Redating the Mount Eval Altar: A Re-Evaluation of the Evidence

Abstract

In 1980, archaeologist Adam Zertal discovered a structure on Mount Eval whose unique features and dimensions closely match the biblical and rabbinic description of Joshua’s sacrificial altar. The altar’s generally accepted XIII century BCE dating places it at odds with the biblical chronology. This article considers the evidence for both the XIII century and XV century Exodus approaches. The Egyptian historical record and relevant archaeological data are shown to support the biblical chronology. The Mount Eval pottery assemblage is reviewed and a re-examination of the Mount Eval scarab collection is presented. New evidence is presented showing the scarabs of Mount Eval to support the Bible’s account of a XV century BCE Exodus.