What Was, What Is, What Is To Come/Archaeology

     There has been nothing discovered in science or archaeology that disproves anything in the Bible. Isn’t that amazing? The Biblical narrative, the cultures listed, the dates written, the rulers of each age, the descriptions of the tombs, the stamps of the Kings, the type of crucifixion have been proven to be as written. Here are a few of the more note-worthy archaeological finds.

THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS: Found in 1947. You may have heard of or seen them yourselves as they travel around the world. These ancient writings were discovered in a cave by a shepherd. This series of documents predates 100 A.D. and the writings contain portions of the Hebrew Old Testament including the entire book of Isaiah. The incredible authenticity of the Bible was verified and confirmed, with several fine-tooth combs, and through meticulous study by the most learned Biblical scholars and rabbis. The few punctuation and grammatical errors did nothing to affect the text or meaning.

TEL DAN INSCRIPTION: This inscription makes reference to a military  victory and corresponds to the biblical account in 2 Chronicles 22. This dates to 9^th century B.C. and is the first reference to the Davidic dynasty outside of the Bible.

CAIAPHUS OSSUAARY: An ossuary is a stone or pottery box containing the remains of a deceased person. This particular ossuary bears the name Joseph, dating to the second temple period. Joseph is the son of Caiaphas. Caiaphas was the priest that presided over the false trial of Jesus (Matthew 26:57-67)

KETEF HINNOM AMULETS: Found in 1979 these two silver scrolls were worn as amulets around the neck. These were found in a tomb in the city of Ketef Hinnom and were placed there around 7^th century B.C. The process of unrolling the scrolls without them disintegrating took over three years.  The archaeologists found the oldest surviving texts from the Hebrew Bible to date. One was a blessing from the book of Numbers 6:24-26. The other contained the name of the Lord YHWH our English Jehovah.  These predate the Dead Sea Scrolls by 500 years and are the oldest known example of the Lord’s name in writing.

     Just as archaeologists and scientists continue to dig for evidence, let’s continue to dig into the Word of our God, discovering His truth for our lives. The blessing from the ancient texts from Numbers 6 is a familiar one. Bask in this blessing today as you remember on this Good Friday, the sacrificial love of Jesus. He died for you and me.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.  Numbers 6;24-26

Dear Lord,

As Your creation continues to try to disprove Your Words of life, we know them to be true. We thank You for Your Son today and everyday, for His willingness to take our sin upon Himself on the cross. We look to the resurrection to give us eternal hope.

In Jesus name

Amen