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Biblical History
During the severe famine in the reign of King Ahab, Elijah sought out
lodging with a widow in Zarephath. Miraculously, the widow’s small supply
of flour and oil was not consumed until the famine came to an end. And when
her son died, Elijah brought him to life again (1 Kings 17:8-24). These
miracles were recalled by Jesus as an example of a prophet who is unwelcome
in his hometown (Luke 4:24-26). |
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Excavations
James Pritchard directed excavations at Zarephath on behalf of the
University of Pennsylvania in 1969-1972 and 1974. The excavations revealed
that Zarephath was occupied continuously throughout the Iron Age, and was
a center for pottery production, olive oil production, metallurgy, and
purple-dye manufacture. Twenty-two kilns were discovered, the earliest of
which dated to the 13th century BC. |
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History
The earliest occupation of Zarephath dates to the Late Bronze Age, ca. 1600
BC, and the city is mentioned in Papyrus Anastasi I from the reign of
Rameses II. Zarephath (Sariptu) is listed among the Phoenician cities in
Sennacherib’s campaign of 701 BC. During Esarhaddon’s reign (680-669 BC),
Zarephath was taken from Sidon and given to the king of Tyre. |
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Related Websites |
| Visit the nearby cities of
Tyre and Sidon, or travel up
to the mountains to visit the remaining
cedars of Lebanon. |
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