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‘Izbet Sarta is a significant archaeological site perched on a hill next to the modern-day city of Rosh Ha’ayin, in central Israel. Dating to the early Iron Age, some scholars suggested identifying it with Even Ha’ezer, a battle site from the time of the prophet Samuel.

Archaeology and History of ‘Izbet Sarah

A regional archaeological survey in the 1970s tracked the site for the first time. The excavations indicated the site was settled for a relatively short period, and its material culture was typical of the early Israelite period (12th-9th century BCE). The archaeologists even found a very rare inscribed pottery shard (ostracon) that seems to be a writing exercise in the earliest form of Hebrew. This might be an important testimony to literacy among the Israelites in rural settlements. The site fits well with the Book of Judges period, which records the Israelites’ gradual settlement of the Holy Land.

Is ‘Izbet Sartah Even Ha’ezer?

The fact the ‘Izbet Sartah is only 2 miles east of biblical Aphek-Antipatris led some scholars to suggest that ‘Izbet Sartah is Even Ha’ezer, where the Israelites gathered for two critical battles against the Philistines camping in Aphek (1 Samuel 4). In the first battle, the Israelites were defeated, losing 4,000 men. Hearing of this, Eli, the priest and custodian of the Ark of the Covenant in Shiloh, suggested carrying the Ark to the battle site. Having God’s presence, he believed, would undoubtedly lead the Israelites to victory. However, the Israelites were defeated again, and worse, the Philistines confiscated the Ark. Eli also lost his two sons in the battle –

So the Philistines fought, the Israelites were defeated, and every man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great; Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.” (1 Samuel 4:10-11).

Although ‘The Izbet Sartah site was set as a farm, it is possible that it was used for gathering an Israelite army. Aphek, where the Philistines were camping, is on the other side of the valley and can be well viewed from the site.

Touring ‘Izbet Sartah

The site seems hidden, as it is behind an ordinary street in Rosh Ha’ayin, with no signs pointing to it. Nevertheless it is a significant destination for any Biblical archaeology buff.

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