To the ‘land of the Bible’

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Following his recent return from Israel, Patrick Boyns (BBS principal) has begun publishing his travel blog based on notes and pictures taken during his four week visit. The purpose of the visit was to take part in an archaeological excavation at Tel Beth-Shemesh, the site of an ancient ‘Biblical city’ whose history dates back at least as far as the Middle Bronze Age (from about 1800 B.C.)

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Tel Beth-Shemesh, overlooking the Sorek Valley

Beth-Shemesh was actually one of the 48 Levitical cities assigned to Israel after the Conquest (Joshua 21:16), and the place to which the ark of the covenant first returned after being released by the Philistines (1 Samuel 6). Occupation at the ancient site continued until the 7th century B.C. when the Assyrians appeared to have driven off the last inhabitants.

Patrick’s involvement in the dig proved to be a most educational experience and one which will certainly enhance his teaching with the Bible School. In addition to spending four weeks digging, he also had opportunities to visit a number of other sites throughout Israel, including Lachish, Arad, Masada, Jerusalem, Galilee, Caesarea Philippi, Megiddo, Caesarea, and Qumran. To read his blog as it becomes published, please click here.

If you are interested in hosting a presentation of his time at Tel Beth-Shemesh, Patrick is putting together a number of options which he is taking to various congregations who have already expressed interest. Please get in touch with him via our contact page.