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Archeological Dig Finds Text Dating Back to King David
By Julie | December 3, 2008
I found an article from CNN this morning that was really interesting. I thought I’d share it. The article is a little old, it was from Oct. 30, 2008, but still interesting. Here a snippet from CNN.com:
JERUSALEM (CNN) — An Israeli archaeologist has discovered what he says is the earliest-known Hebrew text, found on a shard of pottery that dates to the time of King David from the Old Testament, about 3,000 years ago.
Professor Yosef Garfinkel of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem says the inscribed pottery shard — known as an ostracon — was found during excavations of a fortress from the 10th century BC.
Carbon dating of the ostracon, along with pottery analysis, dates the inscription to time of King David, about a millennium earlier than the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, the university said.
Archaeologists have yet to decipher the text, but initial interpretation indicates it formed part of a letter and contains the roots of the words “judge,” “slave,” and “king,” according to the university. That may indicate it was a legal text, which archaeologists say would provide insights into Hebrew law, society, and beliefs.
The researchers say the text was clearly written by a trained scribe.
Because the ostracon is similar to that found in other Israelite settlements, and because no pig bones were found at the site, archaeologists say the site was likely part of the Kingdom of Judea. Jewish dietary laws forbid the eating of pork.
The site of Khirbet Qeiyafa is located near the place where the Bible describes the battle between David and Goliath — the Elah Valley, which shares its name with the fortress.
Garfinkel said it is the only site in Israel in which to investigate King David.
“The chronology and geography of Khirbet Qeiyafa create a unique meeting point between the mythology, history, historiography and archaeology of King David,” he said.
The Dead Sea Scrolls are the earliest-known copies of the Bible, some dating back about 2,000 years.
It is widely believed that the first set of Dead Sea Scrolls was discovered in 1947 by a Bedouin shepherd who ventured into a cave in the Judean Desert in search of a lost sheep or goat.
Like many Christians, the story of King David is one of my favorites in the Bible. I find it inspirational that God could take a shepherd, someone who spent his time with sheep and not people, and make him into a great king. David was always ready to stand up for God. Even though he did some bad things, like having an affair with Bathsheba that left her pregnant and left David plotting her husband’s death, God still called David a man after his own heart. So, if David could be highly esteemed by God, and forgiven, there’s hope for me too. That’s why I find him inspirational! One of the reasons I find this archeological discovery so interesting is because it takes place around one of King David’s greatest stories, greatest triumphs, and greatest public acknowledgements for God. I hope they are able to interpret the text soon.
Another point I find highly interesting in the article is the mention of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls has been known for well over 50 years. Yet, I have read many atheists who claim there is no proof for the Bible. They then claim Emperor Constantine wrote the Bible himself to “control the masses”. It’s a theory I find amazing, because I can’t imagine one person could write in so many different voices to create a book spanning generations. But I have to commend those who can believe it was written by one man: Constantine. I think it proves they have a stronger faith than I do. However, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls leaves a pretty big gap in their theory. As even CNN credits it’s validity:
The Dead Sea Scrolls are the earliest-known copies of the Bible, some dating back about 2,000 years.
So what’s the problem with the theory that Constantine wrote the Bible? Well, Constantine himself does not date back to 2000 years. He was born in 274 AD. Since the Dead Sea Scrolls are older than him, it would be impossible for him to have written the Bible.
I for one love all these little evidences that come out to shake up our theories about God, and this planet in general. Whether we are validated in our thinking, or proven wrong, it’s fun to find the truth in unexpected places. I hope the interpretation of the text discovered will yield a new discovery, and not just some trivial information about a party or old family recipe.
Topics: In the News | 2 Comments »
June 18th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
There is no way that Constantine wrote any portion of the bible, he was born way too late.
The entire bible was written by 70ad at the latest.
besides I for one do believe that Constantine was one of many Holy Roman emperors.
June 18th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
And meant to say that Dr. Eliat Mazar is currently doing a dig in the city of David and has some very good discoveries, one was a bulla from the time of King David.
Expect some explosive finding there soon.