MAJOR: Evidence of Biblical Earthquake Discovered in Jerusalem

By Nosson Shulman: Licensed Tour Guide of VIP Israel Tours & Authentic Virtual Tours (click here to check out his free trailer videos)

“The words of Amos…who prophesied concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah…two years before the earthquake (Amos 1:1).”

Once again, a major discovery has been revealed in Jerusalem. This finding, however, is
particularly special as it is referenced several times in the Bible. Nothing like this has ever been found in Israel’s capital, until now!

An actual 8th century BCE destruction layer has been found with a smashed building and a row of
shattered vessels. While destruction layers have been found in Jerusalem, especially in connection with the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 422 BCE (some historians say 586 BCE) all of them had burn marks which suggested destruction by fire. This one had only collapsed walls, suggesting that it was not deliberate, but rather caused by natural forces. Archeologists were stunned and decided to consult the Bible to see if such an event was actually mentioned. It did not take them long to find references to a massive earthquake mentioned in both Amos and Zechariah as having taken place during the reign of King Uzziah (indeed, the destroyed building is dated to that time period).

It seems that the Earthquake was so dramatic, that it became ingrained in the national psyche and was used as an historical time marker (an example of this today would be how September 11^th is used as a time marker with regards to the War on Terror).  As an example, when the Bible tells us the time period that Amos began to prophesy, it simply states “In the days of Uzziah…two years before the Earthquake (see Amos 1:1)”.  Approximately 200 years later, Zechariah prophesied that in the end of days, G-d will gather nations to Jerusalem to wage war against them and there will be a massive earthquake in the area of the Mount of Olives which will initially cause G-d’s people to flee, as they “fled because of the earthquake, in the days of Uzziah the King of Judah (Zechariah 14:5). “

What caused the Earthquake?  According to Jewish sources, it was because of King Uzziah’s offering incense in the Temple (see 2 Chronicles: 26:16) which according to Torah law can only be done by a Priest (who is a descendant of Aaron).  When the Priests came to rebuke and ask him to leave, he wanted to strike them.  Instead, he was afflicted with Tzara’at (often translated as “leprosy” for lack of a better term, although it was a disease which only existed in Temple times and only came about due to certain sins).  The only cure for the sin was through a process of repentance discussed in Leviticus.  At the moment he was afflicted, Jerusalem shook (see Isiah 6:4).  As a side note, Uzziah did not do the necessary repentance and as a result, could not be buried in the same burial cave as his forefathers (although he was laid to rest in the same cemetery).

Excavations at the site are ongoing, and major finds from the dig are expected to be presented to the general public at a conference in September.

Nosson Shulman is a journalist and Licensed Tour Guide in Israel specializing in Biblical tours. To allow tourists to experience Israel during the Corona era, he created the new hit Israel tour video series which brings Israel to the home of viewers by simulating actual tours. To check out his free sneak preview tour videos, click here. To view sample tour itineraries or to inquire about private tour opportunities with a personalized itinerary on your next trip to Israel, click here.