Tel Shilo, Shilo

Highlights on Tel Shilo

This site was first inhabited in the Middle Bronze Age (1750 - 1550 BC). You can find Shilo by following the directions contained in the Book of Judges (21:19). North of Bet El, east of the road heading from Bet El to Nablus (Shechem), and south of Levona.  During the Iron Age, a temple was built here which contained the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 3:2-15) for approximately 369 years and the tribes would gather there annually. It was at Shilo where Hana cried out her famous prayer for a child; where Samuel the Prophet heard the word of God; where the smell of incense hung in the air in the days of the Second Temple.

Today, Tel Shiloh is a rich archeological treasure chest of historic importance.  Sections of the site were excavated throughout the years and remains were found connecting the area to both Jews and Christians. Two churches, the Basilica and the Pilgrims church dating back to the 5th Century were discovered at the beginning of the 20th Century and incredible mosaic tiles were discovered.  Some exciting discoveries include mosaic floors, a storage house, and even ancient seeds of grain and olives, used in the service of the Tabernacle. some of the mosaics are now on display at the Good Samaritan Museum outside of Jerusalem. 

If you are interested in visiting this site, please contact us.