JOSHUA'S ALTAR: The Dig at Mount Ebal

by Milt Machlin ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 26, 1991

Padded but provocative report on a major Israeli archeological excavation, by the former editor of Argosy. According to Israeli archeologist Adam Zertal, the mastermind of the dig, the rains atop Mt. Ebal in Samaria on the occupied West bank mark the sit, of Joshua's altar as described in the Bible (Joshua 8:30)--the first excavation ever to corroborate a biblical reference. Machlin (The Search for Michael Rockefeller, 1972) catches Indiana Jones-fever as soon as he hears of the discovery, flying to Israel to study the site and interview Zertal. What ensues is a retrospective account of Zertal's digs, stretched to book length through dull biblical references, scary descriptions of the intifada (Machlin's guide totes an Uzi in his car), and the increasingly exciting archeological quest. As Egyptian scarabs, burnt animal bones, sacred walls, and the like turn up, it becomes apparent that this is indeed a significant ancient cultic site. But is it Joshua's? ""If there: was a Joshua, this was certainly his altar,"" concludes Machlin, who suggests that the discovery lends historical credence to much of the early Bible, hitherto lacking any tangible substantiation. Just like an archeological dig: tedium and dust, but occasional shouts of ""Eureka!"" as well.

Pub Date: April 26, 1991

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Morrow

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1991

Categories: NONFICTION