Tel Kedesh (Khirbet Qadish) is a multi-period archaeological site situated on the foothills of the Poriya ridge, approximately 220 meters above the Sea of Galilee. The site overlooks the south west side of the lake, a strategic position that likely controlled an ascent from the Jordan River crossing. Its ruins consist of traces of structures and walls built with basalt stones.
Tel Kedesh was settled across thousands of years, from the Chalcolithic period and continuing through the Bronze and Iron Ages, and into the later periods up to the Middle Ages.
Some scholars suggest this site is the Biblical Kedesh Naphtali mentioned in the Book of Joshua as a fortified city in the tribe of Naphtali, and one of the cities of refuge. Biblical Kedesh Naphtali was the hometown of Barak ben Abinoam, the military leader who, along with the prophetess Deborah, defeated the Canaanites led by Sisera during the period of the Judges (Iron Age I, c. 1200–1000 BC).
The identification of Tel Kedesh as Kedesh Naphtali is debated, as another prominent archaeological site in the Upper Galilee near Lebanon is also identified as this biblical city.
Our team surveyed the site, reviewed its plan, and examined pottery remains to date the settlement periods. The eastern foothills made it quite simple, as a fire cleared out the weeds and the porcupines dug into the surface pulling out pottery remains.
Visit: https://www.biblewalks.com/tel-kedesh/
