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Explore ancient Shiloh. This in-depth tour leaves no stone uncovered. Learn everything you need to know. Learn about the location, sites of interest, history, Bible talk, and faith lessons. Shiloh was the main spiritual center of Israel during much of the Old Testament. DONATE: TOUR TRIPS TO ISRAEL BY TODD FINK: BOOKS ABOUT ISRAEL BY TODD FINK: Contents: 0:00 - Intro 2:26 - Olive Press 3:44 - Living Water 5:05 - History 7:06 - Hologram of Tabernacle 8:11 - History 10:26 - History of Churches at Shiloh 14:18 - Archaeological Interview with Dr. Scott Stripling 21:16 - Movie at the Observation Tower 22:33 - Tabernacle Location 29:41 - Storehouses & Archaeological Dig 33:43 - Maps Explanation, Historical Background 42:16 - Olive Press Explanation 44:25 - Bible Talk 52:49 - Faith Lesson Location 1. Shiloh is about 20 miles (32 km.) north of Jerusalem. 2. It was on a major north-south travel route that linked Beersheba in the south to Shechem and the northern cities of Israel. 3. It had hills surrounding it, so when the nation gathered at Shiloh for feasts, they could camp around it and partake in the events. As a result, many pieces of pottery have been found on the hills around Shiloh. 4. Tel Shiloh is at an archaeological park called “Ancient Shiloh,“ located at the entrance to modern-day Shiloh. 5. Shiloh was in the hill country of Samaria within the tribal allotment of Ephraim. 6. It was likely chosen as Israel's capital and military base due to its central location within the country. Historical Background 1. Shiloh was the religious and military capital of Israel during the times of the Judges, and the Tabernacle resided here for 369 years. 2. It was the first place where the Tabernacle became a permanent structure. 3. The Ark of the Covenant resided here within the Tabernacle. 4. Three churches were built during the Byzantine Period to commemorate Shiloh. 5. A Mosque was built on the west side of the ruins of the first two 4th-century Byzantine churches. Places of Interest 1. Oil Press 2. Building with Hologram of the Tabernacle 3. 6th-century Byzantine Church 4. Byzantine Church Ruins (4th-century church has the Shiloh inscription) 5. Mosque built over Byzantine Churches 6. Stone of four-horned altar 7. Baptistry 6. Visitor Tower 7. Tabernacle Location 8. Cisterns 9. Storerooms 10. Canaanite Wall 11. Winepress Shiloh In the Bible 1. During the conquest of the Promised Land (7-year period), the Tabernacle resided principally at Gilgal (Josh. 4:19–24). 2. After the conquest of the land was basically complete, the Tabernacle was set up in Shiloh, where it would reside for 369 years (Joshua 18:1). 3. At Shiloh, lots were cast to divide the land among the 7 tribes who had not yet received their inheritance on the west side of the Jordan River (Joshua 18:2–3). 4. From Shiloh, Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh departed for their homes east of the Jordan River (Joshua 22:9). 5. After departing from Shiloh to return home, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar at the Jordan River. The rest of the tribes misunderstood their purpose for the altar and met at Shiloh to go and fight against them. Joshua 22:12: And when the people of Israel heard of it, the whole assembly of the people of Israel gathered at Shiloh to make war against them. 6. During a dark time in the book of Judges, the Benjamite tribe was almost wiped out by the other tribes of Israel because of their severe disobedience to God. To revive the population of Benjamin, wives were provided for them at Shiloh (Judges 21:19–21). 7. At Shiloh, Hannah prayed for a son. God heard her prayers and blessed her with Samuel (1 Samuel 1:3–5). 8. The sanctuary in Shiloh was called a “temple,“ as noted in 1 Samuel 1:9, 3:3. It had doorposts and doors, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:9, 3:15. It was, therefore, a more durable structure than the old Tent of Meeting (tabernacle). 9. Eli and his wicked sons presided over the Tabernacle at Shiloh. Then, through the prophet Samuel, the doom of their house was announced (1 Samuel 3:11–13). 10. In a battle with the Philistines, the ark was captured. As a result, the fall of Hophni and Phinehas and the death of Eli happened near Shiloh (1 Samuel 4:16–18). 11. The Ark of the Covenant was returned to Beth Shemesh by the Philistines and ended up staying at Abinadab's house for 20 years (1 Sam. 7:1). 12. Eventually, King David would take the ark to the City of David (1 Chron. 13, 15), and then it would be moved to the temple Solomon built (2 Chron. 5:2). 13. After the Kingdom of Israel was divided, Jeroboam, King of the Northern Tribes, erected golden calf altars in Bethel and Dan for the worship of false gods. Over time, Shiloh fell into ruins and came under judgment from God (Psalm 78:59–61; Jeremiah 7:12).
