Philistine town is located in the Judean foothills of Israel and is believed to be over 3,000 years old.
Archaeologists researching the site strongly believe that the site is the ancient place of refuge of David, who was hiding from his rival Saul as described in the Book of Samuel (27th chapter) with 600 soldiers of his supporting army. David found refuge at Ziklag for one year and four months until Saul had passed and it was safe to escape. The evidence comes from the discovery of ancient pottery at the site that fit with the time period of David's refuge.
Excavation at the site began in 2015 at Khirbet al Ra'i, where evidence of artifacts of Philistine culture and Davidic culture were found, including pottery and vessels. The Philistine King Achish gave David refuge at Ziklag and stayed there for an extended period of time. The city was later destroyed by the Amalekites, according to the Book of Samuel.
The discovery not only gives stronger evidence of the Biblical accounts of David but also the rich Jewish history in Israel that dates back over 3,000 years.
