"Much of the minimalist effort has been invested in the claim that David and Solomn-the founders of the Jerusalem Dynasty- are not historical figures. They argued that...they are not mentioned in any extra-biblical texts and should therefore be seen as legendary personalities. This arguement suffered a major blow when the Tel Dan basalt stele was discovered in the mid- 1990s. It comprises several fragments of a triumphal inscription written in Aramaic....It describes from the Aramean perspective, the territorial conflict between Israel and Damascus in the ninth century [B.C.] and records how an Aramean king (Hazael) launched a punishing offensive against his southern enemies...in which-so he claimed-he killed the king of Israel and his ally, the king of the 'House of David' (or bytdwd). This was the first time that the name of "David" was found in any contemporary source outside the Bible.... Moreover, it most probably specified the names of the two later kings-Joram of Israel and Ahaziah of Judah-both of whom are mentioned in the biblical text."
-The Quest for the Historical Israel: Debating Archeology and the History of Early Israel by Isreal Finkelstein and Amihai Mazar. Edited by Brian B. Schmidt. Pg. 14
1 comment:
Amazing quote. It just goes to show again how the Bible will NEVER ever be proved wrong! No historical theory or scientific assumption that does not come in agreement with God's Word will ever hold weight in the end. How great is our God!
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