Israeli archaeologists uncover evidence confirming destruction of idols by King Hezekiah

Israeli archaeologists have discovered evidence in Tel Lachish National Park that confirms the abolition of idol worship by King Hezekiah as recorded in II Kings.

The Israel Antiquities Authority found a gate-shrine from the First Temple period which is believed to be around eighth century B.C. Archaeologists believe that the discovery corresponds to the verses in the II Kings 18, which partly states, "He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah."

The archaeologists said the gate, which is the largest known from the First Temple period, fits with the current historical and archaeological knowledge. The Bible describes the city gates as a place where the elders, judges, governors, kings and officials sat on benches.

"These benches were found in our excavation," said excavation director Sa'ar Ganor.

In an interview with Christian Today, Ganor stated that the gate is where everything, including administrative and cultic activities, took place.

The archaeologists have also found altars with horns that were truncated which Ganor considers as evidence of the religious reforms imposed by Hezekiah. Aside from the truncated horns, a stone in the shape of a chair with a hole at the center was found in a room. The chair was believed to be a toilet that is meant to desecrate the place to render the shrine unusable.

The discovery conforms to II Kings 10:27 which states, "And they demolished the pillar of Baʽal, and demolished the house of Baʽal, and made it a latrine to this day."

Laboratory findings indicate that the toilets were never used.

Ze'ev Elkin, the Minister of Jerusalem and Heritage and Environmental Protection, expressed his appreciation for the new discovery.

He stated: "The fascinating new discovery at Tel Lachish is a typical example whereby excavations and further research of heritage sites show us time and time again how biblical tales that are known to us become historical and archaeological stories. ... Before our very eyes these new finds become the biblical verses themselves and speak in their voice."

Other items found at the site include benches with armrests, jars, scoops for loading grain and stamped jar handles. The seal impressions on the handles indicate that the jars belong to the king of Hebron.