If the Bible is true, then we should expect the work of archeology to support the Bible. As we examine archeology we find this is exactly what happens.
Talking Points:
- In the 19th century, archaeologists began to discover the ancient remains of Egypt and Assyria. These early discoveries confirmed certain events and descriptions found in the Bible. These discoveries also led to a new interest in archaeological study in the lands of the Bible.
- These discoveries have shown us what life was like at the various points of Israelite history. They affirm that the lives of the patriarchs (like Abraham) correspond with what we know about the Middle Bronze Age. Historical work in ancient Egypt has demonstrated that Egypt had a rise to world prominence and then a slow decline, as depicted in the Bible.
- Of particular value to students of the Bible are the records of Assyrian kings, which chronicle various conquests. These records give us names of the kings of Judah and Israel and provide the same sequence of events as described in the Bible.
- The Tel Dan inscription is a stone tablet that was discovered in the 1990s. It is the first extra-biblical evidence of King David. The tablet was erected by Hazael, King of Aram, which is in present day Syria. The inscription offers an extra-biblical account of the wars between the Arameans and the Israelites in the 9th and 8th centuries B.C. This corresponds to the biblical account in 2 Kings 6-8 and 2 Chronicles 22.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Why is it important for archaeology to support the historical claims of the Bible?
- List two ways that archaeology supports the Bible.
- How would you use this information to demonstrate the reliability of the Bible?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
