Researchers at the archaeological site of Tel Shiloh have reportedly uncovered a stone structure whose dimensions and orientation closely match those of the Mishkan that stood there nearly 3,500 years ago, along with over 100,000 animal bones believed to be remnants of korbanos.

By Anash.org reporter

Researchers at the archaeological site of Tel Shiloh have uncovered a stone structure whose dimensions and orientation correspond precisely to the Mishkan that stood there nearly 3,500 years ago, the Daily Mail reported.

Shiloh, situated in the hilly region of southern Samaria, became the site where the Mishkan was re-established as a permanent stone structure fourteen years after the Jews entered Eretz Yisroel. It stood there for 369 years until it was destroyed. Fifty-seven years later, Shlomo HaMelech built the First Beis Hamikdash in Yerushalayim.

Until now, many scholars believed the Mishkan proper had stood farther north. But Dr. Scott Stripling, director of the Tel Shiloh excavation, believes that he has not only identified the Mishkan’s location but also exposed its stone foundations. 

“We uncovered a monumental structure from Iron Age I, whose dimensions match those of the Mishkan as described in Torah”, Stripling said. “The structure is oriented east–west and divided in a 2:1 ratio, exactly as described in the Scriptures.”

In addition to the building itself, the team has recovered over 100,000 animal bones – primarily sheep, goats, and cattle – and notably, most came from the right side of the animal. This possibly corresponds with the possuk (Vayikra 7,32), which states, “And the right thigh you shall give as a contribution to the kohen from your korban shlomim.”

“This is not a coincidence. The evidence of sacrificial rituals here is overwhelming, and it perfectly matches the biblical description.”

Pottery shards found alongside the bones date to the same period, reinforcing the identification of the site with the Mishkan era, before the construction of the Beis Hamikdash in Yerushalayim. The newly uncovered structure also features a massive internal wall dividing the space into two chambers, which could possibly coincide with the separation between the Heichal and the Kodesh HaKodoshim by the Paroches.

Excavations at Tel Shiloh continue, and scholars are closely following each discovery that may deepen our understanding of this once-sacred home of Hashem’s presence.