Israel’s Problematic Ancient Alliances

Driving along Highway 38 near Jerusalem one can now see on either side of the road massive excavations uncovering an entire ancient city near modern-day Beit Shemesh. Hundreds of archaeologist and workers have been digging at the site already for months, and are discovering new areas all the time. If one looks closely, it is possible to see channels carved into the stones under and connecting some of the buildings.  Many large clay vessels have been found bearing the inscription “l’melech” – for the king. Many of the finds have been dated to the 7th century BC, during the period…