And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it... Joshua 10:31
"A pair of smiting gods and other rare ritual artifacts are among the fascinating discoveries described in a recently published
comprehensive report of the 2013-2017 excavations of the archaeology-rich Lachish site. The report digs deep into 12th century B.C .Canaanite worship practices, from the modest temple structure, to ritual items discovered inside.
According to the press release, the compound was divided into a front area that was marked by two columns and two towers, which led into a large hall. From there, an inner sanctum was delineated by four supporting columns “and several unhewn ‘standing stones’ that may have served as representations of temple gods,” stated the press release.... lists a plethora of other ritual items that were discovered, such as “bronze cauldrons, jewelry inspired by the ancient Egyptian goddess Hathor, daggers and axe-heads adorned with bird images, scarabs, and a gold-plated bottle inscribed with the name Ramses II, one of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs.”
Perhaps the most fascinating finds are a pair of smiting gods, which were discovered inside the temple’s inner sanctum....The authors write that the figurines are commonly identified with two Canaanite gods, Baal or Resheph.....
--Both are marching with their right hands raised and are wearing short kilts and tall hats, one of which, the article writes, recalls the White Crown of Upper Egypt.
--One of the gods is still holding a weapon, a mace or club that is attached to the figure’s forehead, writes the article.
--“Below their feet are pegs that were used to attach the figurines to wooden stands, as attested by the remains of wood.”
BiblicalArchaeology
"A pair of smiting gods and other rare ritual artifacts are among the fascinating discoveries described in a recently published
According to the press release, the compound was divided into a front area that was marked by two columns and two towers, which led into a large hall. From there, an inner sanctum was delineated by four supporting columns “and several unhewn ‘standing stones’ that may have served as representations of temple gods,” stated the press release.... lists a plethora of other ritual items that were discovered, such as “bronze cauldrons, jewelry inspired by the ancient Egyptian goddess Hathor, daggers and axe-heads adorned with bird images, scarabs, and a gold-plated bottle inscribed with the name Ramses II, one of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs.”
Perhaps the most fascinating finds are a pair of smiting gods, which were discovered inside the temple’s inner sanctum....The authors write that the figurines are commonly identified with two Canaanite gods, Baal or Resheph.....
--Both are marching with their right hands raised and are wearing short kilts and tall hats, one of which, the article writes, recalls the White Crown of Upper Egypt.
--One of the gods is still holding a weapon, a mace or club that is attached to the figure’s forehead, writes the article.
--“Below their feet are pegs that were used to attach the figurines to wooden stands, as attested by the remains of wood.”
BiblicalArchaeology