The Historical Background and Dating of Amos Vi 2: An Archaeological Perspective From Tell Es-Sâfì/Gath

The historical context and interpretation of the mention of the cities of Calneh, Hamath and Gath in Amos vi 2, has been the subject of much discussion. Recent finds from the excavations at Tell es-Sâfī, Israel (identified as biblical Gath of the Philistines), uncovered a destruction level and a siege system dated to the late 9th cent. BCE, apparent evidence of the conquest of Gath by Hazael of Aram (2 Kings xii 18). Subsequently, the site is of little significance until the end of the Iron Age. Based on this it is suggested, the three cities mentioned in Amos refer to cities captured and destroyed by Hazael, and that this oracle written not long after the destination of Gath, whilst the memory of these events (and particularly the destruction of Gath) was flesh.