Life’s BIG Questions Week 4 Session1 Session 4.1

Life’s BIG Questions Week 4 Session1 Session 4.1
Welcome to week 6 of the Life’s BIG questions seminar. Session 4.1

Is the Bible a message from a God I can’t see?
Archaeology We are continuing our look at the theme Is the Bible a message from a God I can’t see?. In this session we are going to look at the archaeological findings which relate to the Bible. Session 4.1

Exciting Discoveries Critics claimed Bible was myth and legend
Bible names have been found Walls, stones and coins discovered referring to Biblical names and events Over 100 years ago many critics of the Bible used to say that the Bible was myth and legend because many of the places described in the Bible hadn’t been found. They tended to say the Bible was simply “made up.” But in the last 200 years, through archaeological discoveries names from the Bible have leapt to life. Bible names and events have been found on palace walls, stones and coins proving that the names and events in the Bible were real those people existed and the events took place just as described in the Bible. So the archaeological discoveies made in the last 200 years prove that the Bible is an accurate and reliable historical record. Archaeological discoveries prove that the Bible is accurate and reliable Session 4.1

Background history Bible mainly concerned with Israel and its neighbours Discoveries mainly relate to superpowers that dominated Israel: Assyria Babylon Persia Greece Rome Each superpower conquered previous one Israel usually suffered as a result The Bible record concerns the nation of Israel and the nations that were her neighbours. Many of the discoveries that we shall look at are from the superpowers that dominated the nation of Israel – the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and Romans. The discoveries are usually the “national archives” of the superpowers recording their conquests. Each one of these superpowers conquered the previous one. And the little country of Israel usually suffered as a result of the power struggles. Session 4.1

The Tel Dan Inscription
Tel Dan in Northern Israel The first discovery that we shall look at is known as the “Tel Dan Inscription”. The first part was discovered twelve years ago in A second part was subsequently found a year later in 1994. Tel Dan is located at the foot of Mount Hermon in northern Israel. Session 4.1

Photo: Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority Copyright: The Israel Museum Jerusalem: Critics doubted king David ever existed Tel Dan fragment made them think again The stone appears to be a fragment of a larger inscription. When it was found the original monument had been broken into pieces and the fragments you see here were part of a wall at the entrance to the outer gate of the city of Dan. The stones are inscribed in a Middle Eastern language known as Aramaic. Critical scholars used to be sceptical about the existence of king David. When this inscription was discovered and deciphered, they had to think again. Session 4.1

Photo: Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority Copyright: The Israel Museum Jerusalem: Inscription text: “Hadad” made the writer king The writer boasting of achievements in war with Israel “House of David” is referred to Much of the text is missing, but what is there makes interesting reading! The text tells us that someone called “Hadad” made the writer king. Part of the inscription says “Hadad made me king” It is clear that the writer is boasting of his military achievements involving the king of Israel. Parts of sentences on the stones are “and I slew…. and thousands of horsemen … king of Israel … and killed..” You can read all of the translation in the Archaeology notes in the work book. It is also interesting that “the House of David” is referred to in the text. The piece of writing says “ of the house of David. And I set…” Session 4.1

Now Ben-Hadad the king of Syria gathered all his forces together… And he went up and besieged Samaria, and made war against it 1 Kings 20 v 1 1 Kings 20 v 1 tells us (Read). This quote is telling us that Ben-Hadad or “Son of Hadad” king of Syria attacked Samaria in the north of Israel. This agrees exactly with what the Tel Dan Inscription says when it tells us of the hostility between Syria and Israel. The inscription also confirms that Ben-Hadad could well have been the title of one of the kings in the wars between Syria and Israel. Inscription confirms Bible record: Hostility between Syria and Israel “Ben (son of) Hadad” title of Syrian kings involved in hostility Photo: Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority Copyright: The Israel Museum Jerusalem Session 4.1

And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom may return to the house of David …” 1 Kings 12 v 26 1 Kings 20 v 1 tells us (Read). This quote is telling us that Ben-Hadad or “Son of Hadad” king of Syria attacked Samaria in the north of Israel. This agrees exactly with what the Tel Dan 1 Kings 12 v 26 says (Read). This verse mentions the “house of David” which was the line of kings starting with David. Jeroboam had organised a revolt against the grandson of David and was concerned that the nation would revert back to its previous king. Again we can see that the Tel Dan Inscription supports the Bible – this time in calling the royal line from David “the house of David”. Inscription says when it tells us of the hostility between Syria and Israel. The inscription also confirms that Ben-Hadad could well have been the title of one of the kings in the wars between Syria and Israel. Photo: Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority Copyright: The Israel Museum Jerusalem Inscription confirms Bible record: Royal line from king David was known as “house of David” Session 4.1

Kurkh Stela of Shalmaneser
Kurkh in Southern Turkey We shall now look at what is known as “The Kurkh Stela of Shalmaneser”. Kurkh is the name of the place on the banks of the river Tigris in southern Turkey where it was found in It was subsequently taken to the British Museum where it is today. Session 4.1

“Stela” - round topped vertical stone Shows Assyrian king Shalmaneser III facing symbols of four gods Records of six military campaigns Record includes defeats of Ahab, king of Israel and Ben-Hadad, king of Syria A “stela” is a round topped vertical stone as you can see in the picture. It shows the Assyrian king Shalmaneser III facing symbols of four gods. Across the front and the back of the stela are 102 lines of writing recording the main events of his first six military campaigns. One part of the record mentions a rebellion against Shalmaneser which was crushed. Included in the record of those defeated by the Assyrians are the names of Ahab, king of Israel and Ben-Hadad, king of Syria. Session 4.1

So Ben-Hadad said to him, "The cities which my father took from your father I will restore; and you may set up marketplaces for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria." Then Ahab said, "I will send you away with this treaty." So he made a treaty with him and sent him away. 1 Kings 20 v 34 The Bible tells of a time when there was a league between Ahab and Ben-Hadad. (Read). The stela confirms the Bible record that Ahab and Ben-Hadad were ruling at the same time because it says they were both defeated in the same rebellion against Shalmaneser. Session 4.1

Other Assyrian records name several kings mentioned in the Bible: Hezekiah Shallum Menahem Pekah Hoshea Uzziah Ahaz Hazael Other Assyrian records mention the names of several other kings in the Bible. (Read as they appear) So we have seen that the Kurkh Stela and other findings at former Assyrian sites support the veracity of the Bible account. Kurkh Stela and other findings support the Bible Session 4.1

Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III
Found at Calah This is another exiting discovery with a difficult sounding name! It was found in northern Iraq about 60 years ago in It was discovered by the archaeologist Henry Layard during his excavations of the site of Calah, a capital city of ancient Assyria. Session 4.1

Black stone found in pit Panels of carved pictures on each side Inscription on each panel One panel shows Jewish king Jehu As the picture shows, an obelisk is a large stone. This one was found in a pit. Amazingly, Henry Layard almost missed it. The dig was about to be closed down. It was winter, the ground was difficult to dig and not much had been found. It was agreed to dig for just one more day. Early that morning, the workmen struck this huge stone that has become one of the most exciting finds in relation to the Bible. You may be able to see that the stone has five panels of carved pictures on each of its four sides. There are five scenes going round the stone showing tribute being given to Shalmaneser by Assyria’s neighbours. Each panel has an inscription listing the tribute that was exacted from Assyria’s neighbours. The list includes camels, monkeys, an elephant and a rhinoceros. Assyrian kings often collected exotic animals as an expression of their power. The second set of panels from the top relates to the Jewish king Jehu. One of the panels shows Jehu bowing before king Shalmaneser III. Session 4.1

Obelisk confirms Bible record: Israel had king named Jehu Jehu reigned when Assyria was superpower Assyrians had kings called Shalmaneser Assyrians made subject nations pay tribute This is the image on the stone of Jehu paying tribute to Shalmaneser. This stone confirms the Bible record in several ways: (Read each item on each click) Jehu paying tribute to Shamaneser Session 4.1

Six-sided Sennacherib Cylinder
Found at Nineveh Another significant find is a six-sided cylinder found at Nineveh in Northern Iraq. It is also known as the Taylor prism after Colonel Taylor who was the British Consul General in Baghdad. He acquired the prism in The British Museum then purchased it from Taylor’s widow 25 years later in 1855. Session 4.1

Record of Sennacherib king of Assyria Details eight military campaigns Includes Sennacherib’s attack on Israel The cylinder is the record of the achievements of Sennacherib king of Assyria. It was intended to preserve his achievements for posterity and the gods. This was one of the first major Assyrian documents to be found and played an important part in deciphering cuneiform script. It describes eight military campaigns of Sennacherib. The record of his third campaign, around 700 BC is the one that interests us. It includes his attack on Israel involving the destruction of many cities and the deportation of over 200,000 people. Session 4.1

“I then besieged Hezekiah of Judah who had not submitted to any yoke and I captured forty-six of his strong cities and fortresses, innumerable small cities … I brought out therefrom 200,150 people … (Hezekiah) himself like a caged bird, I shut up within Jerusalem, his royal city. I threw up mounds against him, and I took vengeance upon any man who came forth from his city.! This is Sennacherib’s record of his attack on Israel. (Read). There is an interesting omission from his record. He does not mention Jerusalem being taken. We shall see the significance of this in a few minutes. No record of Jerusalem being conquered! Session 4.1

Sennacherib taking cities of Judah: In the 14th year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. 2 Kings 18 v 13 Sennacherib coming against Jerusalem: The King of Assyria sent his supreme commander, his chief officer and his field commander with a large army from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. 2 Kings 18 v 17 The Bible record of Sennacherib taking the cities of Judah is in 2 Kings 18 v 13. Let’s look at it in the Bible (Read). We can see that it agrees totally with Sennacherib’s account. The Bible account of him coming against Jerusalem is in 2 Kings 18 v 17 (Read). Again we can see total agreement! Session 4.1

That night the angel of the LORD went out a put to death one hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning - there were all the dead bodies! So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. 2 Kings 19 v 35 and 36 But the Bible carries on the story where Sennacherib chose to stop. If you look in the next chapter in 2 Kings and verse 19 you can see the end of the story, (Read 2 Kings 19 v 35 and 36). We see that the whole army of Sennacherib was destroyed. Here we have the reason why Sennacherib does not mention the conquest of Jerusalem. It did not happen! Sennacherib would not be likely to mention such an embarrassing defeat. Once again we see the Bible supported by archaeological finds: Embarrassing defeat not likely to be mentioned by Sennacherib Once again Bible supported by archaeological finds Session 4.1

The Cyrus Cylinder Found at Babylon Session 4.1
We shall now take a look at the Cyrus cylinder which was found at Babylon. Session 4.1

The Cyrus Cylinder Written by Cyrus, king of Persia
Account of Persian conquest of city of Babylon by Cyrus It was a clay cylinder written this time by Cyrus king of Persia The cylinder contains an account of his conquest of the city of Babylon around 539BC and his capture of Nabonidus the last Babylonian king. Cyrus claims to have achieved this conquest with the aid of Marduk, the god of Babylon. He then describes what he did for the inhabitants of the city of Babylon. Session 4.1

The Cyrus Cylinder Persian policy toward captives and sacred objects
I returned to (these) sacred cities on the other side of the Tigris, the sanctuaries of which have been in ruins for a long time, the images which (used) to live therein and established for them permanent sanctuaries. I (also) gathered all their (former) inhabitants and returned (to them) their habitations. While he is describing what he did for the Babylonians, we find out the Persian attitude towards captive people and their sacred objects used in worship. (Read) It is clear from this that they had a policy of returning people to their own lands along with their trappings used for worship. Maybe they thought that if they kept people happy and allowed them to return home and worship how they pleased, they would cause less trouble! It is interesting to compare this attitude with what we read in the Bible about the Persian attitude to the Jews who were in captivity… Persian policy toward captives and sacred objects Session 4.1

The Cyrus Cylinder Cyrus cylinder supports Bible record
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, … he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, … Who is among you of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel … which is in Jerusalem. Ezra 1 v 1 and 3 Cyrus encouraged captives to return home Encouraged them to practice own religion We read this in Ezra 1 v 1 and 3 (Read) Cyrus is allowing the Jews who are in captivity in Persia to go back to their land and is encouraging them to restart their worship. Cyrus encouraged the captives to return home. And encouraged them to practice their own religion. So once again we can see that the Cyrus cylinder supports the Bible record. Cyrus cylinder supports Bible record Session 4.1

The Pilate Inscription
Found at Caesarea The Pilate Inscription found recently at Caesarea in northern Israel also supports the Bible record. It was discovered over 40 years ago by Italian archaeologists led by Dr Fova. Session 4.1

Photo: Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority Copyright: The Israel Museum Jerusalem: Pontius Pilate – fact or fiction In 1961 inscription discovered: “Pontius Pilate, Prefect of Judea” Inscription part of dedication to Tiberius Caesar Until recently many scholars questioned the existence of the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate – the Roman Official who ordered the crucifixion of Jesus. In June 1961, this limestone block was discovered in an ancient Roman Amphitheatre. Part of the inscription says ”Pontius Pilate, Prefect of Judea. It is part of a dedication to the Roman Emperor Tiberius Caesar. This agrees exactly with what the Bible says … Session 4.1

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Luke 3 v 1 We read in Luke 3 v 1 (Read) The critics have again been silenced! Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea. This was in the reign of Tiberius Caesar. Critics have once again been silenced! Session 4.1

The Politarch Inscription
Found at Thessalonika The last example of Archaeology supporting the Bible is what is known as “The Politarch inscription”. It was discovered in 1835 on an arch in Thessalonika in Greece. Session 4.1

How accurate is the book of Acts? Uses terms like “politarch” for city rulers Terms not known anywhere else Luke must be wrong! In the past critics of the Bible said that Luke who wrote the book of the Acts was inaccurate and an unreliable historian. One criticism was that he used strange terms like “polytarchs” for city rulers There was no other known record of this term So Luke either didn’t know what he was talking about or couldn’t be bothered to get his facts right – either way he must be wrong! The discovery of this inscription has made the critics eat their words! Recent discoveries show Luke was right Session 4.1

Lists town officials in second century Six “politarchs” are listed The same term found on other inscriptions from Thessalonika The inscription lists the officials in the town in the second century AD. It begins by listing six “polytarchs”. Since then the same term has been found on other inscriptions in Thessalonika. Session 4.1

...they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers [politarchs] of the city, crying out, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” … And they troubled the crowd and the rulers [politarchs] of the city when they heard these things Acts 17 v 6 and 8 These are the two occurrences of the word “polyitrchs” in the book of Acts (Read). Session 4.1

Other examples : “praetors” – rulers of Phillippi “proconsul” – ruler of Corinth “leading man of the island” – ruler of Malta Other examples of Luke’s correct use of terms for officials in the book of Acts are (Read) Yet again we can see that Archaeology supports the Bible record and silences the critics! Luke used the correct titles for rulers; (Read) Yet again Archaeology supports the Bible Session 4.1

Tel Dan inscription Archaeology supports Bible record:
Photo: Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority Copyright: The Israel Museum Jerusalem The Tel dan inscription confirmed that the Bible is correct when it mentions that Benhadad was a king of Syria and that the House of David existed Session 4.1

Kurkh Stela Archaeology supports Bible record:
Photo: Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority Copyright: The Israel Museum Jerusalem The Kurkh Stela confirmed that the Bible is correct as it shows that Shalmaneser was king of Assyria and that he defeated Ahab, king of Israel and Ben-Hadad, king of Syria Session 4.1

Black obelisk of Shalmeneser III
Archaeology supports Bible record: Photo: Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority Copyright: The Israel Museum Jerusalem The Black obelisk of Shalmaneser III confirmed that the Bible is correct when it mentions that Jehu was king of Judah and that Kings paid tribute to the Assyrian kings just like the Bible record says. Session 4.1

Sennacherib cylinder Archaeology supports Bible record:
Photo: Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority Copyright: The Israel Museum Jerusalem Next we looked at the Cyrus cylinder. It supports the Bible when it mentions that Cyrus allowed captives to return to own cities and allowed them to practise their own religion Session 4.1

Cyrus cylinder Archaeology supports Bible record:
Photo: Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority Copyright: The Israel Museum Jerusalem Next we looked at the Cyrus cylinder. It supports the Bible when it mentions that Cyrus allowed captives to return to own cities and allowed them to practise their own religion Session 4.1

Pilate Inscription Archaeology supports Bible record: Session 4.1
Photo: Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority Copyright: The Israel Museum Jerusalem We then saw how the Pilate Inscription supported the Bible statements that Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea in reign of Roman emperor Tiberius Caesar Photo: Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority Copyright: The Israel Museum Jerusalem Session 4.1

Politarch inscription
Archaeology supports Bible record: Photo: Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority Copyright: The Israel Museum Jerusalem Lastly we saw that the Politarch inscription silenced the critics of the Bible and confirmed that the writer of book of Acts used accurate titles for city officials. Photo: Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority Copyright: The Israel Museum Jerusalem Session 4.1

Tip of the Iceberg Only tiny fraction of total evidence presented
100s of archaeological digs all providing evidence Nowadays many archaeologists use the Bible Reference guide Help search out ancient sites These are by no means the only archaeological findings which prove the accuracy and authenticity of the Bible record. What we have presented is a tiny fraction of the evidence. There are 100s of archeological digs providing new evidence about the accuracy and truth of the Bible account. Indeed so accurate is the Bible record that man archaeologists in Israel instead of trying to disprove the Bible use it as a reference guide to help them to search out ancient sites. We can trust the Bible account! Session 4.1

Food for Thought The Bible is reliable and gives hope for the future
Writers of inscriptions we have looked at are dead They offer no hope of life after death Bible writings are different …hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began Titus 1 v 2 Let’s look at these things from a slightly different angle. All of the writers of the inscriptions that we have looked at have been dead for many years. Despite the fact that many of them were great leaders of their time, they have all disappeared from the world scene and are largely forgotten. Furthermore neither they nor their writings can give any real hope of life after this one. We noticed in passing that Sennacherib’s prism was meant to preserve his name for posterity. But that was all he could do despite his great power – leave one or two inscriptions behind him. The Bible writings however are very different. They talk of the hope of life beyond this one. Titus 1 v 2 talks of a (read). Eternal life is something the great leaders of the world cannot offer. Archaeology may be interesting, but it is much more worth while looking at the Bible because, not only can we trust it, we can have a real hope for the future if we read and understand its message. The Bible is reliable and gives hope for the future Session 4.1

The Challenge Evidence shows
Bible is reliable Critics proved wrong You can trust the Bible when it gives advice about your life and offers hope for the future We have a challenge to consider. The evidence given by archaeology shows that the Bible is reliable Despite what critics used to say about it. And we have only looked at a small amount of the archaeological evidence supporting the Bible. There are other types of evidence supporting the Bible which we look at in other presentations. So we can trust the Bible when it gives us advice and information about our own lives and our future. There is no other book that gives such hope backed up by such evidence that it is reliable. Session 4.1

Summary Archaeology supports Bible record: Session 4.1
We saw several archaeological finds that confirm the Biblical account. As we said these are by no means the only archaeological findings which prove the accuracy and authenticity of the Bible record. What we have presented is a tiny fraction of the evidence. There are 100s of archeological digs providing new evidence about the accuracy and truth of the Bible account. Indeed so accurate is the Bible record that man archaeologists in Israel instead of trying to disprove the Bible use it as a reference guide to help them to search out ancient sites. Session 4.1

Life’s BIG Questions Week 4 Session1 Session 4.1

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Life’s BIG Questions Week 4 Session1 Session 4.1

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