Does Archaeology Support the Bible?

Does Archaeology Support the Bible?

Archaeology is the study of ancient peoples and their cultures. It provides a tremendous amount of evidence to support the historical / geographical accuracy and reliability of the Bible. In fact, archaeology has never uncovered anything  that contradicts the Bible! Archaeological findings have silenced critics who claimed that many of the Bible’s historical facts were merely legends. Here are just a few of the many findings that support the Old and New Testament texts.

A. What is Archaeology?

  • Definition: The science of archaeology studies past human life and activities of ancient cultures by examining artifacts (material products made by humans). The remains of ancient cities, dwellings, tools, agricultural and household implements, weapons, religious artifacts, pottery, coins, etc., are studied to gain information about the cultures of ancient civilizations.

  • Digging: Although some archaeological studies are done above ground (for example, the Pyramids), most archaeological work involves excavating to expose the buried remains of past civilizations or cultures. Archaeological “digs” in Israel and other parts of the Middle East are constantly uncovering material from biblical times.

  • Dating: Determining the correct date and time period for ancient towns and artifacts is a very important part of archaeology. Characteristics of architecture, or the styles of human artifacts are distinctive for each time period in a civilization. Dating methods include detecting differences in design and decoration (of pottery, lamps, jewelry, etc.), identifying types of metals (in tools or weapons), recognizing architectural trends (of homes, temples, city walls and gates), decoding or translating engravings (on inscriptions or coins), etc. Radioactive carbon testing can be used to date anything which was previously living, such as wood, grain, bone, cloth, etc. Since the Bible covers many centuries, correct dating is especially important if we want to use archaeological evidence to support the accuracy of the Bible.

B. Archaeological Evidence for Old Testament Accuracy

1. Writings or Inscriptions

The Ebla Tablets (2300 BC)Written in cuneiform not too long after the Tower of Babel, these tablets mention Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), which were thriving cities at that time. The discovery of these very ancient tablets silenced many biblical critics, who said that the Genesis records couldn’t possibly be true because people couldn’t read or write at that stage of human history.

The Ebla Tablets (2300 BC)

Written in cuneiform not too long after the Tower of Babel, these tablets mention Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), which were thriving cities at that time. The discovery of these very ancient tablets silenced many biblical critics, who said that the Genesis records couldn’t possibly be true because people couldn’t read or write at that stage of human history.

 
The Mari Tablets (1800 BC)These tablets mention some customs of that time that are also mentioned in the Bible, including the solemn covenant ritual recorded in Genesis 15.

The Mari Tablets (1800 BC)

These tablets mention some customs of that time that are also mentioned in the Bible, including the solemn covenant ritual recorded in Genesis 15.

Temple of Amon at Karnak, Egypt (1450 BC)

Inscriptions on the walls of this Egyptian temple list many cities mentioned in Numbers 33.

The Amarna Letters (1400 BC)These letters are from a Canaanite ruler requesting help from Egypt against an invasion from the “Habiru” people. From 1 Kings 6:1 we know that Joshua and the people of Israel entered the “Promised Land” in about 1400 BC. The name Habiru is descriptive of nomadic peoples. The Israelites had been wanderers in the wilderness prior to this time, so Habiru may be related to the name “Hebrew.”

The Amarna Letters (1400 BC)

These letters are from a Canaanite ruler requesting help from Egypt against an invasion from the “Habiru” people. From 1 Kings 6:1 we know that Joshua and the people of Israel entered the “Promised Land” in about 1400 BC. The name Habiru is descriptive of nomadic peoples. The Israelites had been wanderers in the wilderness prior to this time, so Habiru may be related to the name “Hebrew.”

The Ras Shamra Tablets (1500 BC)These tablets describe the grossly immoral religious practices of the Canaanites. To preserve His people from involvement in this type of sin when they entered the Promised Land, God told the Israelites to completely destroy the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:1-6). These tablets support the biblical record of Canaanite wickedness.

The Ras Shamra Tablets (1500 BC)

These tablets describe the grossly immoral religious practices of the Canaanites. To preserve His people from involvement in this type of sin when they entered the Promised Land, God told the Israelites to completely destroy the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:1-6). These tablets support the biblical record of Canaanite wickedness.

The Elephantine Papyrus (500 BC)This document was found on Elephantine Island in Egypt. It states that Sanballat was governor of Samaria under the Persian Empire, exactly as recorded in Nehemiah 26.

The Elephantine Papyrus (500 BC)

This document was found on Elephantine Island in Egypt. It states that Sanballat was governor of Samaria under the Persian Empire, exactly as recorded in Nehemiah 26.

Seal of GemariahClay Seals (or bullae) were flat discs of clay that sealed important documents. A seal found in Jerusalem in 1980 bears the name of Gemariah, son of Shaphan. In Jeremiah 36, King Jehoiakim destroyed the scroll of Jeremiah against the advice of his scribe, Gemariah, son of Shaphan. The name of Jeremiah’s scribe, Baruch, also has been found on a 6th century BC bulla.

Seal of Gemariah

Clay Seals (or bullae) were flat discs of clay that sealed important documents. A seal found in Jerusalem in 1980 bears the name of Gemariah, son of Shaphan. In Jeremiah 36, King Jehoiakim destroyed the scroll of Jeremiah against the advice of his scribe, Gemariah, son of Shaphan. The name of Jeremiah’s scribe, Baruch, also has been found on a 6th century BC bulla.

The Babylonian Chronicles (700-600 BC)These inscriptions tell of the fall of Nineveh in 612 BC, as predicted in the book of Nahum. They also describe the Babylonian assault on Jerusalem in 597 BC, in which the prophet Ezekiel was captured and taken to Babylon.

The Babylonian Chronicles (700-600 BC)

These inscriptions tell of the fall of Nineveh in 612 BC, as predicted in the book of Nahum. They also describe the Babylonian assault on Jerusalem in 597 BC, in which the prophet Ezekiel was captured and taken to Babylon.

The Moabite Stone (850 BC)This inscription tells of the conflict between Israel and Moab after the death of Ahab, (recorded in 2 Kings 1:1 and 3:5-27). French professor Andre Lemaire, who has worked on restoring the inscription, said, “This inscription easily establishes the importance of Israel and Judah on the international scene at this time.”

The Moabite Stone (850 BC)

This inscription tells of the conflict between Israel and Moab after the death of Ahab, (recorded in 2 Kings 1:1 and 3:5-27). French professor Andre Lemaire, who has worked on restoring the inscription, said, “This inscription easily establishes the importance of Israel and Judah on the international scene at this time.”

The Lachish Reliefs and Sennacherib’s Prism (700 BC)These carvings are Assyrian records that corroborate and support the accounts of the Assyrian invasion of Judah, recorded in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32 and Isaiah 36-37.

The Lachish Reliefs and Sennacherib’s Prism (700 BC)

These carvings are Assyrian records that corroborate and support the accounts of the Assyrian invasion of Judah, recorded in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32 and Isaiah 36-37.

2. Archaeological sites

HaranGenesis 12:4-5 mention that Abraham traveled through Haran on his way to Canaan. Archaeologists have found that Haran was a thriving city at that time.

Haran

Genesis 12:4-5 mention that Abraham traveled through Haran on his way to Canaan. Archaeologists have found that Haran was a thriving city at that time.

UrUr, the city where Abraham was born and called by God, has been uncovered and is shown to have been a large, advanced city at that time (Genesis 11). It was an idolatrous city, extravagant in its worship of false gods. Ziggurats (towers from which worship of the heavens took place) have been found in Ur, Babylon, and in other places in Iraq. The Tower of Babel was most likely an early ziggurat.

Ur

Ur, the city where Abraham was born and called by God, has been uncovered and is shown to have been a large, advanced city at that time (Genesis 11). It was an idolatrous city, extravagant in its worship of false gods. Ziggurats (towers from which worship of the heavens took place) have been found in Ur, Babylon, and in other places in Iraq. The Tower of Babel was most likely an early ziggurat.

Laish (later re-named Dan)This Canaanite city in northern Israel is mentioned in Genesis 14:14. A mud brick city gate dated to Canaanite times has been discovered there. It was preserved because it was purposely buried, and not destroyed. Archaeological finds indicate that the city plan was probably changed at the time of the Judges, supporting the biblical record of the tribe of Dan’s conquest of Laish (Judges 18:27-28).

Laish (later re-named Dan)

This Canaanite city in northern Israel is mentioned in Genesis 14:14. A mud brick city gate dated to Canaanite times has been discovered there. It was preserved because it was purposely buried, and not destroyed. Archaeological finds indicate that the city plan was probably changed at the time of the Judges, supporting the biblical record of the tribe of Dan’s conquest of Laish (Judges 18:27-28).

JerichoOld Testament Jericho has been excavated several times. The so-called “problem” of the fallen walls has finally been resolved in support of the biblical account. Radioactive dating of grain and burned material support the biblical date of about 1400 BC for the Israelite conquest of Canaan. 1 Kings 6:1 precisely dates the Exodus as 480 years before Solomon began to build the Temple. Solomon began his reign in about 971 BC, thus placing the date of the Exodus at about 1447 BC. After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelite conquest of Jericho can be dated to about 1400 BC.

Jericho

Old Testament Jericho has been excavated several times. The so-called “problem” of the fallen walls has finally been resolved in support of the biblical account. Radioactive dating of grain and burned material support the biblical date of about 1400 BC for the Israelite conquest of Canaan. 1 Kings 6:1 precisely dates the Exodus as 480 years before Solomon began to build the Temple. Solomon began his reign in about 971 BC, thus placing the date of the Exodus at about 1447 BC. After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelite conquest of Jericho can be dated to about 1400 BC.

“City of David”Remains of early Jerusalem from Canaanite times and Israelite times have been found. Both the water shaft mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:8 (about 1000 BC), and Hezekiah’s tunnel referenced in 2 Kings 20:20 (about 700 BC), have been found. The tunnel is an incredible feat of engineering. It supplied water from the Gihon Spring (outside the city walls) to the Pool of Siloam (inside the walls). The pick marks of Hezekiah’s workers can still be seen in the bedrock walls of the tunnel. Structures and artifacts have been found in the city of David from before and after the Babylonian exile (6th century BC), including a portion of Nehemiah’s rebuilt city wall.

“City of David”

Remains of early Jerusalem from Canaanite times and Israelite times have been found. Both the water shaft mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:8 (about 1000 BC), and Hezekiah’s tunnel referenced in 2 Kings 20:20 (about 700 BC), have been found. The tunnel is an incredible feat of engineering. It supplied water from the Gihon Spring (outside the city walls) to the Pool of Siloam (inside the walls). The pick marks of Hezekiah’s workers can still be seen in the bedrock walls of the tunnel. Structures and artifacts have been found in the city of David from before and after the Babylonian exile (6th century BC), including a portion of Nehemiah’s rebuilt city wall.

HazorThis major city in northern Israel was conquered and destroyed by fire during the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 11:10-11). It was rebuilt and again destroyed by Deborah and Barak (Judges 4). Excavations by Israeli archaeologist Yigael Yadin found evidence which confirms the dates and details of both biblical accounts. Later excavations have uncovered a Canaanite palace, which was probably the palace of Jabin (Judges 4).

Hazor

This major city in northern Israel was conquered and destroyed by fire during the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 11:10-11). It was rebuilt and again destroyed by Deborah and Barak (Judges 4). Excavations by Israeli archaeologist Yigael Yadin found evidence which confirms the dates and details of both biblical accounts. Later excavations have uncovered a Canaanite palace, which was probably the palace of Jabin (Judges 4).

Hazor, Megiddo (pictured) and Gezer1 Kings 9:15 states that these cities were fortified by Solomon. Using this Scripture, Israeli archaeologist Yigael Yadin correctly predicted the type of walls and gates he would find at Megiddo. The information in the Bible proved to be completely accurate!

Hazor, Megiddo (pictured) and Gezer

1 Kings 9:15 states that these cities were fortified by Solomon. Using this Scripture, Israeli archaeologist Yigael Yadin correctly predicted the type of walls and gates he would find at Megiddo. The information in the Bible proved to be completely accurate!

NinevehThe capital of the ancient Assyrian Empire was finally found in the 20th century. After years of destructive criticism from skeptics, the Bible’s accurate accounts were confirmed by archaeology.

Nineveh

The capital of the ancient Assyrian Empire was finally found in the 20th century. After years of destructive criticism from skeptics, the Bible’s accurate accounts were confirmed by archaeology.

BabylonThe capital of the Babylonian Empire, and the location of the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) has been found. Daniel 4:30 records that King Nebuchadnezzar boasted, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power…”

Babylon

The capital of the Babylonian Empire, and the location of the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) has been found. Daniel 4:30 records that King Nebuchadnezzar boasted, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power…”

C. Archaeological Evidence for New Testament Accuracy

Synagogues at Nazareth and CapernaumThe floors of the ancient synagogues that date to the time of Jesus have been discovered under the ruins of the 4th century synagogues at Nazareth and Capernaum (pictured). Here Jesus taught, healed, and read Scripture (Mark 1, Luke 4). During excavations at Capernaum, the remains of an early Christian (Byzantine) church were uncovered, under which a 1st century house was found. It’s thought that this house may have been the actual home of the disciple Peter, where early Christians met together.

Synagogues at Nazareth and Capernaum

The floors of the ancient synagogues that date to the time of Jesus have been discovered under the ruins of the 4th century synagogues at Nazareth and Capernaum (pictured). Here Jesus taught, healed, and read Scripture (Mark 1, Luke 4). During excavations at Capernaum, the remains of an early Christian (Byzantine) church were uncovered, under which a 1st century house was found. It’s thought that this house may have been the actual home of the disciple Peter, where early Christians met together.

Pontius PilateDuring the excavation of a Roman theater at Caesarea in 1961, a stone slab with an inscription including the Latin name “Pontius Pilatus” was found. This inscription and the writings of the Jewish historian, Josephus Flavius, corroborate the Bible’s record of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.

Pontius Pilate

During the excavation of a Roman theater at Caesarea in 1961, a stone slab with an inscription including the Latin name “Pontius Pilatus” was found. This inscription and the writings of the Jewish historian, Josephus Flavius, corroborate the Bible’s record of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.

The Gabbatha (“Pavement”)A Roman pavement of large stone blocks has been found in the area where the Antonia Fortress was located in Jerusalem. Grooves are cut in some of the stones to help prevent Roman chariots from skidding on wet pavement. Engravings on the paving stones have been identified as a Roman gambling game called “the game of the king” (see John 19:23). In John 19:13 we read that Jesus was tried at “The Pavement.” Although the pavement we see today is dated to the time of the Roman emperor Hadrian (about 100 years after Christ), this may well have been the location.

The Gabbatha (“Pavement”)

A Roman pavement of large stone blocks has been found in the area where the Antonia Fortress was located in Jerusalem. Grooves are cut in some of the stones to help prevent Roman chariots from skidding on wet pavement. Engravings on the paving stones have been identified as a Roman gambling game called “the game of the king” (see John 19:23). In John 19:13 we read that Jesus was tried at “The Pavement.” Although the pavement we see today is dated to the time of the Roman emperor Hadrian (about 100 years after Christ), this may well have been the location.

The Temple at the time of Christ (“Herod’s Temple” or the “Second Temple”)The Jewish Temple was one of the wonders of the ancient world (a model representation is pictured). In Mark 13, Jesus predicted that this magnificent structure would be destroyed, and not one stone would be left upon another. The Temple was torn apart by Roman armies in 70 AD. Just as Jesus predicted, not one stone of the Temple was left upon another. Huge building stones have been uncovered in archaeological excavations at the foot of the Temple Mount platform. The Western Wall of the platform (formerly called the “Wailing Wall”), is the principal place of prayer for Jews in Jerusalem today.

The Temple at the time of Christ (“Herod’s Temple” or the “Second Temple”)

The Jewish Temple was one of the wonders of the ancient world (a model representation is pictured). In Mark 13, Jesus predicted that this magnificent structure would be destroyed, and not one stone would be left upon another. The Temple was torn apart by Roman armies in 70 AD. Just as Jesus predicted, not one stone of the Temple was left upon another. Huge building stones have been uncovered in archaeological excavations at the foot of the Temple Mount platform. The Western Wall of the platform (formerly called the “Wailing Wall”), is the principal place of prayer for Jews in Jerusalem today.

CaiaphasCritics claimed that Caiaphas, the High Priest at the time of Jesus (John 18:13-14), never existed. However, a 1st century burial cave and an ossuary (a small coffin for bones) inscribed with the name “Caiaphas” were discovered in Jerusalem in 1990. The remains of a large building, with dungeons beneath, have been uncovered near the southern end of the Temple Mount. This site is possibly the house of Caiaphas (Luke 22:54), where the Lord was held in custody before His trial.

Caiaphas

Critics claimed that Caiaphas, the High Priest at the time of Jesus (John 18:13-14), never existed. However, a 1st century burial cave and an ossuary (a small coffin for bones) inscribed with the name “Caiaphas” were discovered in Jerusalem in 1990. The remains of a large building, with dungeons beneath, have been uncovered near the southern end of the Temple Mount. This site is possibly the house of Caiaphas (Luke 22:54), where the Lord was held in custody before His trial.

The Pool of BethesdaMentioned in John 5, this site has been excavated near the Temple area. Pagan cultic artifacts were also found, which may explain the belief that sick persons would be healed when the “waters were stirred.”

The Pool of Bethesda

Mentioned in John 5, this site has been excavated near the Temple area. Pagan cultic artifacts were also found, which may explain the belief that sick persons would be healed when the “waters were stirred.”

Baptismal poolsA mikvah was a small pool for Jewish ceremonial washings. Many of these pools have been excavated near the southern steps to the Temple Mount. It’s possible that the 3,000 new converts on the Day of Pentecost were baptized in these pools (Acts 2:41).

Baptismal pools

A mikvah was a small pool for Jewish ceremonial washings. Many of these pools have been excavated near the southern steps to the Temple Mount. It’s possible that the 3,000 new converts on the Day of Pentecost were baptized in these pools (Acts 2:41).

Capernaum, Bethsaida and Chorazin

Because of their unbelief, Jesus pronounced judgment on these bustling lakeside towns (Matthew 11). All three towns were destroyed by earthquakes and have never been inhabited since. They have been excavated by archaeologists and the ruins, like these at Chorazin, can be seen today.

The Theater (pictured) and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

These buildings, mentioned in Acts 19, have been excavated in the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus.

Paul’s voyage to RomeThe historical information given by Luke in his description of Paul’s sea voyage to Rome (Acts 27-28) was investigated by experts in historical geography. Luke’s account was found to be extremely accurate, down to the smallest details of geography and the navigation of that day.

Paul’s voyage to Rome

The historical information given by Luke in his description of Paul’s sea voyage to Rome (Acts 27-28) was investigated by experts in historical geography. Luke’s account was found to be extremely accurate, down to the smallest details of geography and the navigation of that day.

Conclusion

Archaeological evidence confirms and supports the Bible. The historical information in the Bible is so accurate that it has actually assisted archaeologists in their work. Nelson Glueck, a renowned Jewish archaeologist, stated that no archaeological discovery has ever disproved a biblical reference! The evidence from archaeology assures us that we can rely on the accuracy of the historical and geographical information in the Bible.

Christian EvidencesRon Reidarchaeology