New Archaeology discovery could be part of Solomon's Temple
In February, 2010, an archaeological excavation in Israel uncovered a gate, tower and wall that could verify the existence of Solomon’s Temple 3,000 years ago.
The structures, near the Temple Mount outside Jerusalem, are currently being verified as dating back to the tenth century B.C. This would place them at the time of the first temple built by King David’s son Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 5 of the Old Testament.
If so, it would provide another piece of the puzzle beside the Wailing Wall (aka Western Wall, which may be from Solomon's original temple or the re-build by Herod).
According to Associated Press, the lead archaeologist is Eilat Mazar from Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She stated this to be her most significant find.
However, the Israeli online publication Haaretz reports that Mazar has her critics within the archaeological and rabbinical community – those who feel that most biblical events are myth and she is trying to make things connect.
Skeptics have tried to disprove biblical events since the days in which they occurred. Some items found during numerous excavations bear evidence that stand the test of time.
For example, the Dead Sea Scrolls—more than 800 documents found between 1947 and 1956 in caves near the sea. They’ve been used to authenticate previous archaeological discoveries from 600-700 A.D, including the writings of the prophet Isaiah. Paleontologists confirm those Dark Age parchments to be from before Christ’s day.
Two popular current-day writers, Josh McDowell and Lee Strobel, individually set out to prove the Bible wrong and false some years ago. But both men—McDowell an agnostic and Strobel an atheist—ended up becoming believers in the Bible as truth and in Jesus Christ as Lord. They've written about it ever since their realizations.
McDowell, in his first such book Evidence that Demands a Verdict Volume I, gathered writings and statements of several famous archaeologists for their takes on the Bible as history.
In his Chapter 4, The Reliability of the Bible, McDowell quotes one of the most well-known archaeologists, William F. Albright:
There can be no doubt that archaeology has confirmed the substantial historicity of Old Testament tradition.
And Nelson Glueck, a Jewish archaeologist:
It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference.
Even with over 2,000 years worth of evidence, there is no amount of proof that will convince everyone. Sometimes, it just takes faith.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV).
Artwork: Engraving by E. Challis, 1860, after an etching by W.H.Bartlett, 1844. Public Domain.
7 comments:
Isn't this one of the most amazing finds?! And people, not just in the areas of religion, are ALWAYS trying to disprove what doesn't fit in their worldview. These are sad people to say the least. Great article (entry?)!
What one or two archaeologists or scholars state from either end of the spectrum does not constitute "proof". More important is what the entire body of researchers accept as valid theories. There is, in fact, archaeological evidence that does not support certain points in biblical history. This is not to say that the entire Bible is a work of fiction. There are other discoveries that do,in fact, support certain elements of biblical history. This does not "prove" that the entire Bible is true. It is very misleading to insinuate that the majority of "liberal" researchers are trying to disprove the entire Bible. This is simply not true. If any archaeologist or scholar could find definitive proof of the Resurrection, for example, it would be a world shaking, career making discovery. Bible study is a passion of mine, but I will not be told by anyone how I should read it or interpret it. I will listen to anyone, be they Southern Baptists or atheists, as long as their arguments are well researched and logically presented. There will always be debate, and this is a good thing.
William Clark
pvtexmex@yahoo.com
Thanks, gentlemen.
Dear William,
I don't believe I used the words "most liberal researchers are trying to disprove" anywhere in my article. All I said was "skeptics have tried to disprove.." not many, not liberals, I left it unquantitative. Can you tell me where you saw that in my article? If people read between the lines and claim that someone is telling them what to believe, then they are finding something that isn't there - at least not in my writing of this article.
But thanks for taking the time to comment.
Good post.
Another example I often hear about is the Hittites. For a while there were no known references to this group of people outside of the Bible. It has been said that critics used this point to dismiss the Bible's reliability. Since then, archaeologists have discovered evidence which backs up the Bible.
I just noticed the link on my article Sheryl and thanks for letting me know about your site. I was speaking to a rabbi about this a few weeks ago and both of us are just puzzled. It seems that over the years, several archaeologists have tried to piece their own little puzzle together because the want to believe the texts of the past are complete truths. These types of finds all keep us guessing.
Thanks for all comments. In my own faith as a Jewish believer in Jesus, I believe the Bible in its entirety as the inerrant word of God and that all of its truths, archaeological or otherwise, will bear out at Jesus' return!
The greatest test of any / all religion is the interpretation of others, We the public are expected to swallow,hook, line, and sinker.It's unfortunate that the original meanings require interpretation by so called "scholars" that expect total acceptance of their so-called interpretation.Forgive me for being scektical.My belief doesn't follow that path, my opinions are just that=MINE, and I expect no-one to adhere to them, form your own opinions and follow your heart.