Archaeologists Discover Evidence of 3200-Year-Old Bible Story Where Moses Led His People To The Promised Land

Archaeologists have recently uncovered significant findings in Zanoah, a location mentioned in the Old Testament, shedding light on the ancient Bible story of Moses leading the Israelites to the Promised Land. The artifacts discovered offer potential evidence supporting the historical context of the Exodus.¹

Historical Background

Archaeologists have discovered ancient artifacts that may coincide with Moses leading the Israelites from Egypt to the Promise Land. Researchers found retaining walls for farming terraces that are used to create level areas for planting and to protect steeper soil from erosion — *Credit*: Israel Antiquities Authority

Zanoah, situated in the Promised Land or Canaan, is mentioned in the Bible story of Nehemiah as a town resettled by Jewish exiles returning from Babylonian captivity. These residents were descendants of those who followed Moses out of Egypt, according to the Bible’s Book of Exodus.

The Dig and Its Findings

Archaeologists also recovered well preserved pottery, complete with an LMLK stamp on the jar handle which is very rare in the Judah foothills. These markings are ancient Hebrew seals meaning 'of the King' — *Credit*: Israel Antiquities Authority

In 2019, a team of archaeologists conducted an excavation in Zanoah, sponsored by the Israel Electric Corporation and the Israel Antiquities Authority. They uncovered various artifacts, including a clay jar handle with an lmlk stamp, indicating it was from the late Iron Age, but indicative of the Bible story. “The pottery item was fired at a high temperature and [was] of excellent quality,” the report noted.

Artifacts of Interest

The shard had a wide rim with three concentric bands in a grid-like pattern and featured a rope decoration — *Credit*: Israel Antiquities Authority

Among the significant finds were handles bearing similar impressions, a decorated white limestone cosmetic bowl, and items from the Early Byzantine era and the First Jewish Revolt. Notably, one artifact bore a stamp reading “of the King,” believed to honor the Bible story King Hezekiah’s reign in Judah around 701 BC.

Significance of the Findings

Pottery bearing a King's impression has been found at Zanoah. — *Credit*: Israel Antiquities Authority

The discoveries in Zanoah provide a glimpse into the historical and cultural context of the region. “The large quantity of finds indicates the intensity of the site and highlights the potential significance of one of the lesser-known tales in the Judean Shephelah,” stated dig director Ya’akov Billig.

Biblical Correlation

The Israeli Antiquities Authority recently shared their findings from Zanoah which is mentioned in the Old Testament, revealing stone walls, pottery and other artifacts that date back more than 3,200 years — *Credit*: The Daily Mail

The Bible story details the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, including significant events such as the crossing of the Red Sea and receiving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Zanoah is mentioned in the Book of Joshua as part of the tribal allotment of Judah after the Israelites entered Canaan.²

King Hezekiah’s Influence

King Hezekiah, whose life is chronicled in the Bible, played a crucial role in Jewish history by reopening the Temple of Solomon and destroying the bronze snake statue commanded by God to Moses. The artifacts bearing his stamp further affirm his historical presence in the region.

Further Excavations and Research

Archaeologists uncovered several stone walls throughout the ancient city — *Credit*: Israel Antiquities Authority

The researchers highlighted the potential for future discoveries in Zanoah. The area’s farming terraces and retaining walls suggest extensive agricultural activities, while the variety of pottery and metal objects unearthed indicate a rich and complex history. “While it is likely that some of the finds originated in the ruin and were subsequently washed down the slope over the years, the majority of the finds relate to farming activities conducted on the hill slopes,” the team noted.