Despite the coronavirus pandemic and the limited excavations that occurred in Israel, 2020 was another major year of discoveries for biblical archaeology. Here’s our selection of the top finds, in ascending order of significance.

As Joseph was ‘šalit’ in Bronze Age Egypt, Baal was ‘šalit’ at Bronze Age Lachish.

Scientists discover 2,700-year-old remains of cannabis on a Tel Arad incense altar, paralleling details of the reign of King Ahaz. But does the ritual cannabis use reflect standard worship practices at Jerusalem’s temple, as the researchers suggest?

Some uncanny parallels among the Semitic rulers of Lower Egypt—right down to their individual names

New excavations reveal Egyptian army’s presence at Megiddo.

Genuine evidence for an early Exodus date? Or the product of artificial inflation?

What the Prophet Ezekiel—and archaeology—reveals about ancient Babylonian divination

New technology being utilized in the City of David

Eight large ostrich eggs discovered at an ancient nomadic campsite

A sign of Jewish continuity in Jerusalem—even when Jews were prohibited from entering

Why are humans so physically unique among the animal kingdom?

A recent documentary Patterns of Evidence: The Red Sea Miracle compares a ‘scientific’ Bitter Lakes crossing theory with a ‘biblical’ Gulf of Aqaba crossing theory. But how biblical—or scientific—is either? Where did the Red Sea crossing take place?

How archaeological discoveries from Israel’s capital city correspond with biblical history.

Harmonizing biblical poetry and history to understand David’s time on the run

Enigmatic chambers that have sparked widespread speculation and sensational interpretation—an interesting new theory posits a more mundane purpose.

Beware the lens of presentism.

A case of numeric exaggeration using a symbolic number? Is it reason to discount a literal interpretation of the 1 Kings 6:1 Exodus timeline?

As monumental of a find as the palace is, the way it was found is perhaps even more remarkable.

Yes—here’s what those who call her profession into question leave out.

Nearly 2,800 years ago, a megaquake shook ancient Israel. So says the Bible—and so says a mountain of archaeological evidence.

Evidence for an ancient biblical Assyrian title

How the “stones speak” about one of Judah’s longest-reigning monarchs