Biblical Cities – From the Air

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We all know what the graves of people look like, but there are other kinds of graves as well. The graves of cities lie scattered in mounds across the lands of the Bible. These ancient mounds are called tels, meaning “heaps of ruins” in Hebrew, cities built upon the ruins of another, stacked up higher and higher over time.

Jeremiah describes this reality in his prophecies regarding Jerusalem. First the Lord says, “I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins,” (Jeremiah 9:11) which is followed by another prophecy, “the city shall be rebuilt on its mound, and the palace shall stand where it used to be.” (Jeremiah 30:18).

As with Jerusalem, so with many other cities of Israel—disobedience and destruction, repentance and rebuilding. Today, we can see those ancient stories played out in the dirt, a cycle repeated over and over through thousands of years, dead and buried cities forming layers of stratigraphy which archaeologists now dig.

Today’s video short gives you a bird’s-eye view of the excavations of some of those tels. Their existence and locations speak to the historical accuracy of the Bible. But, those dug-out mounds of dirt point to a much deeper Biblical truth—the inevitability of destruction, death and burial. Once-powerful cities, great kingdoms and vast empires, are now gone, buried under the dust of time.

Archaeology reveals the harsh reality of death in its piles of excavated bones and ash and broken pot sherds. But, the gospel teaches us that there is a solution. Jesus Christ gives imperishable life that cannot be destroyed. What is buried with him is raised up into new, eternal life. Death is destroyed. All is made new!

Blessings,

Joel

8 Comments

  1. Abel Diaz on November 26, 2014 at 5:54 PM

    Has Sourceflix or Joel Krammer ever considered doing a dvd on “The Bible Vs The Watchtower Organization” in similar fashion as the DVDs on Mormonism? Not many exposing type DVDs exist on the subject of Jehovah Witnesses, a cult in the millions worldwide and growing.

    Just asking.

    Thanks,

    Abel Diaz
    abeld28@yahoo.com

    • SourceFlix on November 26, 2014 at 7:04 PM

      You are right, Able. There is a great need for a DVD dealing with Jehovah Witnesses. At the moment that is not in the works, but who knows what God might have planned for the future.
      Blessings,
      Joel

  2. Bob Snyder on November 26, 2014 at 7:00 PM

    Great video. But I think it’s “sherds” not “shards.” Thanks!

    • SourceFlix on November 26, 2014 at 7:07 PM

      Thank you, Bob! And, you are right about the correct spelling being “sherds”. Heading to edit right now.
      Blessings,
      Cathy (Joel’s wife)

  3. Charlene on November 26, 2014 at 8:13 PM

    Actually “sherds” and “shards” are both correct.

    • SourceFlix on November 26, 2014 at 8:24 PM

      Hello Charlene!
      It’s so good to hear from you. You are certainly missed around here!
      Blessings from Jerusalem,
      Cathy

  4. Kenna Heaton on November 28, 2014 at 8:07 AM

    Hey! Don’t I know you guys??? Love the video! Will be showing my mom in the morning. She will love it, too.

  5. Andrew on December 4, 2014 at 9:28 PM

    That footage is completely unique. And I think I have some idea how hard it was too get. A great resource for teaching. We just need some more angles…

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