Archaeologists at Tel Lachish, the ruins of a city in the Kingdom of Judah until its destruction in 701 BC, discovered an ancient toilet. While normally such a discovery might make for some entertaining headlines, it wouldn’t be considered of much importance. It is the location of this particular commode that makes it newsworthy. It was found in a shrine-like room which also contained cult figures, badly damaged ones at that, their horns smashed. The Times of Israel reports that it appears ancient Israelites installed the john in this alter room as a way to desecrate the idols.

Even so, why is this so remarkable? Because the room they found sounds very much like religious reforms that were carried out by King Hezekiah. Observe 2 Kings 10.25-.28:

When he finished offering the burnt sacrifice, Jehu ordered the royal guard and officers, “Come in and strike them down! Don’t let any escape!” So the royal guard and officers struck them down with the sword and left their bodies lying there. Then they entered the inner sanctuary of the temple of Baal. They hauled out the sacred pillar of the temple of Baal and burned it.They demolished the sacred pillar of Baal and the temple of Baal; it is used as a latrine to this very day. So Jehu eradicated Baal worship from Israel. (Emphasis mine)

Sa’ar Ganor, archaeologist for the Israel Antiquities Authority explains, “The cult worship was eradicated, here’s the evidence, smashing the altar horns. But not only was it annulled, in Lachish they put in a throne, the same stone you see here.” It seems this interesting but unremarkable find proves the accuracy and reliability of our Bible.