Archaeology and The Bible

This article from the Smithsonian Magazine is all about excavation in the Middle East, particularly referring to the time of King David and his wise son Solomon.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/archaeological-dig-reignites-debate-old-testament-historical-accuracy-180979011/?utm_source=smithsoniandaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20211116-daily-responsive&spMailingID=45952087&spUserID=ODExMTAyNDM4MTIyS0&spJobID=2121870389&spReportId=MjEyMTg3MDM4OQS2

It brings into question much that I've thought about since the age of 15, especially concerning the historical accuracy or inaccuracy of the BIBLE, the great book upon which people who give evidence in court swear to tell "the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth".

Here's a map of all the areas where major civilisations "collapsed" during the period between 1200 and 1100 BC:

The Smithsonian article raises many issues relating to the truth of any historical records. It confirms what I always sort of knew, that the stories relating to King David and Solomon his son were written about 300 or 400 years after they died and are more like great yarns, myths or legends than about real events.

It also describes an epoch 1200 -1100 years before the time of Christ when many areas of the Eastern Mediterranean were smashed either by numerous giant eruptions or a single cataclysm.Historians are unsure what might have caused the demise of powerful civilisations which flourished up to that time. Then a slow recovery in many countries followed from that devastation.

If you were to produce a movie set in the time of King David you'd probably include the story of David' struggle with Goliath

or the very wise King Solomon who discovered the true mother of two contenders by threatening to divide the baby in half

 Another great story! Or myth? Or a legend?

The entire issue of what "Israel" was like in the time of David (and Goliath) or Solomon (with or without Sheba) is difficult territory to study because it is based upon writings which were not written during the period they describe. Imagine what sort of historical facts could be accurately described by a group of people who recorded them three or four hundred years after they had occured, without access to written descriptions from the actual period.

If you are in the mood to read this article, I think you'll find it extemely thought provoking, has some great images of archaeological digs, and raises many interesting points of reference to the ongoing debate.

pt

 

extra reading

https://aeon.co/essays/eilat-mazar-dug-with-a-bible-in-one-hand-and-a-spade-in-the-other