Biblical Archaeology

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An Absence of Evidence Does not Mean Evidence of Absence
Those scholars who think biblical characters and the Exodus are myths make a fundamental mistake. They falsely assume if some biblical figure does not have extra-biblical evidence then it is a myth. This is wrong. All it means is that as of yet there is no definitive extra biblical evidence for some Abraham or Moses. It does not prove the bible is a fairy tale or a myth. A lack of evidence does not prove anything. All it proves is there is a lack of extra-biblical evidence. Also this can change quickly because it is an argument for silence which is a very weak argument. Two good examples of this is the Tel Dan inscription and the Hittite Kingdom.
Until the discovery of the Tel Dan inscription in 1993 by the archaeologist Gila Kook there were some “so called academics” who said King David never existed. Why? Because there was no extra-biblical evidence for his existence. Then the Tel Dan inscription which clearly has written on it “the House of David” proved them all wrong. The “House of David” means the kingdom of David.
The other example is the Hittite empire. Before the discovery of the ancient capital of the Hittites. The only mention for this entire kingdom was found in the Hebrew Bible. So some academics said it was a made up kingdom. It never existed. Then Hattuša, the Hittite capital was excavated in the late 1800’s at Boğazköy (central-northern Turkey) and archeologists they found clay cuneiform tablets. They determined that this was Hattusa the capital of the Hittites. Again the so-called scholars back then were wrong. Why? Because they made a very weak argument from silence. Which is easy to disprove. Just because it does not exist now doesn’t mean some evidence will not be found in the future. Especially when so little has been unearthed in Egypt . Some experts estimates only some 10–20% of total finds in Egypt have been unearthed. So the majority of finds are yet to be discovered. If that is the case how can one argue from silence when so little has been unearthed?
In addition, who would write about Abraham, Moses or the Exodus? Certainly not the Egyptians. It would have been considered a great defeat which they would never have recorded. Again an absence of evidence does mean evidence of absence. All it means is now we do not have definitive extra-biblical evidence like a stele saying Moses took the Israelites out of Egypt. But the Hebrew Bible is an ancient text. Why not take it seriously just like any other ancient text. The reason in my view is that secular academics have a bias against the Hebrew Bible which they do not show against other ancient texts. Otherwise they would look at it one source for ancient history and not dismiss it as a fairy tale or just myth.

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Venture into the depths of history by exploring Hezekiah’s Tunnel, also known as the Siloam Tunnel, nestled in the heart of Jerusalem, Israel. This remarkable example of ancient engineering emerges from the shadows of time, having been constructed between 701 and 681 BC during the reign of King Hezekiah. Designed as a safeguard for the city’s water supply amidst the looming threat of an Assyrian siege, it artfully channels water from the Gihon Spring, located just outside the city walls, directly to the Pool of Siloam within.

Stretching approximately 533 meters, or 1,749 feet, this tunnel was painstakingly excavated by hand from both ends, meeting in a miraculous display of precision. As you traverse its winding, narrow pathways—each twist revealing variances in height and width—you’ll be captivated by the ingenuity and determination of its creators. Within the tunnel, remarkable inscriptions narrate the story of its construction while marking the pivotal moment when the two teams of diggers united with astounding accuracy. This journey through Hezekiah’s Tunnel is not merely a passage through stone, but an exciting trek through the annals of ancient history.

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Uncover the Miracle at Khirbet Cana! 

Journey to lower Galilee where recent excavations at Khirbet Cana may have unveiled the historical site of Jesus' first miracle—turning water into wine. Discoveries include a large Christian underground veneration complex, suggesting that early Christians revered this spot as Cana of Galilee as early as the fifth century C.E. 

This finding not only deepens our understanding of early Christian worship but also brings to life a key biblical event. Visit Khirbet Cana and walk in the footsteps of a miracle that has inspired faith for millennia. #KhirbetCana #BiblicalArchaeology #MiracleOfCana 

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THE IPUWER PAPYRUS, EVIDENCE OF THE EXODUS PLAGUES

In the early 19th Century an ancient papyrus was found in Egypt. It was taken to the Leiden Museum in Holland and interpreted by A.H. Gardiner in 1909. The papyrus describes violent upheavals in Egypt, starvation, drought, escape of slaves (with the wealth of the Egyptians), and death throughout the land. The papyrus was written by an Egyptian named Ipuwer and appears to be an eyewitness account of the effects of the Exodus plagues. The account parallels the Book of Exodus. Read the comparison to scripture down below.

o Papyrus 2:10 - The river is blood.

§ Exodus 7:20 - ...all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.

o Papyrus 4:14, 6:1 - Trees are destroyed. No fruit nor herbs are found.

§ Exodus 9:25 - ...and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.

o Papyrus 2:10 - Forsooth, gates, columns and walls are consumed by fire.

§ Exodus 9:23-24 - ...the fire ran along the ground.... there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous.

o Papyrus 9:11 - The land is not light....

§ Exodus 10:22 - ...and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt.

o Papyrus 4:3, 5:6, 6:12 - Forsooth, the children of princes are dashed against the walls. Forsooth, the children of princes are cast out in the streets.

§ Exodus 12:29 - And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon.

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The Mount of Olives, Jerusalem 

The Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem's Old City, is a sacred site in Judaism and Christianity,  It features a 3,000-year-old Jewish cemetery, key Christian landmarks like the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. Known for its panoramic views of Jerusalem, it is a major destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Mystery of Jerusalem 
#israellandofmilkandhoney

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WHERE BIBLE HISTORY MEETS ACCEPTED HISTORY...

The ancient city of Kish in Sumeria is believed to be named after Cush, one of Noah's great grandsons. Clay tablets of ancient kings do establish Kish as a real person and a very strong connection can be made between Cush and the founder of Kish, the first established city after Noah's flood. This clay tablet found in Sumeria, speaks of the flood and Kish's (Cush's) kingship.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that Bible history is real established history just like any other part.

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https://notthebee.com/article/researchers-in-israel-have-discovered-the-oldest-known-inscription-of-jesus-is-god

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This is the very same book some label as fake, outdated, or a mere fairy tale. Yet, many archaeological discoveries align precisely with its prophecies. So, if the Bible is accurate in its references to history and geography, why not trust its declaration of creation as the work of a divine being?

Consider this:
Only the Bible provides an exact geographical reference for the pyramid of Giza, as seen in Isaiah 19:19-20.

Yet, attempts to understand God solely through human knowledge fall short. As stated in 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV):
"But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

True understanding of God comes from within—a quiet, inner witness urging us to worship.

For those who desire to see God:
1 Timothy 6:16 (NKJV) reminds us,
"who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen."
God resides beyond the realm of mortals, unseen by human eyes. But if you are humble and genuinely seek Him, you may encounter Jesus—God in the flesh.

Finally, the Bible, which has proven reliable in historical and archaeological matters, also warns of the reality of hell for those who reject Jesus. It speaks truth not just in some things, but in all things.

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VIEW THE ONLY KNOWN COMPLETE COLLECTION OF ALL THE COINS MENTIONED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. CLICK ON THE LINK FOR DETAILS ABOUT THE COINS AND IT COLLECTOR, PASTOR J F ROWLANDS. [https://fgcsa.co.za/coins/](https://fgcsa.co.za/coins/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3R8vfTto3i8Q5jdLFPao35ZKzfPabR_F1Xv6j6hYoa3JFaSAroXTXNrP0_aem_-dl8Q8tU8Aq13n7hJ08uIw)

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On 11/18/2024 at 7:38 AM, RETIREDFAN1 said:

The Mount of Olives, Jerusalem 

The Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem's Old City, is a sacred site in Judaism and Christianity,  It features a 3,000-year-old Jewish cemetery, key Christian landmarks like the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. Known for its panoramic views of Jerusalem, it is a major destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Mystery of Jerusalem 
#israellandofmilkandhoney

Princess Alice of Battenberg is the only British royal buried there.  I did not know that until yesterday, because of a trivia question.  

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Tracing Bethlehem's Ancient Roots: In 2012, deep within the heart of ancient Jerusalem, archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority uncovered a remarkable piece of history—a dried clay seal, or 'bulla,' dating back to the eighth century B.C.

This bulla, inscribed with the ancient Hebrew script 'From the town of Bethlehem to the King,' likely sealed a document related to a tax payment, affirming Bethlehem's historical existence outside of biblical texts. inscribed with the ancient Hebrew words "Bishv'at," "Bat Lechem," and "Lemelech," which translate to "seventh," "Bethlehem," and "king" respectively.

The town of "Bethlehem" appears over 40 times in 12 books of Hebrew Scriptures (OT): Bethlehem is first mentioned in conjunction with the death of the matriarch Rachel.
     "So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)." (Gen 35:19)
     "Now as for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died, to my sorrow, in the land of Canaan on the journey, when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)." (Gen 48:7)

Ruth and Boaz met at Bethlehem, married and bore their son Obed, the father of Jesse who in turn was the father of King David.
     "So Naomi returned, and with her Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, who returned from the land of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest." (Ruth 1:22)

God sends the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem to find the new king.
     "Now the LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have selected a king for Myself among his sons." (1 Sam 16:1)

Bethlehem is the hometown of King David. While fighting the Philistines, who had a garrison in Bethlehem, a thirsty David wishes out loud for some water.
     "David had a craving and said, "Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem which is by the gate!" (2 Sam 23:15)

Micah prophesies God's promised ruler over Israel (Messiah) will be born in Bethlehem.
     "Now muster yourselves in troops, daughter of troops; They have laid siege against us; With a rod they will smite the judge of Israel on the cheek. But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity." (Mic 5:1-3)

But apart from the Bible, there hasn't been any archeological evidence of Bethlehem of the Hebrew Scriptures (OT) found until recently.

On May 23, 2012, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced the discovery of a clay seal bearing the name "Bethlehem" in ancient Hebrew script. Measuring only 1.5 cm (0.59 inches) long, the small bullae was unearthed just outside Jerusalem's Old City.

The seal was written in ancient Hebrew script from the First Temple Period, and pottery found nearby also dated back to the same time. This placed the bullae during the first Jewish Temple period, between the eighth and seventh century B.C., at a time when Jewish kings reigned over the ancient kingdom of Judah and 700 years before Jesus was born.

It is believed that the bulla was used to seal tax shipments of silver or agricultural produce exported from Bethlehem to the King of Judah, either Hezekiah, Manasseh or Josiah, in Jerusalem.

The inscription on this small piece of clay was:

Bishv'at: in the seventh

Bat Lechem: Bethlehem"

[Lemel]ekh: king

This discovery stands as the earliest-known artifact explicitly mentioning Bethlehem, providing invaluable physical evidence of the town's ancient administrative and economic activities. 
     Your Comments are very Appreciated!  
#AncientBethlehem #Archaeology Shmuel Achituy, an expert in ancient scripts at Israel's Ben-Gurion University. Edited by Scott Brockman-Meineke, Founder of #fbisrael

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POLONIUM: PROOF THE EARTH WAS FORMED IN 3 MINUTES!

Scientist Robert Gentry made a remarkable discovery many years ago. When examining granite rocks, a makeup of the Earth's crust, he found that they contained Radiohalos, which are a remnant of the element Polonium.

Evolutionists believe the Earth was once hot magma, and the magma cooled and became the Earth's crust over billions of years. The magma would have burned up the Polonium, so therefore, the Earth did not form this way. A half life of the element Polonium-218 is 3 minutes.. Meaning the Earth itself was formed in less than 3 minutes!

https://creation.com/its-about-time-radiohaloes

If you're an old earth creationist or secularist, I urge you to take a serious look at this. It did not take God millions of years to create the earth. There's more information below. To date, there has been NO good explanation from non-believers when it comes to this evidence.

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CYRUS CYLINDER — On this day in 539/540 B.C., Cyrus of Persia entered Babylon & deposed Nabonidus of Babylon & his eldest son, Belshazzar, (acting king) [see also, Daniel 5; 7:1; 8:1 & the Nabonidus Chronicle].

The Cyrus cylinder records Cyrus’s policy of repatriation of foreign captives which affirms & corroborates the account in the OT book of Ezra when the Jews were allowed to return, then eventually rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1). The artifact was discovered in a foundation deposit in the ruins of Babylon by archaeologist, Hormuzd Rassam in 1879. It is currently located in the British Museum. #EpicArchaeology #Archaeology #OldTestament #Persia #History #AncientIsrael

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The Tomb of Absalom (son of King David of Israel) an ancient Jewish  3000 years old cemetery on Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, Israel. With over one hundred thousand graves it is also the largest Jewish cemetery in the world!
- The Tomb of Absalom is the largest and most famous of the tombs. It is located in the Kidron Valley, known in the Bible as the Valley of Jehoshaphat, which lies in between the Mount of Olives and the Old City Temple Mount. 
- Although traditionally ascribed to Absalom, the rebellious son of King David of Israel (circa 1000 BCE & 2 Samuel), recent scholarship has attributed it to the 1st century CE or AD.
- The tomb’s exterior design features a Doric frieze and Ionic columns, both being styles originating in ancient Greece and introduced into Judah during the Seleucid Empire, centuries after the death of Absalom. Archeologically, the so-called “Tomb Of Absalom” is a Nefesh or burial monument for the adjacent burial cave system known as the Cave of Yehoshafat. 
- The photos are tomb that are attributed to Zechariah - on the right and the sons of Hazir on the left. Attached is a photo of the tomb attributed to Absalom. Many scholars think it's the tomb of Agripas the first. The one we read that he died in Cesarea at for his pride in Acts 25. - From Various Sources #fbisrael

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