There’s a lot being said today about fake news and unverified reporting. Everyone with access to the internet knows that all information found there should be fact-checked using Snopes.com or other websites.
This inundation of lies and false narratives makes it increasingly difficult to know who or what to believe. Thankfully, there is one book that is still one hundred percent reliable. In fact, the Bible’s veracity is being affirmed almost daily by archaeologists. We have more reason to trust the Bible today than our parents did just a few decades ago. Although this column doesn’t provide enough room to list even a fraction of the discoveries, here are a few highlights.
One of the most well-known Bible stories is that of David slaying Goliath with a sling and a stone. The experts concluded years ago that a real David never existed and that his persona was developed to provide a fictional folk hero for the Israelites.
About as soon as they had their story established, however, the ancient Tel Dan inscription was unearthed in northern Israel which mentions the House of David by name. The inscription was actually written by Israel’s enemies and dated to within 100 years of when King David appears in the Bible’s timeline. This incredible artifact squelched the doubters’ skepticism.
On the other end of the sling, there has long been speculation as to the actual existence and origin of the Philistines. Last year researchers extracted DNA from a burial site and it revealed that this civilization descended from the Minoans on Crete which is exactly what the Bible has told us for centuries. Once again, archaeology caught up with the Bible.
Regarding another of Israel’s early neighbors, Genesis mentions the Edomites several times. Determined to prove themselves smarter than the ancient historians, modern scholars assured the world that these descendants of Esau had not been around that long. Then last year, while studying copper mines, archaeologists found that the Edomites were at least 300 years older than previously thought, once again substantiating truth recorded long ago in God’s Word.
Some of the most common artifacts discovered in archaeological digs are bullae. These are hardened lumps of clay about the size of small marbles with impressions made in them while the clay was still wet. The designs were created by individualized seals and served as a type of autograph usually including the names of their owners.
In 2019, three particularly significant bullae were uncovered. One was found in debris that had been recklessly removed from the Temple Mount by Muslims. It included the name Immer which is a priestly family mentioned in Jeremiah 20:1-2 in connection with temple worship nearby.
Another bulla was uncovered that bore the impression, “Belonging to Adonijah, Royal Steward.” It was dated to the 7th century BC. Three Adonijahs are mentioned in the Old Testament, including David’s son, so it was a common name. The position of royal steward is also referenced in several Biblical passages.
Perhaps most spectacular of the three bullae is one with the name “Nathan-Melech, the king’s servant.” This exact name appears in 2 Kings 23 as one of King Josiah’s officials. It is quite likely the bulla was made by this particular individual and may even bear his fingerprints.
So far, over 50 Biblical personalities have been verified from 2,000-3,000 year old artifacts including King Hezekiah, Isaiah, Baruch, and many more. Even mundane servants like the one above indicate that those names are in our Bibles for good reason.
The next time someone states that the Bible is outdated and inaccurate, challenge them to prove it. Museums from Berlin to London to Jerusalem to Istanbul underscore the Bible’s truths with countless artifacts on open display. The overwhelming evidence of archaeological discoveries clearly authenticates what Christians have believed for years. God’s Word will not be found erroneous. You can trust the Bible!
Blessings, George