Watch Jerusalem

JERUSALEM – Massive structures dating to the time period of King David’s battle with Goliath were discovered this summer at Tel es-Safi (biblical Gath). Before this season, decades of excavation at the massive philistine site had mostly uncovered the later biblical city – not the city made famous as being Goliath’s home town.

However, this year, to the surprise of excavation director Prof. Aren Maeir, excavators found stones and walls directly under the 9th century B.C.E. city. So far, this earlier city from the Iron I period looks to be bigger and more impressive than the later remains, dovetailing nicely with descriptions in the biblical text.

On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal, discusses reporting of the breakthrough, as well as how this adds more support to the biblical narrative from King David’s time.

2500 years ago, the cupbearer to the most powerful king in the world requested a twelve-year-leave to defend his struggling native people from would-be attackers. Despite countless attempts at his life, the cupbearer succeeded in building a defensive wall around the city ensuring the survival of the Jewish presence in Jerusalem.

The Bible’s telling of the history of Nehemiah is so compelling and descriptive that many have doubted its accuracy. Yet numerous individuals, including his foremost adversaries, are proven historical figures. On today’s program, we talk with Christopher Eames about what the Elephantine Papyri tell us about the time of Nehemiah.

JERUSALEM - We have found biblical Ziklag,” declared a press release from the Khirbet a-Ra’i excavation team this week. A massive archaeological effort has taken place at the site over the past three years, excavating through a square kilometer of the tel and providing evidence for what could be considered King David’s “first” city.

On today’s program host Brent Nagtegaal looks at the claim that Khirbet a-Ra’i is biblical Ziklag and the larger point that another Davidic-era city has been discovered.

JERUSALEM – A recent DNA study of the ancient Philistines revealed that one of ancient Israel’s most formidable foes traveled to the land from southern Europe, confirming what many historians and archaeologists have long believed.

The media quickly picked up on the study with articles being published in Live Science, the New York Times, the Washington Post and most other papers of note.

Stunningly, one fact was left out of most of the reports. The DNA study actually confirms what the Bible records about Philistine origins. On the first half of today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal discusses the study and what it means for confirming the Biblical text.

On the second half, Nagtegaal discusses the recent discovery of the first –biblical-era facility for manufacturing purple dye, and its possible use in adorning of King Solomon’s Temple.

Following the recapture of Jerusalem after the Six-Day War, there was an immediate interest in conducting excavations in the Holy City. Prof. Benjamin Mazar led a massive team in undertaking a decade-long project that became known as the “Big Dig” around the southern wall of the Temple Mount (1968–1976). The dig was supported in 50-50 partnership by the leader of our parent organization, Herbert W. Armstrong, chancellor of Ambassador College. Hundreds of Ambassador students participated in the effort. These major excavations laid the foundation for our continuing digs in Jerusalem and relationship with the Mazar family. Today, Armstrong College students continue to participate in excavations led by Professor Mazar’s granddaughter, Dr. Eilat Mazar.

On today’s program, host Christopher Eames interviews one of the early Ambassador students who served under Prof. Benjamin Mazar to find out what life was like on the “Big Dig.” Some of the details, anecdotes and coincidences might surprise you!

JERUSALEM – On June 13, Iran attacked two tankers just outside the Strait of Hormuz, the most critical oil choke point in the world. This follows attacks on four different tankers a month earlier. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal discusses Iran’s strategy in stepping up these attacks.

On the second half of the program, Nagtegaal analyzes the surge in anti-Semitic attacks in the Western world, and the weak-willed response to them. He attended a recent Jerusalem symposium were world leaders in the study of mainstream anti-Semitism discussed this worrying trend.

A joint press conference between United States Security of State Mike Pompeo and German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass on Friday confirmed that Germany is looking to increase its involvement in Syria, potential safeguarding safe zones in northeastern Syria. “Germany, thus, becomes the first European country to publicly express its willingness to participate in maintaining the security zone…” Kurdistan 24 wrote concerning Germany’s decision.

On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal discusses how Germany’s entrance into the Syrian arena is prophesied. In the second half of the show, Christopher Eames details some stunning miracles that allowed Israel to take back Jerusalem in the Six-Day-War.

Host Christopher Eames examines Earth’s early history, comparing the scientific evidence and the biblical account of creation—with some surprising parallels.

JERUSALEM – Two weeks ago, scholars from Tel Aviv University and the College de France published a paper dismissing the notion that the name of king David could be found on the Mesha Stele, an almost 3,000-year-old stone inscription. Instead, they proposed it mentions the Moabite king Balak.

On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal briefly discusses the outrageous new claim, as well as further evidence for the traditional reading of the inscription.

Mesha portion begins at 18:50.

ASHKELON – In the past 24 hours, Iranian-backed terrorist groups operating in the Gaza Strip fired over 600 rockets at Israel, killing four civilians. On Sunday, amidst the attack, Watch Jerusalem host Brent Nagtegaal visited the Gaza Strip border region on a media tour and had to seek refuge from more rockets. Ironically, that safety was found with family members of a man that died from an attack overnight.

Here is the account of that visit.