Man this is getting to be some kind of pattern. A tablet has been found that seems to detail repairs to Solomon's Temple. An expert says it could have been in the temple when it was destroyed. But like James' alleged ossuary, it came from the antiquities market.
"The mystery surrounding the stone tablet — its murky origins, appearance on the private antiquities market and a collector unwilling to come forward — mirrors the controversy over an inscription on an ancient burial box that may be the oldest archaeological link to Jesus".
"Barkai said the inscription’s resemblance to biblical passages 'has far-reaching implications of the historical importance of the biblical text.'”
Too bad it wasn't explained what the "far reaching implications" are, or why they bear on biblical text. Me thinks it isn't as important as Barkai implies.
What do I think? I tend to not get overly excited by such things. I trust science to do its job and I trust God to do His. If it is authentic and supports The Bible, or, if it is unauthentic, I won’t be too terribly surprised. If it is authentic and refutes The Bible, THEN I’ll be surprised; but, even then, I know that scientific “fact” changes relatively frequently while God, and His Truth, are Immutable. (That’s called faith, folks)
Once again, I thank Gar for bringing this to my/our attention; I was unaware. One of these days, I gotta start reading the newspaper.
It will be very difficult to confirm its authenticity, and since it has no archaeological context, it has no real meaning until authenticated.
But do we really need it? Aren't there still some of Solomon's stones in place near the base of the temple mount? The east wall of the walled city is like a who's who of masonry over 3000 years.
There have also been photos taken of the "rock" inside the Dome of the Rock, and it, too is a representation of several thousand years of activity, mostly chipping away of the stone during the middle ages when religious artifacts drew big money--like selling a piece of the real cross.
Written documents dating to the iron age that relate to anything in the Bible are rare, that alone would determine it's value.
Posts: 3632 | Location: Washington, US | Registered: 06-03-02
By the way, this Hershel Shank's magazine (BAR) has done many articles on artifacts that are in the hands of collectors (many of which are assumed to be authentic), and many more articles on the flourishing condition of antiquities for sale on the streets in the Middle East. There are probably just as many authentic artifacts in private hands as there are in museums. If you think that two makes a trend, think of what will happen if it becomes fashionable to have your private possessions authenticated.
Posts: 3632 | Location: Washington, US | Registered: 06-03-02
Oh Shesh, I heard some time - A long time ago, from some minister or such that as the End of the Age nears there will be more signs and evidence that Biblical stuff is true.
I thought about it all night long trying to remember who said it an in which book I read it.
Some of the things I remember him listed as what will be found are:
1.Proof of the first Jewish Temple's existence
2.The Ark of the Covenant (He also went on to say that it would be found on/in the temple mount).
3. Noe's Ark, however it will be found on a different mountain than we think, and that it would not be on the peak.
4. Evidence that Moses's parting took place, but not of the Red sea, but of the Reed Sea.
5. Locations of missing Biblical cities would be found - along with more scrolls and pottery which would reflect many of the 'unverified stories' of the Bible (i.e. like the flood, tower of Babel, etc.)
The list was a fairly long one. And each came with a good description stating that instead of defying physical and universal laws and scientific understanding, they would in fact bring the bible closer to scientific understanding - giving rational and archaeological evidence that events and people of the bible did in fact really exist.
I really wish I could remember the book. The author said that the finds would establish biblical truths, but would point out the flaws of human re-telling of many events - thus the gap between scientific understanding and Biblical rendering would close.
He also stated that these find taking place would provide mankind with more evidence to pick a side before the Tribulation Period.
Basically God would proof He does exist and also would clear up many manners of Biblical traditions. The author states a kind of Last Days Revival would start taking place. More people who have been weak in their faith would find strength in the finds, while others who had no faith would come to faith.
I'm soo sorry I can't remember the name of the book - I read way to much I guess.
David
Posts: 4018 | Location: Leaving land, heading for the ocean | Registered: 06-03-02
Even if they proved a direct link to Jesus, it doesn't prove Jesus was the Son of God, only that he existed.Those of us who believe really don't need "proof" and it doesn't scientifically prove God exists to the non-believer, so what difference does it make?
Gar, this is not archaeology. This is a private person saying "Hay, look what I have!" and everyone else jumping to be the first to have an opinion on it.
I saw a documentary once on a guy in Pakistan who faked an Egyptian mummy in a sarcophagus. He knew enough of history to claim a believable figure of Persian descent, and he was a great enough hoax artist to fool many experts, until a team of scholars actually came to see.
When they found forensic evidence of modern use of tools in making the coffin, the "archaeological" find turned into a murder investigation and a search for a missing woman, because they realized the body had to have come from SOMEWHERE! (Proper Egyptian embalming involves having a very FRESH body, not just a body.)
Posts: 3632 | Location: Washington, US | Registered: 06-03-02
