Amos

The iconic overlook on the Greek island of Santorini. All of the water in view fills the ancient caldera of an extinct volcano. When it erupted it caused the residents of Santorini, and of nearby Crete, biblical Caphtor, to flee and invade along the coasts of the Levant. They and their descendants were called the Philistines. Photo by John Buckner The eruption of Santorini set in motion events that led to the Israelites conquering Canaan far to the east, and to Jesus being called the Son of David.  

Santorini and the Bible

Santorini and the Philistines “Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the Lord will...
The ruins at Bethel are located in a field outside of the village of Beitin. Nearby is a nice subdivision and some farms, but the site itself is neglected and vandalized. In the early 2000s a Japanese initiative tried to develop the site for tourists, but the attempt was abandoned. Photo by John Buckner

Bethel

Bethel “And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the...