A Christian Apologetics Ministry Dedicated to Demonstrating the Historical Reliability of the Bible through Archaeological and Biblical Research.
For more videos and updates about our Shiloh Excavations, follow our youtube channel and facebook page!
Digging for Truth 
Associates for Biblical Research
Watch our Digging for Truth episodes about our Shiloh discoveries here!
Featured Episodes
Digging up Shiloh (Part One): Digging for Truth Episode 21
Go Now to Shiloh: Digging for Truth Episode Five
The Associates for Biblical Research (ABR) is conducting the Excavations at Biblical Shiloh for which we are seeking help and partnerships from other evangelical institutions and individuals. Because of limited resources, ABR cannot effectively complete this project by itself. Therefore, educational institutions, churches, Christian ministries, corporations and private individuals are invited to participate in the endeavor.
ABR is forming a consortium of interested parties to carry out the excavation. ABR will supply the professional expertise, organization, and leadership for the project while consortium members will be called upon to provide manpower and funding. In conjunction with the Shiloh Dig, optional touring of major Biblical and archaeological sites in Israel is offered.
As part of its mission to train others in the field archaeology, ABR conducts a Field School as an integral part of the tour and excavation. ABR recognizes that the level of funding available from prospective members of the consortium varies. Therefore, several levels of participation, with a sliding scale of benefits, have been established. Membership in the consortium is on a yearly basis.
All consortium members receive the following benefits:
Levels of consortium membership, with corresponding benefits:
Consortium Patron— Supports the project with an annual gift of $6,000.00 or more. Qualifies for the “Five for One” faculty participation plan for an unlimited number of faculty members. For each five students from the faculty members’ institution participating in the program at full cost for a minimum of two weeks, one faculty member’s room and board will be covered.
Consortium Sponsor— Supports the project with an annual gift of $3,000.00. Qualifies for the “Five for One” faculty participation plan for two faculty members. For each five students from the faculty members’ institution participating in the program at full cost for a minimum of two weeks, 50 % of a faculty member’s room and board will be covered, up to a total of two faculty members.
Consortium Member—Supports the project with an annual gift of $1,000.00. Groups and individuals who become Consortium Members will be recognized in pertinent ABR publications.
Our consortium package allows for these different levels of participation, depending upon the interests and objectives of your institution. Levels of participation can be customized to fit the unique circumstances of your school. This project is being conducted with the highest level of academic rigor, and most importantly, with fidelity to the Scriptures as the inerrant and authoritative Word of God.
Please contact Henry B. Smith Jr., Administrative Director of the Shiloh Excavations, for more information on how your organization can be involved in one of the most exciting archaeological and apologetic projects ever!
General Information | Cost | Travel Details | Online Registration
All registration information may be found here: https://biblearchaeology.org/shiloh-excavations/50-the-shiloh-excavations/4695-shiloh-2022-online-registration
Yonder offers travelers insurance to Israel: https://www.insureyonder.com/
TRAVEL DETAILS
Bring a clear photocopy of your passport in case you lose it. Or take a photo of it with your phone. This will help in procuring a new one.
2. Traveler's and Health Insurance
a. All travelers must purchase traveler's insurance in the event of a family emergency, illness, etc. ABR CANNOT GUARANTEE THE RECOVERY OF ANY MONIES PAID FOR THE TRIP! Be sure your insurance covers travel in the West Bank, which is where Shiloh is located.
b. All travelers MUST have Medical Insurance coverage for this trip. ABR cannot and will not be responsible in any way for any hospital or doctor visits or ambulance transport needed by travelers, whether the result of sickness or injury. To our knowledge, MEDICARE MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED OUTSIDE THE US. All travelers must thoroughly document their medications, and provide family and doctor emergency contact information.
c. Medical Evacuation Insurance should be purchased as well, in case a traveler needs to be transported to US. Without insurance, this could cost more than $100,000.
Yonder offers travelers insurance to Israel: https://www.insureyonder.com/
3. Safety
Safety is of primary importance on this excavation. Each year, the Israeli Antiquities Authority (or KAMAT) and the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) review the situation locally, and determine if it is safe for ABR to dig at the site. Our permit is not granted unless they are sure our site is safe. Shiloh is a national park and is enclosed, and is located along the main security road. The excavation is very safe.
4. Accomodations
Ritz Hotel Ibn Khaldun Street 8, Jerusalem
Tel +972-2-5412222
Individual Transportation from Ben Gurion Airport to Ritz Hotel / Jerusalem
The Sheroot or Nesher communal van service travelers have used in the past has gone out of business.
Trains, buses and light-rail do not run on Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening. We are recommending coordinating with other volunteers on the Shiloh Facebook page to save on taxi costs. https://www.facebook.com/groups/shilohdigteam
For a private taxi, the cost is around $100 USD.
5. Internet Access
Internet in the hotel ca be spotty at times. There is one public computer available for use. There is an ATM near the hotel. The rooms have safes.
6. Laundry
a. Wash clothes by hand in bathtubs or sinks and then to hang out the clothes on the balcony (if the room has one). With this option, diggers should use detergent from Israel (US detergent does not work well with the Israeli water).
b. There is a laundry service right across the street from the hotel. Diggers can drop off of their clothes after work and pick them up the next day after work.
7. Tax Deductibility
The monies paid toward the Shiloh excavation are not considered a donation to ABR. However, because you are providing volunteer work for ABR, all expenses related to that work may be deductible as expenses of volunteer work for a non-profit ministry. This does not include any touring. You can request a receipt from ABR in the January following the dig. These will no longer be sent automatically. Please consult a tax professional for advice.
8. Dig Supplies: Some supplies are difficult to purchase in Israel or buy in bulk to carry overseas. Please consider bringing one or both of the following as a donation to the Shiloh Dig:
a. MARSHALLTOWN - Pointing Trowel - Masonry - 5 Inch by 2 1/2 Inch - DuraSoft Handle (off site link)
b. Whisk Broom | Handheld Brush | Durable Poly Fiber & Nylon Bristle (off site link)
9. Please pray for the safety of the Dig team and the success of the Dig!
SHILOH 2025 Schedule
Saturday May 10: Pre-Dig Tour participants check in at the Ritz Hotel
Sunday May 11 to Saturday May 17: Pre-Dig Tour
Sunday May 18: Pre-Dig Tourists not joining Shiloh Dig check out.
Sunday May 18: Supervisors organize work areas at Shiloh. Volunteers are welcome to help. Check in PM for volunteers at the Ritz/Ambassador Hotel. Arrangements may be made for earlier check in at additional cost, but there is no guarantee of room availability. Check with ABR to confirm availability and pricing for early check in. Do not contact the hotel directly to make reservations. Dig Orientation is at 5:30 PM on the Mezzanine level. Follow the crowd.
Monday May 19 to Friday May 23: Dig at Shiloh. Week One.
Saturday May 24: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday May 25: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday May 26– Friday May 30: Dig at Shiloh. Week Two.
Saturday May 31: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 1: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday June 2 – Friday June 6: Dig at Shiloh. Week Three.
Saturday June 7. Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 8: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday June 9 – Friday June 13: Dig at Shiloh. Week Four.
Saturday June 14: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 15 – Monday June 23: Post Dig Tour
Monday June 16– Friday June 20: Restoration work at Shiloh. Volunteers are welcome. Check out Saturday 6/21 AM.
Monday June 23: Post Dig Tour participants check out AM.
COST
Excavation / Tour Costs
Contact Henry Smith, Adminstrative Director, with questions or for a price quote.
https://biblearchaeology.org/contact
ABR office: 717-859-3443 / 800-430-0008
Next >> Online Registration
Quick Links: Shiloh Dig Home
General Information | Cost | Travel Details | Online Registration
All registration information may be found here: https://biblearchaeology.org/shiloh-excavations/50-the-shiloh-excavations/4695-shiloh-2022-online-registration
Yonder offers travelers insurance to Israel: https://www.insureyonder.com/
Shiloh Spring 2025 Excavation
Accomodations
Ritz Hotel Ibn Khaldun Street 8, Jerusalem
Tel +972-2-5412222
Individual Transportation from Ben Gurion Airport to Ritz Hotel / Jerusalem
The Sheroot or Nesher communal van service travelers have used in the past has gone out of business.
Trains, buses and light-rail do not run on Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening). We are recommending coordinating with other volunteers on the Shiloh Facebook page to save on taxi costs. https://www.facebook.com/groups/shilohdigteam
For a private taxi, the cost is around $100 USD.
THE SHILOH 2025 REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
There are multiple steps involved. All steps must be completed!
1. Click Here to fill out registration form (off-site link)
A confirmation letter and registration packet will be emailed to you after receipt of your deposit, including your final price and extensive information on traveling, safety, further study, touring, lectures, etc.
2. Download and complete the Liability Release form
Make sure to initial and complete all witness signatures required. Minors must have a guardian signature as well.
This form must be scanned/photographed and emailed to: [email protected] OR mailed to the ABR office: Associates for Biblical Research / PO Box 144 / Akron, PA 17501
3. Submit $500 deposit and/or final payment per individual via check or card. (deposit due ASAP, final payments are due MARCH 15, 2025)
Help ABR save on Credit Card bank fees by paying by check, if you are able. Mail check to the ABR office: Associates for Biblical Research / PO Box 144 / Akron, PA 17501
Debit / Credit Card Payment and Instructions
Go to our secure donation page: https://biblearchaeology.org/supportabr
4. Forward your official flight information to [email protected] once you have it booked.
5. Meet the Dig Team on Facebook! (highly recommended)
Join the Shiloh facebook page right now to interact with others who are also going to Shiloh! A great place to tag yourself and easily share photos and videos that the ABR staff posts as you are on the excavations... start discussions... ask questions... get connected!
Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shilohdigteam/
SHILOH 2025 Schedule
Saturday May 10: Pre-Dig Tour participants check in at the Ritz Hotel
Sunday May 11 to Saturday May 17: Pre-Dig Tour
Sunday May 18: Pre-Dig Tourists not joining Shiloh Dig check out.
Sunday May 18: Supervisors organize work areas at Shiloh. Volunteers are welcome to help. Check in PM for volunteers at the Ritz Hotel. Arrangements may be made for earlier check in at additional cost, but there is no guarantee of room availability. Check with ABR to confirm availability and pricing for early check in. Do not contact the hotel directly to make reservations. Dig Orientation is at 5:30 PM on the Mezzanine level. Follow the crowd.
Monday May 19 to Friday May 23: Dig at Shiloh. Week One.
Saturday May 24: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday May 25: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday May 26– Friday May 30: Dig at Shiloh. Week Two.
Saturday May 31: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 1: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday June 2 – Friday June 6: Dig at Shiloh. Week Three.
Saturday June 7. Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 8: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday June 9 – Friday June 13: Dig at Shiloh. Week Four.
Saturday June 14: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 15 – Monday June 23: Post Dig Tour
Monday June 16– Friday June 20: Restoration work at Shiloh. Volunteers are welcome. Check out Saturday 6/21 AM.
Monday June 23: Post Dig Tour participants check out AM.
COST
Excavation / Tour Costs
Contact Henry Smith, Adminstrative Director, with questions or for a price quote.
https://biblearchaeology.org/contact
ABR office: 717-859-3443 / 800-430-0008
Quick Links: Shiloh Dig Home / Shiloh Spring 2024 Excavation (General Information, Cost, Travel Details, Online Registration)
General Information | Cost | Travel Details | Online Registration
All registration information may be found here: https://biblearchaeology.org/shiloh-excavations/50-the-shiloh-excavations/4695-shiloh-2022-online-registration
Yonder offers travelers insurance to Israel: https://www.insureyonder.com/
Accomodations
Ritz Hotel Ibn Khaldun Street 8, Jerusalem
Tel +972-2-541-2222
Individual Transportation from Ben Gurion Airport to Ritz Hotel / Jerusalem
The Sheroot or Nesher communal van service travelers have used in the past has gone out of business.
Trains, buses and light-rail do not run on Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening. We are recommending coordinating with other volunteers on the Shiloh Facebook page to save on taxi costs. https://www.facebook.com/groups/shilohdigteam
For a private taxi, the cost is around $100 USD.
Shiloh Spring 2025 Excavation
COST
Excavation / Tour Costs
These rates include:
- Double or Triple occupancy (SINGLE ROOMS ARE AVAILABLE ONLY BY REQUEST)
- 3 meals a day (Lunch is ONLY included on Dig days, and not on weekends during the Dig season. However, lunch IS included on the pre and post Dig Tours)
- Transport by bus to and from the Dig
- Evening education classes
PARTICIPANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE OR THEIR OWN TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS, INCLUDING FLIGHTS AND TRANSPORT TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT
ABR does not arrange group flights. In order to minimize costs, travelers make their own flight arrangements in order to find the best deals possible. Students MAY be able to find discounts at www.studentuniverse.com
A $500 per person deposit is due on a first come, first serve basis. We highly recommend sending in your deposit ASAP after you have completed your online registration to reserve your space.
Full payment is due MARCH 15, 2025 though we will take applications after that date ONLY if rooms are still available.
Most Dig participants may be asked to bring $400 US Dollars cash to Israel and submit to the ABR staff as their final payment (deducted from their total payment accordingly).Many of our expenses are only payable in cash, and transporting large volumes of cash overseas poses security risks. Check cashing in Israel has also become very difficult due to legal restrictions. Thus, having some diggers bring their final payments in cash resolves these problems. Thanks for understanding!
Additional Dig Costs:
Holy Land Weekend Touring
During the Dig, three weekend trips may be made available to diggers, depending on local conditions. Park entrance fees, lunch, and bus and/or van costs are not included in package pricing above, but will be paid by participants while in Israel. The costs are very reasonable, about $60-$75 per day.
SHILOH 2025 Schedule
Saturday May 10: Pre-Dig Tour participants check in at the Ritz Hotel
Sunday May 11 to Saturday May 17: Pre-Dig Tour
Sunday May 18: Pre-Dig Tourists not joining Shiloh Dig check out.
Sunday May 18: Supervisors organize work areas at Shiloh. Volunteers are welcome to help. Check in PM for volunteers at the Ritz/Ambassador Hotel. Arrangements may be made for earlier check in at additional cost, but there is no guarantee of room availability. Check with ABR to confirm availability and pricing for early check in. Do not contact the hotel directly to make reservations. Dig Orientation is at 5:30 PM on the Mezzanine level. Follow the crowd.
Monday May 19 to Friday May 23: Dig at Shiloh. Week One.
Saturday May 24: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday May 25: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday May 26– Friday May 30: Dig at Shiloh. Week Two.
Saturday May 31: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 1: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday June 2 – Friday June 6: Dig at Shiloh. Week Three.
Saturday June 7. Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 8: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday June 9 – Friday June 13: Dig at Shiloh. Week Four.
Saturday June 14: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 15 – Monday June 23: Post Dig Tour
Monday June 16– Friday June 20: Restoration work at Shiloh. Volunteers are welcome. Check out Saturday 6/21 AM.
Monday June 23: Post Dig Tour participants check out AM.
Contact Henry Smith, Adminstrative Director, with questions or for a price quote.
https://biblearchaeology.org/contact
ABR office: 717-859-3443 / 800-430-0008
Next >> Travel Details
Quick Links: Shiloh Dig Home
General Information | Cost | Travel Details | Online Registration
SHILOH Spring 2025 Excavation
GENERAL INFORMATION
All subject to change without notice (UPDATED 09/21/2024)
All registration information may be found here: https://biblearchaeology.org/shiloh-excavations/50-the-shiloh-excavations/4695-shiloh-2022-online-registration
Yonder offers travelers insurance to Israel: https://www.insureyonder.com/
We are looking for those who wish to join us as volunteer participants (no experience needed!) in what is likely to be a historic season of digging at ancient Shiloh. Each year ABR also offers Pre-dig and Post-dig Tours of important sites in Israel let by our ABR professional dig staff that you will not want to miss.
The Shiloh Spring Excavation will be conducted for 5 weeks with the first four weeks designated for digging and the fifth week is for restoration.
- Participants may choose to join for one, two, three, four, or all five weeks from Sunday [3 PM check in time] to the following Saturday [AM check out time].
Pre & Post-Dig Tours are also available before and after the dates of the Shiloh dig excavations for any interested person.
- Tour includes 3 meals, park entrance fees, bus driver tip, bus transport, and hotel.
- The Excavation and Tour teams will be staying at the RITZ HOTEL, 8 Ibn Khaldoun Street, Jerusalem, Israel.
Itinerary is subject to change without notice.
- Possible tour sites MAY include: Caesarea, Cana, Nazareth, Megiddo, Capernaum, Bethsaida, Beth Shean, Jericho, Qumran, Bethlehem, Elah Valley, City of David, Hezekiah's Tunnel, Israel Museum, Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea, Western Wall, Temple Mount, Old City, and Holy Sepulcher.
Accomodations
Ritz Hotel Ibn Khaldun Street 8, Jerusalem
Tel +972-2-5412222
SCHEDULE
COST
Excavation / Tour Costs
SHILOH 2025 Schedule
Saturday May 10: Pre-Dig Tour participants check in at the Ritz Hotel
Sunday May 11 to Saturday May 17: Pre-Dig Tour
Sunday May 18: Pre-Dig Tourists not joining Shiloh Dig check out.
Sunday May 18: Supervisors organize work areas at Shiloh. Volunteers are welcome to help. Check in PM for volunteers at the Ritz/Ambassador Hotel. Arrangements may be made for earlier check in at additional cost, but there is no guarantee of room availability. Check with ABR to confirm availability and pricing for early check in. Do not contact the hotel directly to make reservations. Dig Orientation is at 5:30 PM on the Mezzanine level. Follow the crowd.
Monday May 19 to Friday May 23: Dig at Shiloh. Week One.
Saturday May 24: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday May 25: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday May 26– Friday May 30: Dig at Shiloh. Week Two.
Saturday May 31: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 1: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday June 2 – Friday June 6: Dig at Shiloh. Week Three.
Saturday June 7. Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 8: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday June 9 – Friday June 13: Dig at Shiloh. Week Four.
Saturday June 14: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 15 – Monday June 23: Post Dig Tour
Monday June 16– Friday June 20: Restoration work at Shiloh. Volunteers are welcome. Check out Saturday 6/21 AM.
Monday June 23: Post Dig Tour participants check out AM.
Next >> Cost
Quick Links: Shiloh Dig Home
All registration information may be found here: https://biblearchaeology.org/shiloh-excavations/50-the-shiloh-excavations/4695-shiloh-2022-online-registration
Yonder offers travelers insurance to Israel: https://www.insureyonder.com/
SHILOH 2025 Schedule
Saturday May 10: Pre-Dig Tour participants check in at the Ritz Hotel
Sunday May 11 to Saturday May 17: Pre-Dig Tour
Sunday May 18: Pre-Dig Tourists not joining Shiloh Dig check out.
Sunday May 18: Supervisors organize work areas at Shiloh. Volunteers are welcome to help. Check in PM for volunteers at the Ritz/Ambassador Hotel. Arrangements may be made for earlier check in at additional cost, but there is no guarantee of room availability. Check with ABR to confirm availability and pricing for early check in. Do not contact the hotel directly to make reservations. Dig Orientation is at 5:30 PM on the Mezzanine level. Follow the crowd.
Monday May 19 to Friday May 23: Dig at Shiloh. Week One.
Saturday May 24: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday May 25: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday May 26– Friday May 30: Dig at Shiloh. Week Two.
Saturday May 31: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 1: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday June 2 – Friday June 6: Dig at Shiloh. Week Three.
Saturday June 7. Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 8: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday June 9 – Friday June 13: Dig at Shiloh. Week Four.
Saturday June 14: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 15 – Monday June 23: Post Dig Tour
Monday June 16– Friday June 20: Restoration work at Shiloh. Volunteers are welcome. Check out Saturday 6/21 AM.
Monday June 23: Post Dig Tour participants check out AM.
Shiloh Dig | Volunteering | Shiloh Spring 2025 Excavation & Tours | Research & Reports | Support | Photos | Videos | Meet the Dig Staff
The Shiloh Excavation is one of ABR’s most important research projects. The Tabernacle stood at Shiloh for 300 years, where the people of Israel gathered to worship. This is where the Ark of the Covenant resided! We have a number of core goals for the Shiloh dig:
All registration information may be found here: https://biblearchaeology.org/shiloh-excavations/50-the-shiloh-excavations/4695-shiloh-2022-online-registration
Yonder offers travelers insurance to Israel: https://www.insureyonder.com/
Accomodations
Ritz Hotel Ibn Khaldun Street 8, Jerusalem
Tel +972-2-5412222
SHILOH SPRING DIG 2025
SHILOH 2025 Schedule
Saturday May 10: Pre-Dig Tour participants check in at the Ritz Hotel
Sunday May 11 to Saturday May 17: Pre-Dig Tour
Sunday May 18: Pre-Dig Tourists not joining Shiloh Dig check out.
Sunday May 18: Supervisors organize work areas at Shiloh. Volunteers are welcome to help. Check in PM for volunteers at the Ritz/Ambassador Hotel. Arrangements may be made for earlier check in at additional cost, but there is no guarantee of room availability. Check with ABR to confirm availability and pricing for early check in. Do not contact the hotel directly to make reservations. Dig Orientation is at 5:30 PM on the Mezzanine level. Follow the crowd.
Monday May 19 to Friday May 23: Dig at Shiloh. Week One.
Saturday May 24: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday May 25: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday May 26– Friday May 30: Dig at Shiloh. Week Two.
Saturday May 31: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 1: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday June 2 – Friday June 6: Dig at Shiloh. Week Three.
Saturday June 7. Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 8: Optional Weekend Touring. Cost: $50 to $60 with entry fees. (Diggers pay for this optional tour in Israel in cash, not in advance). Destinations: TBA
Monday June 9 – Friday June 13: Dig at Shiloh. Week Four.
Saturday June 14: Diggers check out AM from the Ritz Hotel. FREE DAY.
Sunday June 15 – Monday June 23: Post Dig Tour
Monday June 16– Friday June 20: Restoration work at Shiloh. Volunteers are welcome. Check out Saturday 6/21 AM.
Monday June 23: Post Dig Tour participants check out AM.
COST
Excavation / Tour Costs
Have you always dreamed of being on an archaeological excavation in the Holy Land? Now is your chance to join the Associates for Biblical Research team in Israel as we excavate Shiloh in SPRING 2024! Sign up today at: www.DigShiloh.org
Shiloh Dig Home | Volunteering | Shiloh Spring 2024 Excavation & Tours | Research & Reports | Support | Photos | Videos | Meet the Dig Staff
History of the Site
Ancient Shiloh was first established in the Middle Bronze (MB) II period, around 1700 B.C. It was expanded in MB III, around 1600 B.C. and was continuously occupied until the middle of Iron Age I (around 1070 B.C.) when the Philistines destroyed it (See I Samuel 4). It was rebuilt in Iron II (980-587 B.C.) and was occupied through Early Roman times. The Byzantines and Crusaders also built structures there. Most importantly, it was the center of Israelite worship for at least 300 years. The tabernacle was erected at Shiloh and may have been later replaced by a more permanent structure. The city is in the territory of Ephraim, Joshua’s tribe.
History of Excavations
Shiloh was excavated for three seasons by a Danish team between 1926 and 1932 and again in 1963. Israel Finkelstein worked the site from 1981-84. Although a minimalist, Finkelstein confirmed the presence of “proto-Israelites” from the time of the Conquest through the period of the Judges. A very large deposit of burned cultic bones was uncovered, confirming a sacrificial system. Like at Maqatir, the Israelites built their houses against the MB wall. After Finkelstein, the Civil Administration of Judea and Samaria (KAMAT) renewed sporadic excavations at Shiloh in 1988. To date, ancient gates have not yet been found, but there was a glacis (fortification slope) and fortified wall that surrounded the site, which no doubt will eventually lead to the gate(s).
Associates for Biblical Research has been excavating at Shiloh since 2017.
Extensive Bibliography on Shiloh: Updated August 31, 2018 (PDF).
Reports from the 2024 Excavation Season
The 2024 Shiloh Dig Study Packet (PDF Download from Dropbox)
Reports from the 2023 Excavation Season
PENDING: Tel Shiloh 2023 Excavation Report: Submitted to the Staff Officer of the Civil Administration of Judea and Samaria: PDF Download from DropBox
Video Reports from the 2023 Season: SHILOH LIVE!
Reports from the 2022 Excavation Season
Tel Shiloh 2022 Excavation Report: Submitted to the Staff Officer of the Civil Administration of Judea and Samaria: PDF Download from DropBox
Video Reports from the 2022 Season: Shiloh Network News!
Reports from the 2021 Excavation Season (CANCELED)
Reports from the 2020 Excavation Season (CANCELED)
Reports from the 2019 Excavation Season
Video Reports from the 2019 Excavation Season on YouTube
Tel Shiloh 2019 Excavation Report: Submitted to the Staff Officer of the Civil Administration of Judea and Samaria: PDF Download from DropBox
Reports from the 2018 Excavation Season
Tel Shiloh 2018 Excavation Report: Submitted to the Staff Officer of the Civil Administration of Judea and Samaria: PDF Download from DropBox
Reports from the 2017 Excavation Season
Tel Shiloh 2017 Excavation Report: Submitted to the Staff Officer of the Civil Administration of Judea and Samaria: PDF Download from DropBox
Other Resources on Shiloh
Tim Lopez, Scott Stripling and David Ben-Shlomo “A Ceramic Pomegranate from Shiloh.” JSRS Volume 28, No. 1, 2019, 37–56.
Scott Stripling, "The Israelite Tabernacle at Shiloh." Bible and Spade 29:3 (2016): 88-95.
2013 Roundup of Significant New Discoveries "These buildings were destroyed in a fierce conflagration. Burnt floors were found all over. Collapsed burnt bricks accumulated on these floors to a height of more than three feet. Some of the bricks had been baked by the blaze that had raged here. Roof collapse was discernible in many places. All this dramatic evidence of fire must be associated with the destruction of Shiloh by the Philistines after they defeated the Israelites near Ebenezer in the mid-11th century B.C. Jeremiah knew what he was talking about when he later threatened the people with destruction like Shiloh’s."
Livyatan-ben-Aryeh, Reut, and Hananya Hizmi. “The Excavations at the Northern Platform of Tel Shiloh the 2012-2013 Seasons [Translated from Hebrew].” Edited by D. Scott Stripling and David E. Graves. Translated by Hillel Richman. Judea and Samarea Studies 23 (2014): 113–30.
Amihai Mazar, "Archaeology and the Bible: Reflections on History Memory in the Deuteronomistic History," in Congress Volume Munich 2013 (Vetus Testamentum Supplementum), ed. C.M. Maier, (Leiden:Brill, 2013): 350-351. (off site link).
Israel Finkelstein, Shlomo Bunimovitz, Zvi Lederman and Baruch Brandl. Shiloh: The Archaeology of a Biblical Site. Institute of Archaeology of Tel Aviv University. 1993.
Marie-Louise Buhl and Svend Holm-Nielsen. Shiloh: The Danish Excavations at Tall Sailon, Palestine in 1926, 1929, 1932, and 1963: Pre-Hellenistic Remains. The National Museum of Denmark. 1969.
Donald G. Schley. Shiloh: A Biblical City in Tradition. Sheffield Academic Press. 1989.
David Rubin. God, Israel, and Shiloh. Shiloh Israel Press. 2011.
Holy Land Magazine, "Go Now to My Place at Shiloh," 2016. (off-site link)
From Ramesses to Shiloh: Archaeological Discoveries Bearing on the Exodus-Judges Period Fall of Shiloh (l Sam. 1-4). Significant architecture from the Iron Age I, the time of Eli, has been excavated at Khirbet Seilun, ancient Shiloh, 17 km south of Shechem. All traces of Iron Age and earlier occupation on the summit of the site unfortunately were removed by later building activity. On the slopes, however, enough material from the Iron Age I period has been found to determine that the settlement at that time was 2 1/2 to 3 acres in size.
Archaeological-ages-handout-Wood-2016.pdf (29.12 kb)
JSRS_Vol28-1_Eng_2-Lopez_2019-06-23_Web_copy.pdf
Tabernacle-Stripling-BS-Fall-2016.pdf
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