Answers to Questions - The Bible and Archaeology

What are some examples of finds covering the remaining Old Testament? (about 1800 BC - 400 BC)

This period covers the entire timespan of the ancient nation of Israel. Numerous archaeological finds can be found at various levels and in many locations:

• Egyptian evidence shows Semitic brickmakers on wall paintings as early as 17th century BC during a time called the Hyksos Period when Canaanite rulers were running Egypt just as the role of Joseph is described.
   

• The Exodus is challenging to identify as any nomadic group (especially when on the run) is unlikely to leave evidence behind. We do have Canaanite petroglyphs (carved into rock) in the Sinai Peninsula from this time period. Various sites have been proposed for the location of Mount Sinai as well as the actual Exodus route. Intriguing recent discoveries point to a mountaintop named Jebel al Lawz just east of the Gulf of Aqaba in modern Saudi Arabia in the ancient land of Midian.
   

• Survey work done over the hill country of Israel in the 1990’s has revealed that this barren land experienced a massive increase in population from 12,000 to at least 300,000 in just 150 years around 13-12 century BC. This would only happen with a dramatic incursion by one or more groups of immigrants.
   

• Critics have theorized that Israel did not really exist until the 6-5 century BC and that much of the Old Testament historical narrative is just pure myth. Yet the Merneptah Stela found in Egypt was erected by Pharaoh Merneptah, son of Rameses the Great, and is reliably dated to 1208 BC. It clearly identifies a culture of people named Israel who Merneptah battles in Canaan several years before 1208 during a military campaign.
   

• After the 13-12 century BC, numerous cities identified as conquered by Israelites or built by them are known archaeologically and show habitation levels, pottery, utensils and architecture all consistent with an Israelite presence as stated in the Bible.
   

• Assyrian records document names of Israelite kings and numerous Assyrian artifacts are found for the period of Assyrian takeover of the Northern Kingdom, in the 8 C BC. Likewise, evidence of battles with Babylonians are found from the 6 C BC period known as the Babylonian Captivity.
   

• Assorted other finds not related to battles are found which name biblical figures. The Mesha Stela (from Jordan) and the Tel Dan Inscription (Northern Israel) both talk of the House of David. The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser (Assyria) identifies and even pictures Israelite kings such as Jehu and Omri. Bullae (personal seals) of prophets and scribes have also been found in various sites.

Return to Questions