Boyd V. Seevers, Ph.D.

Boyd Seevers has been teaching Old Testament at University of Northwestern since 2000. Prior to Northwestern, he lived in Israel for eight years with his wife, Karen, and their four children. Since coming to Northwestern, he has led numerous trips back to Israel for study, teaching during sabbatical, archaeological excavation, and filming for distance education courses. He is an expert on ancient warfare and has participated in numerous archaeological excavations in Israel. He has published in the fields of biblical geography and history, ancient warfare, linguistics, archaeology, and the Christian life.

He has served on the boards for Jerusalem University College (Jerusalem, Israel) since 2011, and the Near East Archaeological Society since 2015, as well as the editorial committee for the Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin since 2021. Seevers also enjoys competing in marathons and Ironman triathlons. In 2006 and 2012 he was Northwestern’s Teacher of the Year and in 2022, he was Northwestern’s Scholar of the Year. In 2005 he was placed on the “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” list.

Seevers has twice served two-year terms as J. Edwin Hartill Endowed Professor in the department of Biblical & Theological Studies. For 2016–2017, his scholarly focus was on archaeological work at Khirbet el-Maqatir (possibly the site of Ai of Joshua 7–8) in Israel. He and UNW students sought to confirm the historical accuracy of the book of Joshua through excavation and publication. Learn more about the 3,000-year-old storage jar they uncovered as well as the exhibit of artifacts from the site on display at UNW during 2019.

Seevers’ archaeological work has now shifted to ancient Shiloh where the Tabernacle stood and Eli and Samuel ministered. Seevers continues to work with UNW students in digging and publishing the finds, including for his 2022–2024 Hartill appointment. For information on how you can help excavate at Shiloh, see digshiloh.org.

Specialty Areas

• Israel—ancient and modern
• History—Old Testament and intertestamental
• Hebrew—biblical and modern
• Archaeology
• Books of the Bible—Daniel, Genesis
• Land of Israel
• Biblical customs

Professional Accomplishments

Publications

Books

• In process: The Excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir, 1995-2000 and 2009-2016, Vol. 1, The Bronze and Iron Ages. Part 2: The Iron Age. Archaeopress, Oxford, forthcoming.
• The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible: Understanding the Big Picture Book-by-Book. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 2014. Co-authored with William Marty.
• Lendo a Bíblia livro por livro; um guia rápido de estudo panorâmico da Bíblia (Portuguese translation of The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible). São Paulo, Brazil: Edições Vida Nova, 2019. Co-authored with William Marty.
• Old Testament Warfare: The Organization, Weapons, and Tactics of Ancient Near Eastern Armies. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2013.
• Hidden in Plain Sight: Finding Wisdom and Meaning in Parts of the Bible Most People Skip. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 2012.

Chapters and Articles

• “Rods and Spatulae.” Section of chapter on jewelry and household items in The Excavations at Ancient Shiloh, Israel: 2017–2019 and 2022–20xx,” edited by Scott Stripling. Forthcoming. Co-authored with UNW student Grace A. Haug.
• “Needles and Pins.” Section of chapter on jewelry and household items in The Excavations at Ancient Shiloh, Israel: 2017–2019 and 2022–20xx,” edited by Scott Stripling. Forthcoming. Co-authored with UNW student Grace A. Haug.
• “Taking a Sling: How David took down Goliath.” Biblical Archaeology Review, Fall 2022: 50–54. With UNW graduate Victoria (Dennis) Parrott.
• “Roman Armor and Accessories.” Section of chapter on military finds in The Excavations at Ancient Shiloh, Israel: 2017–2019 and 2022–20xx,” edited by Scott Stripling. Forthcoming. Co-authored with UNW student Roman Knaggs.
• “Militaria.” Pages 300-12 in Stripling, Scott. The Excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir: 1995–2001 and 2009–2016. Vol. 2, The Late Hellenistic, Early Roman, and Byzantine Periods, edited by Scott Stripling and Mark A. Hassler (2022). Oxford: Archaeopress. Co-authored with UNW student Katherine A. Streckert.
• “Pilum (Javelin) Heads.” Section of chapter on military finds in The Excavations at Ancient Shiloh, Israel: 2017–2019 and 2022–20xx,” edited by Scott Stripling. Forthcoming.
• “Finger Rings.” Section of chapter on jewelry in The Excavations at Ancient Shiloh, Israel: 2017–2019 and 2022–20xx,” edited by Scott Stripling. Forthcoming. Co-authored with UNW student Ruth H. Marsh.
• “Bracelets.” Section of chapter on jewelry in The Excavations at Ancient Shiloh, Israel: 2017–2019 and 2022–20xx,” edited by Scott Stripling. Forthcoming. Co-authored with UNW student Joel Broberg.
• “Toggle Pins and Fibulae.” Section of chapter on jewelry in The Excavations at Ancient Shiloh, Israel: 2017–2019 and 2022–20xx,” edited by Scott Stripling. Forthcoming. Co-authored with UNW student Kelsey M. Kuball.
• “Daggers.” Section of chapter on military finds in The Excavations at Ancient Shiloh, Israel: 2017–2019 and 2022–20xx,” edited by Scott Stripling. Forthcoming. Co-authored with UNW student Collin Currier.
• “An Israelite Village from the Time of Judges: Evidence of a Challenging Biblical Period.” Bible and Spade (2002) 35.2: 8–13. With former UNW student Arien Fritts.
• “Earrings.” Section of chapter on jewelry in The Excavations at Ancient Shiloh, Israel: 2017–2019 and 2022–20xx,” edited by Scott Stripling. Forthcoming. Co-authored with UNW student Julia Ristow.
• “Sling Ammunition.” Section of chapter on military finds in The Excavations at Ancient Shiloh, Israel: 2017–2019 and 2022–20xx,” edited by Scott Stripling. Forthcoming. Co-authored with James Barber and UNW student Collin Currier.
• “Hand-Thrown Stones.” Section of chapter on military finds in The Excavations at Ancient Shiloh, Israel: 2017–2019 and 2022–20xx,” edited by Scott Stripling. Forthcoming.
• “Arrowheads.” Section of chapter on military finds in The Excavations at Ancient Shiloh, Israel: 2017–2019 and 2022–20xx,” edited by Scott Stripling. Forthcoming. Co-authored with James Barber and UNW student Brayden Thompson.
• “Ballista Balls.” Section of chapter on military finds in The Excavations at Ancient Shiloh, Israel: 2017–2019 and 2022–20xx,” edited by Scott Stripling. Forthcoming. Co-authored with UNW student Collin Currier.
• “Hobnails.” Section of chapter on military finds in The Excavations at Ancient Shiloh, Israel: 2017–2019 and 2022–20xx,” edited by Scott Stripling. Forthcoming. Co-authored with UNW student Jackson Thompson.
• “Spindle Whorls.” Section of chapter on small finds in The Excavations at Ancient Shiloh, Israel: 2017–2019 and 2022–20xx,” edited by Scott Stripling. Forthcoming. Co-authored with UNW student Andrew Jantz.
• “Loom Weights.” Section of chapter on small finds in The Excavations at Ancient Shiloh, Israel: 2017–2019 and 2022–20xx,” edited by Scott Stripling. Forthcoming. Co-authored with UNW student Andrew Jantz.
• “A Village from the Israelite Settlement: The Iron Age Remains at Khirbet el-Maqatir.” Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin, 65 (2020): 25-42.
• “A Unique Early Roman Inkwell from Shiloh” Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin, 64 (2019): 51-55. Co-authored with UNW student Katherine A. Streckert.
• “A Monumental Fortification Tower and Militaria: Late Hellenistic and Early Roman Military Architecture and Equipment Discovered at Khirbet el-Maqatir, Israel.” In the Highland’s Depth: Journal for the Study of Archaeology and History of the Highland’s Region. Aharon Tavger and Zohar Amar, eds., 10.1 (2020): 37*-69*. Co-authored with Mark A. Hassler and UNW student Katherine A. Streckert.
• “Slinging in the Biblical World: And What We Can Learn about David Defeating Goliath.” Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin, 63 (2018): 1-12. Co-authored with UNW student Victoria Dennis.
• “Iron Age I Israelite Looms: An Archaeological and Experiential Study.” Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin, 63 (2018): 19-25. Co-authored with UNW student Arianna Winslow.
• “Iron Age I Remains at Khirbet el-Maqatir: A Preliminary Report.” In the Highland’s Depth: Journal for the Study of Archaeology and History of the Highland’s Region. Aharon Tavger and Zohar Amar, eds., 8 (2018): 11-25.
• “Old Testament Fortifications” in the CSB Baker Illustrated Study Bible. Baker Publishing Group. Grand Rapids: Baker, forthcoming.
• “Military Organization in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament” in the Encyclopedia of the Bible and its Reception. Steven McKenzie, et al, eds. Vol. 19: 115–17. Berlin: de Gruyter, 2021.
• “A Scarab of Psamtik I from Khirbet el-Maqatir.” Palestine Exploration Quarterly, 149, 3 (2017), 186-200. With Baruch Brandl, Brian Peterson, and Scott Stripling.
• “An Iron Age II Horse’s Head from Ras et-Tahune.” Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin, 62 (2017): 30-35.
• “A Judean Pillar Figurine from the Surface of Tell el-Ful” in final report of recent excavations at Tell el-Ful, Shimon Gibson, ed., forthcoming. With Abigail Leavitt.
• Commentary on book of Judges for The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary, J. Daniel Hays and J. Scott Duvall, eds. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2020.
• Commentary for book of Joshua in The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary, J. Daniel Hays and J. Scott Duvall, eds. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2020.
• “Warfare in the Old Testament” in The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary, J. Daniel Hays and J. Scott Duvall, eds. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2020.
• “A Headless Judean Pillar Figurine from Tell el-Ful.” Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin, 61 (2016): 37-41. With Abigail Leavitt.
• “A Judean Pillar Figurine from the Surface of Tel el-Ful” in Recent Excavations at Tel el-Ful: Final Report, Shimon Gibson, ed, forthcoming. With Abigail Leavitt.
• Study notes and introduction for Isaiah in ESV Archaeology Bible. Currid, John and David Chapman, eds. Wheaton: Crossway, 2018.
• Study notes and introduction for Jeremiah in ESV Archaeology Bible. Currid, John and David Chapman, eds. Wheaton: Crossway, 2018.
• Study notes and introduction for Lamentations in ESV Archaeology Bible. Currid, John and David Chapman, eds. Wheaton: Crossway, 2018.
• Study notes and introduction for Ezekiel in ESV Archaeology Bible. Currid, John and David Chapman, eds. Wheaton: Crossway, 2018.
• Study notes and introduction for Daniel in ESV Archaeology Bible. Currid, John and David Chapman, eds. Wheaton: Crossway, 2018.
• “Gideon” for Wars of Religion: An Encyclopedia of Faith and Conflict. Demy, Timothy J. and Jeff Shaw, eds. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2017.
• “Lachish, Battle of” for Wars of Religion: An Encyclopedia of Faith and Conflict. Demy, Timothy J. and Jeff Shaw, eds. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2017.
• “Neo-Assyrian Warfare” for Wars of Religion: An Encyclopedia of Faith and Conflict. Demy, Timothy J. and Jeff Shaw, eds. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2017.
• “Philistines” for Wars of Religion: An Encyclopedia of Faith and Conflict. Demy, Timothy J. and Jeff Shaw, eds. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2017.
• “Seals in Ancient Israel and the Near East: Their Manufacture, Use, and Apparent Paradox of Pagan Symbolism.” Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin, 61 (2016): 1-17. Co-authored with UNW student Rachel Korhonen.
• “Oaths & Vows” in Dictionary of Daily Life in Biblical and Post-Biblical Antiquity, Edwin M Yamauchi and Marvin R. Wilson, eds. Peabody, Mass.: Henderickson, 2016.
• 128 Articles for Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary, ed. Tremper Longman III. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2013.
• “Joshua” in What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About, Jason S. DeRouchie, ed. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2013.
• “Daniel” in What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About, Jason S. DeRouchie, ed. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2013.
• “Left-Handed Sons of Right-Handers.” Biblical Archaeological Review 39:3 (May/June 2013): 26, 69-70. With Joanna Klein.
• “Genetics and the Bible: The Curious Case of the Left-Handed Benjamites.” Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith. 64:3 (Sep. 2012): 190-91. With Joanna Klein.
• “David” in Lexham Bible Dictionary, John D. Barry, ed. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2012.
• “Old Testament Fortifications,” Baker Illustrated Bible Handbook, eds. Danny Hays, Scott Duvall. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011.
• “How Big was Israel’s Army?: Dealing with Large Numbers in the Bible.” Artifax. Summer 2011: 18–19.
• “Remembrance” in Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry and Writings, eds. Tremper Longman III and Peter Enns, 643-47. Downer’s Grove: InterVarsity, 2008.
• “Bethsaida and Other Fortified Cities in Northern Israel during Iron Age II.” Artifax. Autumn 2008: 20–27.
• “Select Biblical Customs in Light of the Cultural Practices of the Rwala Bedouin Tribe.” Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin. 52 (2007): 17–33.
• Six articles in New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis. Willem A. VanGemeren, gen. ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997.

Papers and Presentations

• “The Roman Attack at Shiloh in AD 69.” Lecture to excavators at ancient Shiloh. Jerusalem, Israel, June 2023.
• “A Newly Discovered Roman Attack at Ancient Shiloh.” Northwestern Scholarship Symposium, May 2023. With Col. Kenneth Downer and UNW students Collin Currier, Roman Knaggs, and Brayden Thompson.
• “Northwestern Digs Ancient Shiloh.” Northwestern Scholarship Symposium, May 2023. With UNW students Kelsey Kuball and Ruth Marsh.
• “David and Other Biblical Slingers in Light of Ancient Texts, Pictures, and Artifacts.” American Schools of Oriental Research annual conference. Boston, Nov. 2022.
• “Roman Military Remains at Ancient Shiloh: An Attack by Vespasian in A.D. 69.” Near East Archaeological Society annual conference. Denver, Nov. 2022.
• “New Archaeological Evidence about Israelite Religious Practice in Iron Age II.” Presented with UNW students Gabrielle Lingenfelder and Kelsey Kuball at Near East Archaeological Society annual conference, Fort Worth, Nov. 2021.
• “Israelite Life at the Time of Judges: Evidence from the Home of UNW’s Big Storage Jar.” Northwestern Scholarship Symposium, May 2021. With UNW student Gabrielle Lingenfelder.
• “New Archaeological Evidence of Inappropriate Israelite Religious Practice.” Northwestern Scholarship Symposium, May 2021. With UNW student Kelsey Kuball.
• “Slinging in Antiquity and its Application to the Story of David and Goliath.” Interview for Lighthouse TV (WBPH 60 & WLYH 49) near Philadelphia, Apr. 2021.
• “A Village from the Israelite Settlement: The Iron Age Remains at Khirbet el-Maqatir” at Near East Archaeological Society annual meeting, Providence, RI (virtual), Nov. 2020.
• “Ancient Slinging: How David Defeated Goliath.” Lecture with UNW student Victoria Dennis to staff and volunteers for Associates for Biblical Research excavating at Shiloh, in Jerusalem, Israel, June 2019.
• “Slinging in the Biblical World: And How it Illuminates David’s Defeat of Goliath.” Northwestern Scholarship Symposium, May 2019.
• “Slinging in the Biblical World: Methods, Capabilities, Ammunition.” Presented with UNW student Victoria Dennis at Near East Archaeological Society annual meeting, Denver, Nov. 2018.
• “Slinging in the Biblical World.” Lecture with UNW student Victoria Dennis to staff and volunteers for Associates for Biblical Research excavating at Shiloh, in Jerusalem, Israel, June 2018.
• “Life in Iron Age I Israel.” Lecture with UNW student Victoria Dennis to staff and volunteers for Associates for Biblical Research excavating at Shiloh, in Jerusalem, Israel, June 2018.
• “Iron Age I Remains at Khirbet el-Maqatir: A Preliminary Report.” In the Highland’s Depth conference, Modi’in, Israel, Oct. 2017.
• “The Use and Iconography of Israelite Seals.” Presented with student co-author Rachel Korhonen at Near East Archaeological Society annual meeting, Atlanta, Nov. 2015.
• “Ancient Israelite Seals and Their Art.” Presented with student co-author Rachel Korhonen at Northwestern Faculty Scholarship Symposium, May 2015.
• “Warfare in the Old Testament: Story and Illustration.” Presented with Josh Seevers, illustrator, at Northwestern Faculty Scholarship Symposium, May 2014.
• “Genetics and the Bible: The Curious Case of the Left-Handed Benjamites.” Presented with Joanna Klein, Ph.D. at Northwestern Faculty Scholarship Symposium, May 2013.
• “Excavations at Bethsaida, Israel 2008.” Presented with students at Northwestern Honors Scholarship Symposium, May 2009.
• “Faith and Archaeology.” Student Apologetics Training Conference.” Maclaurin Institute, University of Minnesota, Feb. 2008.
• “Four-Chamber Gates in the Ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze and Late Bronze Ages.” Batchelder Biblical Archaeology Conference, Omaha, Nebr., Nov. 2007.
• “Excavations at Northwestern College 2006.” Presented with students at Northwestern Faculty Scholarship Symposium, May 2007.
• “Bethsaida and Other Fortified Cities in Northern Israel during Iron Age II.” Batchelder Biblical Archaeology Conference, Omaha, Nebr., Nov. 2006.
• “Select Biblical Customs in Light of the Cultural Practices of the Rwala Bedouin Tribe.” Near East Archaeological Society annual meeting, Valley Forge, Pa., Nov. 2005
• “Israeli Warfare from Joshua to David.” Near East Archaeological Society annual meeting, Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 2003.

• “Roman Attack at Shiloh (AD 69).” Co-lecture to Veritas International University (Albuquerque, NM) Feb 2024. With Col. Kenneth E. Downer, U.S. Army, Retired.

• “Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.” Presentation at UNW, 3 presentations at First Evangelical Free Church, Maplewood, MN. Oct–Nov 2023. With Karen Seevers.

Awards

• University of Northwestern Excellence in Scholarship 2022.
• Nominated by University of Northwestern – St. Paul for U.S. Professor of the Year, sponsored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, 2015.
• University of Northwestern Teacher of the Year 2005–06 and 2011–12.
• Course on Second Temple Judaism named distance education Undergraduate Course of the Year for 2006 by ACCESS group, sponsored by Christianity Today.
• Excellence in teaching award from Northwestern’s Distance Education Department. 2006.
• Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 2005.

Other

• Panel member on a discussion of biblical archaeology for the Historical Faith Society, Feb. 2021, to help promote the 2022 Qumran Cave Excavation Project.
• Guest lecturer, Trinity Southwest University, Albuquerque, NM. 2020
• Helped bring to Northwestern campus for 2019 an exhibit of archaeological artifacts from Khirbet el-Maqatir, the probable site of Ai (Josh. 7-8). Also helped curate the exhibit and lead many of the ninety tours to a large portion of the 1,460 people who viewed the exhibit.
• Square supervisor in excavations at Shiloh, Israel with Associates for Biblical Research 2017–present.
• With UNW students, fully restored a 3,200 year old Iron Age I pithos (large storage jar), excavated at Khirbet el-Maqatir in June 2016 and shipped to Northwestern.
• Supervisor of Excavation and Publication of Iron Age Materials for excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir, West Bank (Israel), with the Associates for Biblical Research, 2015-present.
• Named the J. Edwin Hartill Endowed Professor for University of Northwestern – St. Paul for calendar years 2016-2017.
• Board of Directors, Near East Archaeological Society 2015–present.
• Board of Directors, Jerusalem University College, Jerusalem, Israel (2011-15, 2016-present).
• Guest lecturer, Bethlehem College & Seminary, Minneapolis, MN (2011-12).
• Visiting Professor at Jerusalem University College, Jerusalem, Israel (Spring 2010).
• Co-Director in Board of Directors, Bethsaida Excavation Project (Israel) 2006.
• Memberships: Evangelical Theological Society, Society of Biblical Literature, and Near Eastern Archaeological Society.