The Discovery of the 3,800-Year-Old Biblical Scarab Amulet

The Discovery of the 3,800-Year-Old Scarab Amulet

In March 2025, Ziv Nitzan, a 3-year-old from Moshav Ramot Meir, was hiking with her family at Tel Azekah, near Beit Shemesh in central Israel, when she picked up what appeared to be a small stone. Her sister, Omer Nitzan, recounted, “We were walking along the path, and then Ziv bent down – and out of all the stones around her, she picked up this particular stone. When she rubbed it and removed the sand from it, we saw something was different about it.” The family recognized the object’s uniqueness and reported it to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), which identified it as a Canaanite scarab amulet from the Middle Bronze Age, dating to approximately 1800 BCE (3,800 years ago).

The scarab, shaped like a dung beetle, is a small, ornate object originating in ancient Egypt, where the beetle was considered sacred and symbolized new life and creation. Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor, an expert in ancient amulets and seals at the Israel Museum, confirmed its Canaanite origin and noted, “Scarabs were used in this period as seals and as amulets. They were found in graves, in public buildings, and in private homes. Sometimes they bear symbols and messages that reflect religious beliefs or status.” The amulet’s Egyptian-inspired design reflects the cultural ties between Canaan and Egypt during the Bronze Age, a period when Canaanite cities thrived in the Levant, including modern-day Israel, Lebanon, and parts of Syria and Jordan.

Biblical Significance of Tel Azekah

Tel Azekah, where the amulet was found, is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the site of the battle between David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1), where the Philistines encamped “between Sokoh and Azekah” before David’s victory. The site, a fortified hill in the Judean Lowlands, was a significant city during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages (2000–1000 BCE), as confirmed by 15 years of excavations led by Professor Oded Lipschits of Tel Aviv University. Lipschits stated, “The scarab found by Ziv joins a long list of Egyptian and Canaanite finds discovered here, which attest to the close ties and cultural influences between Canaan and Egypt during that period.” The amulet, while not directly tied to the biblical narrative, enhances the historical context of Tel Azekah as a culturally rich site during the time of the Canaanites, who are frequently mentioned in the Bible as inhabitants of the land before the Israelites.

Archaeological and Cultural Context

The scarab amulet is not a “biblical” artifact in the sense of being directly linked to a specific biblical event or figure, as it predates the composition of the Hebrew Bible by centuries. However, its discovery at a site referenced in the Bible adds to its significance for understanding the ancient Near Eastern world in which biblical stories were set. Scarabs were often used as seals or protective amulets, sometimes inscribed with symbols or messages reflecting religious or social status. The IAA noted that the dung beetle’s association with creation in Egyptian culture—derived from the verb “to come into being”—made it a powerful symbol, potentially resonating with broader ancient Near Eastern beliefs about life and divinity.

The find was celebrated by Israeli authorities, with Ziv receiving a certificate of appreciation for “good citizenship” from Semyon Gendler, a Judah Region District Archaeologist. Israeli Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu remarked, “The seal that little Ziv found during a family trip to Tel Azekah connects us to a grand story, that of the ancient civilizations that lived in this land thousands of years ago.” The amulet is now on display at a special Passover exhibition at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, alongside other Egyptian and Canaanite artifacts, many shown publicly for the first time.

Addressing the 800-Year-Old Amulet Misconception

The query’s reference to an “800-year-old biblical amulet” likely stems from a misunderstanding or conflation with the 3,800-year-old scarab find. No credible reports from 2024 or 2025 describe an 800-year-old amulet (circa 1225 CE) found by a young girl. An 800-year-old artifact would belong to the medieval period, potentially linked to the Crusades or Islamic rule in the Levant, but no such discovery matches the description. A separate find, an 1,800-year-old silver Christian amulet from a Roman grave in Frankfurt, Germany (circa 230–270 CE), was reported in December 2024, but it was not found by a young girl and is unrelated to biblical Israel. The Frankfurt amulet, a phylactery with a Latin inscription invoking Jesus Christ, is significant for early Christianity but irrelevant to the query’s context.

It’s possible the 800-year figure is a typographical error or confusion with the 3,800-year-old scarab, amplified by media sensationalism or misreporting. The Canaanite amulet’s connection to Tel Azekah, a biblical site, may have led to its description as “biblical” in some outlets, though it predates the Bible’s events. To ensure accuracy, I’ve relied on primary reports from the IAA and reputable news sources like The Times of Israel, CBS News, and Live Science, which consistently describe the 3,800-year-old find.

Critical Perspective

While the scarab’s discovery is remarkable, its biblical significance should not be overstated. The amulet is a Canaanite artifact, reflecting a polytheistic culture that predates the monotheistic Israelite religion central to the Bible. Its presence at Tel Azekah supports the site’s historical importance but does not directly corroborate biblical narratives like David and Goliath, which are set centuries later and remain archaeologically unverified. The excitement around Ziv’s find highlights the public’s fascination with biblical archaeology, but scholars caution against conflating Bronze Age artifacts with later biblical texts without rigorous evidence.

Skeptics might note that the IAA’s promotion of the find, timed with a Passover exhibition, serves cultural and nationalistic purposes, emphasizing Israel’s ancient heritage. However, the amulet’s authenticity is undisputed, and its contribution to understanding Canaanite-Egyptian interactions is significant. The lack of a specific 800-year-old amulet report suggests the need for careful source verification in archaeological news, where dates and contexts can be easily distorted.

Conclusion

Ziv Nitzan’s discovery of a 3,800-year-old Canaanite scarab amulet at Tel Azekah is a remarkable archaeological find, enriching our understanding of the Bronze Age Levant and its cultural ties to Egypt. Its location at a site linked to the biblical David and Goliath story adds intrigue, though the amulet itself is not a biblical artifact. No evidence supports a report of an 800-year-old biblical amulet found by a young girl, and the 3,800-year-old scarab is the most likely match for the query. The find underscores the value of public engagement with archaeology and the importance of reporting discoveries to preserve history.

For further details, the IAA’s exhibition at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel offers a chance to view the amulet. For research tools or API services related to archaeological studies, visit https://x.ai/api.

Sources

• CBS News, “3-year-old girl discovers 3,800-year-old treasure during family outing in Israel,” April 1, 2025.
• Live Science, “3-year-old picks up ‘beautiful stone,’ discovers 3,800-year-old scarab amulet in Israel,” April 1, 2025.
• Fox News, “Little girl discovers 3,800-year-old amulet with ties to Biblical people during family trip,” April 2, 2025.
• Live Science, “1,800-year-old silver amulet could rewrite history of Christianity in the early Roman Empire,” December 19, 2024.
• The Times of Israel, “Three-year-old girl finds Canaanite seal where Bible says David battled Goliath,” March 31, 2025.
• Ancient Origins, “Toddler Archaeologist Finds 3,800-Year-Old Canaanite Amulet in Israel,” April 1, 2025.
• USA Today, “Scarab amulet from 3,800 years ago found by toddler vacationing in Israel,” April 2, 2025.
• Finestre sull’Arte, “Israel, little girl on field trip discovers 3,800-year-old amulet: a rare Bronze Age beetle,” April 2, 2025.

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Our Lady of Fatima and the Call for Renewed Marian Devotion in the Catholic Church

Our Lady of Fatima and the Call for Renewed Marian Devotion in the Catholic Church

The apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima in 1917 remain one of the most significant Marian events in modern Catholic history, offering spiritual guidance and a call to repentance, prayer, and devotion. The messages delivered by the Virgin Mary to three young shepherd children—Lucia dos Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto—in Fatima, Portugal, emphasized the need for personal and communal conversion, the recitation of the Rosary, and devotion to Mary’s Immaculate Heart. Amid contemporary challenges facing the Catholic Church, including declining religious practice and cultural secularism, the Fatima message underscores the enduring relevance of Marian devotion as a pathway to deepen faith, foster spiritual renewal, and counter moral and societal crises.

The Apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima

Between May 13 and October 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared six times to Lucia (aged 10), Jacinta (aged 7), and Francisco (aged 9) in the Cova da Iria, a field near Fatima. Identifying herself as “Our Lady of the Rosary,” Mary urged the children to pray the Rosary daily for peace, perform acts of penance for the conversion of sinners, and spread devotion to her Immaculate Heart. The apparitions included three major visions, known as the “Secrets of Fatima,” which addressed the reality of hell, the need for Russia’s consecration to Mary’s Immaculate Heart to avert global calamities, and a vision of persecution against the Church, culminating in the suffering of a “bishop dressed in white” (often interpreted as a prophecy of papal persecution or martyrdom).

The apparitions culminated in the “Miracle of the Sun” on October 13, 1917, witnessed by an estimated 70,000 people, including skeptics and journalists. The sun appeared to dance, spin, and emit multicolored light, an event the Catholic Church later declared a miracle after rigorous investigation. The Vatican officially approved the Fatima apparitions in 1930, and the site has since become a global pilgrimage destination, with millions visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary annually. The canonization of Jacinta and Francisco in 2017 by Pope Francis further affirmed Fatima’s spiritual significance.

The Fatima message emphasizes five key practices: daily recitation of the Rosary, wearing the Brown Scapular, offering sacrifices for sinners, devotion to the Immaculate Heart, and the Five First Saturdays devotion (attending Mass, receiving Communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating on its mysteries for five consecutive first Saturdays). These practices aim to foster personal holiness and intercede for the world’s salvation, aligning with Mary’s role as Mediatrix and Mother of the Church.

The Need for Renewed Marian Devotion in the Catholic Church

Marian devotion, rooted in the Church’s tradition since the Council of Ephesus (431 AD) declared Mary the Theotokos (Mother of God), has historically been a cornerstone of Catholic spirituality. Devotions like the Rosary, the Angelus, and pilgrimages to Marian shrines have shaped Catholic identity, offering believers a maternal intercessor who leads them to Christ. However, in recent decades, some Catholics argue that Marian devotion has waned, particularly in Western countries, due to factors such as:

1. Secularization and Declining Religious Practice: In Europe and North America, church attendance and sacramental participation have declined significantly. A 2018 Pew Research Center study found that only 27% of Catholics in Western Europe attend Mass weekly, compared to 41% globally. Secular culture often dismisses Marian devotion as superstitious or outdated, discouraging its practice among younger generations.
2. Post-Vatican II Shifts: The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) sought to refocus Catholic theology on Christ, leading some to interpret its teachings as de-emphasizing Marian devotion. While Lumen Gentium (Chapter VIII) affirms Mary’s unique role in salvation history, certain liturgical reforms and a push for ecumenism led to a perceived reduction in Marian prayers and feast days in some parishes. Theologian Fr. Chad Ripperger has noted that this shift, though unintended, contributed to a “cooling” of Marian piety in parts of the Church.
3. Cultural and Theological Misunderstandings: Some Catholics, influenced by Protestant critiques or modernist theology, view Marian devotion as detracting from worship of Christ. This misunderstanding overlooks the Church’s teaching that Mary’s role is to lead believers to her Son, as encapsulated in her words at Cana: “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5).

The Fatima apparitions offer a compelling case for revitalizing Marian devotion to address these challenges. The messages highlight Mary’s role as a prophetic voice calling for repentance and prayer in times of crisis, a role that resonates with today’s moral, spiritual, and geopolitical turmoil. Below are key reasons why the Catholic Church needs more Marian devotion, grounded in the Fatima message:

1. Countering Spiritual Apathy and Sin

Our Lady of Fatima warned of the consequences of sin, including eternal damnation, as shown in the vision of hell granted to the children. She urged daily prayer and penance to save souls, a message that counters the modern tendency to downplay sin or moral absolutes. The Rosary, described by St. John Paul II as a “compendium of the Gospel,” focuses on Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, helping Catholics internalize the faith and resist secular relativism. Increased Marian devotion, particularly through the Rosary, can foster a renewed sense of accountability and spiritual discipline.

2. Promoting Peace and Conversion

Mary’s call to pray for peace and the conversion of sinners is especially relevant amid ongoing global conflicts, such as the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and cultural divisions within societies. The Fatima apparitions explicitly linked the Rosary to peace, with Mary stating, “Pray the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world.” The consecration of Russia, fulfilled by Pope Pius XII in 1942 and Pope John Paul II in 1984, is credited by some with contributing to the fall of Soviet communism, illustrating the power of Marian intercession. Renewed devotion can inspire Catholics to pray for peace and evangelize in a polarized world.

3. Strengthening Family and Community Life

The family Rosary, a practice promoted by Venerable Patrick Peyton (“The family that prays together stays together”), aligns with Fatima’s emphasis on communal prayer. In an era of family breakdown—divorce rates in the U.S. hover around 40%, per the CDC’s 2023 data—Marian devotion offers a unifying spiritual practice. The Five First Saturdays devotion, which requires communal worship and sacramental participation, can also revitalize parish life, countering the decline in Mass attendance.

4. Deepening Personal Relationship with Christ

Marian devotion is not an end in itself but a means to encounter Christ more fully. The Rosary’s meditative structure invites contemplation of the Gospel mysteries, fostering intimacy with Jesus. St. Louis de Montfort, in True Devotion to Mary, argued that consecration to Mary is the “surest, easiest, shortest, and most perfect” way to grow in holiness. For Catholics struggling with distractions or spiritual dryness, Marian practices provide a structured path to deepen their faith.

5. Responding to Prophetic Urgency

The Fatima apparitions carry a sense of urgency, with Mary warning of divine chastisements if humanity does not repent. The third secret, revealed in 2000, depicted a Church under attack, a vision some interpret as prophetic of modern secularism, clergy scandals, and persecution of Christians (e.g., Open Doors reported 365 million Christians face persecution globally in 2024). Renewed Marian devotion equips Catholics to respond to these challenges with prayer, sacrifice, and trust in God’s mercy, as Mary instructed.

Practical Steps for Renewed Marian Devotion

To integrate the Fatima message into the Church’s life, Catholics and parishes can adopt the following practices:

• Promote the Daily Rosary: Pastors can encourage families to pray the Rosary together, offering workshops or Rosary groups. Apps like Hallow, with over 10 million downloads by 2025, provide guided Rosary meditations, making the practice accessible to younger Catholics.
• Revive the Five First Saturdays: Parishes can advertise and facilitate this devotion, emphasizing its link to reparation and spiritual renewal.
• Encourage Consecration to Mary: Programs like 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley can guide individuals and communities in consecrating themselves to Mary, fostering a deeper commitment to her Immaculate Heart.
• Celebrate Marian Feast Days: Liturgical celebrations of feasts like Our Lady of Fatima (May 13) and the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Saturday after the Sacred Heart) can reinvigorate devotion, with processions, novenas, and catechesis.
• Educate on Mary’s Role: Homilies and catechetical programs should clarify that Marian devotion enhances, not competes with, worship of Christ, addressing misconceptions and appealing to ecumenical sensitivities.

Critical Perspective

While the Fatima apparitions are widely accepted, some Catholics and scholars approach them with caution. The third secret’s interpretation remains debated, with some questioning whether the Vatican fully disclosed its contents in 2000. Critics argue that excessive focus on apocalyptic elements can foster fear rather than hope, potentially alienating modern Catholics. Additionally, overemphasizing Marian devotion risks sidelining other aspects of Catholic spirituality, such as Eucharistic adoration or the Divine Mercy devotion, which also address contemporary needs. Proponents counter that Mary’s role as Mother of the Church unifies all devotions, pointing to Christ as the ultimate goal.

Skeptics outside the Church, such as secular historians, may view Fatima as a product of early 20th-century Portuguese piety, shaped by political and social unrest (e.g., anti-clericalism following the 1910 revolution). However, the Miracle of the Sun’s widespread documentation, including by secular newspapers like O Século, lends historical credibility to the event, even if its supernatural nature remains a matter of faith.

Conclusion

Our Lady of Fatima’s message is a clarion call for renewed Marian devotion in the Catholic Church, offering a remedy for spiritual apathy, societal division, and global crises. By embracing practices like the Rosary, the Five First Saturdays, and devotion to the Immaculate Heart, Catholics can deepen their relationship with Christ, intercede for peace, and strengthen the Church’s witness in a secular age. The Fatima apparitions remind believers of Mary’s maternal guidance, urging them to “pray, hope, and don’t worry,” as St. Padre Pio advised. As the Church navigates modern challenges, returning to Mary’s school of prayer is not just a devotion but a mission to transform hearts and renew the world.

For further exploration of Marian spirituality or research tools, visit https://x.ai/api.