Scott Stripling

Scott Stripling is an American archaeologist and biblical scholar, recognized for his extensive work in biblical archaeology, particularly in the highlands of Israel. As of 2026, Stripling serves as the Provost and Director of the Archaeology Institute at The Bible Seminary in Katy, Texas, and is the Director of Excavations for the Associates for Biblical Research (ABR) at the ancient site of Shiloh in Israel. His research primarily focuses on the Late Bronze Age to Iron Age transition and the connections between biblical texts and material culture.

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Academic Career and Education

Scott Stripling holds Master's degrees from the University of Texas and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, along with a Ph.D. in Archaeology and Biblical History from Veritas International University. He currently leads the Archaeological Institute at The Bible Seminary and directs excavations at Shiloh for ABR. Stripling has formerly been involved with various archaeological projects, including work at Khirbet el-Maqatir and the Temple Mount Sifting Project in Jerusalem.

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Major Works and Contributions

• His notable publications include *The Trowel and the Truth* (2017), a widely used university textbook, and contributions to *The Harvest Handbook of Bible Lands* (2019).

• Stripling has also contributed chapters to *Five Views on the Exodus* (2021) and *Archaeology, John, and Jesus* (2021).

• He has co-authored *Khirbet el-Maqatir, Volume 2: The Late Hellenistic, Early Roman, and Byzantine Periods* (2022).

His archaeological fieldwork includes leading the Shiloh excavations since 2017, which aim to uncover stratification from the Late Bronze Age to the Early Islamic period. Stripling's work at Shiloh has identified the first clear Late Bronze Age stratum, adding significant insight into the biblical period of the Tabernacle.

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Organizational Affiliations and Public Engagement

Scott Stripling is heavily involved with the Associates for Biblical Research and serves as the President of the Board of Directors of the Near East Archaeological Society. He is a frequent speaker at churches and conferences worldwide and has appeared in various media outlets, including documentaries on networks like the History Channel and Discovery Channel.

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Impact on Biblical Studies

Stripling's work is influential within evangelical archaeological circles, particularly for his methodological approach in connecting biblical narratives with archaeological finds. His leadership in excavations at Shiloh and Khirbet el-Maqatir has provided valuable data for understanding the historical context of biblical events. His publications are utilized in both academic and popular contexts, bridging scholarly research with public engagement.

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Critique and Reception

While Stripling's work is valued in evangelical circles for its alignment with biblical narratives, it has faced some criticism from mainstream academia, particularly regarding the methodological rigor and interpretive assumptions in linking archaeological evidence directly to biblical texts. His contributions are primarily published in venues associated with biblical research groups, such as the *Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin* and *Bible and Spade*, alongside peer-reviewed journals like *Levant*. Scholars have noted that while his interpretations are well-received within evangelical scholarship, they require careful evaluation from a broader archaeological standpoint.

See also: Biblical Archaeology, Shiloh Excavations

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