Archaeology And The Bible

This blog article represents ChristianAnswers.net as they answer many questions you may have about the Bible and/or archaeology. They also publish the well known Bible and Spade magazine. In order to find the answers to the questions that you may see below, go to their website.  Pastor Steve

ChristianAnswers team member Associates for Biblical Research publishes an excellent magazine Bible and Spade in FULL-COLOR. Subscribe to keep up-to-date on Bible archaeology discoveries and research.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“In every instance where the findings of archaeology pertain to the Biblical record, the archaeological evidence confirms, sometimes in detailed fashion, the historical accuracy of Scripture. In those instances where the archaeological findings seem to be at variance with the Bible, the discrepancy lies with the archaeological evidence, i.e., improper interpretation, lack of evidence, etc.—not with the Bible.”
—Dr. Bryant C. Wood, archaeologist, Associates for Biblical Research

What is the most important archaeological work currently going on in terms of evidence for the truth of God’s Word?

At Tell el-Dab’a, ancient Ramesses, the eastern delta of Egypt, evidence is being recovered that relates to the Sojourn and Exodus—Events in Israelite history largely written off as legend by today’s critical scholars.
—Dr. Bryant C. Wood, archaeologist, Associates for Biblical Research

DO YOU KNOW?…
What Bible archaeology discovery has had the all-time greatest impact? Answer
Reliability of the Bible—In what ways have archaeological discoveries verified it? Answer
Translations available: Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish
How does archaeology conclusively demonstrate the Bible to be reliable and unique among all the holy books of world religions? Answer
Confirmation of Biblical events—Is there any from written sources outside the Bible? Answer
A number of extra-Biblical confirmations show that the Bible may be more accurate than many believe.
Translations available: French, Indonesian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish
Burial Sites—Have the graves of any people in the Bible been found? Answer
A look at archeological discoveries of the tombs of many biblical figures.
Translations available: French, Indonesian, Portuguese, Spanish
Have any likenesses been found of persons named in the Bible? Answer
Biblical accuracy is demonstrated by the amazing discoveries of images of people named in the Bible.
Translations available: Indonesian, Portuguese
Man-made structures mentioned in the bible—Have archaeologists found any? Answer
You’ll be amazed at the number of possibilities that have been unearthed in recent years that seem to verify the existence of numerous Biblical structures.
Translations available: Bulgarian, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish
Did the high priest really enter the Holy of Holies with a ROPE tied around his ankle? Answer
Discover the evidence about this popular, but erroneous story.
Translations available: French, Indonesian
How does one become a biblical archaeologist? Answer
We’ve all heard of biblical archaeologists, but what courses are necessary to become one? What schools are available that offer this type of education?

Lost Day? Long Day?
Joshua’s “long day”—Have NASA computers really proven it? Answer
“So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.” (Joshua 10:13b)
Translations available: Bulgarian, French, Indonesian, Portuguese
How can the “long days” of Joshua and Hezekiah be explained? Answer

Before Israel

Read about Eden and the pre-Flood world in God’s Story
Has the Garden of Eden ever been found? Answer
Many Christians naively assume that the Garden of Eden was located near the modern Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Translations available: Dutch, French, Indonesian, Portuguese, Spanish
Evidences for Creation Go
Origin of humans Go
Dinosaurs and the Bible Go
Scientific questions about the Bible Go
Noah’s Ark—Has anyone really discovered it? Answer
Over the last two decades the search for Noah’s Ark has received international attention. Dozens of expeditions to the Ararat region of eastern Turkey have occurred, but have any of them produced solid evidence for the existence of Noah’s Ark?
Translations available: Bulgarian, Indonesian, Portuguese
Did Noah need oxygen above the mountains? Answer
If mountain climbers need oxygen tanks to climb Mount Everest, how were Noah, his family, and the animals able to breathe on the Ark when they were above the mountains?
Evidences for the worldwide flood of Noah’s day Go
What is “Gopher Wood”? Answer
Gopher wood is only mentioned once in the Bible in connection with the construction of the Ark (Genesis 6:14). What is it?
Tower of Babel—Is there any reference to the confusion of languages in early Mesopotamian literature? Answer
Translations available: Portuguese
Tower of Babel—Is there archaeological evidence for it? Answer
Also discusses the reasons, methods, and culture surrounding the building of the Tower of Babel, plus research into the building of other ziggurats.

Old Testament Israel
Slings and stones in the Bible. Scripture indicates these were important and deadly military weapons. Has modern archaeology shed light on this part of the ancient arsenal? Answer

What have archaeologists discovered about the biblical city of HAZOR? Answer
site of conquests, triumphs, sin, defeat and major earthquake
Dead Sea Scrolls—What is their importance? Answer
Learn what lead to the magnificent story-book discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, read a description of the Scrolls, and understand the doctrine of the Scrolls.
Translations available: Indonesian, Spanish
What can 792 teeth tell archaeologists about ancient Israelites? Answer
Learn the amazing tale of ancient people buried in a tomb eight miles north of Jerusalem.
Translations available: Bulgarian, French
Ark of the Covenant, lost or found? Answer
Long pondered by the community of Biblical scholarship, the rest of the world began considering this question with the release of the hit motion picture Raider’s of the Lost Ark. Where could it be now?
Translations available: Bahasa Indonesia, French
Ark of the Covenant—Where has it been? Answer
The Lost Ark is still lost—but now we know where it has been! Find out what some scholars believe has been the path of the Ark of the Covenant.
Sodom and Gomorrah—Is there any evidence to suggest that the Biblical story of the destruction by fire and brimstone (sulfur) actually took place? Answer
Translations available: French, Indonesian
The Sons of Jacob—Is there archaeological evidence for these tribal leaders? Answer
Various archaeological findings may support evidence for the existence of Jacob’s sons: Dan, Gad, Asher, and Judah.
Israelites in Egypt—What evidence is there? And has Joseph’s original tomb been found? Answer
A look at the archaeological findings around the land of Rameses, including the Israelites residence and possible find of the home and burial site of Joseph.
Joseph—Is there evidence that he really existed just as the Bible said? Answer
Interesting new discoveries give insight to the Biblical account of Joseph, the Hebrew ruler of Egypt.
Egyptian king, Shishak—What evidence has been discovered? Answer
Shishak is the first Egyptian king to be mentioned by name in the bible and the first foreign king in the Bible for whom we have extra-Biblical evidence. See how archaeology continues to strengthen our faith in the accuracies of the Scriptures.
Balaam, the Prophet—Is there evidence to prove his existence? Answer
A 1967 discovery supports the existence of Balaam, Son of Beor and prophet who was sent to curse the Israelites.
Moabite Stone—What does it reveal about the revolt of Mesha? Answer
What does the record from Mesha (known as the Mesha Inscription or Moabite Stone) reveal about the events surrounding the revolt of Mesha as recorded in 2 Kings 3?
Jericho—Is the Bible accurate concerning the destruction of its walls? Answer [UPDATED]
Much evidence has been uncovered confirming the biblical record.
Translations available: Bulgarian, Spanish
Has the biblical city and story of Jericho been verified? Answer

ANSWER FOR KIDS: Did the walls of Jericho really fall? Answer
Translations available: Dutch
Samson and the Philistines—Did it really happen? Answer
In the story of Samson it says he pulled down an entire temple. Have archaelogists uncovered any information about the validity of this?
Translations available: Indonesian, Spanish

New Testament times
CAPERNAUM—This ancient town played a very significant role in Jesus Christ’s ministry. Have archaeologists confirmed its existence? What amazing things did Jesus do here? What can we learn from this town’s terrible mistake? Find the answers and enjoy the discoveries!
Translations available: Indonesian
When did the Luke 2 census occur? Answer
How can the Bible be correct when claiming that a census decreed by Rome’s Caesar Augustus occurred at the time of Jesus’ birth?
Translations available: Portuguese
Christ’s Birth—Was Jesus born in a stable? Answer
Translations available: Spanish
Christ’s Boat on the Sea of Galilee—Did Jesus really sit on this boat discovered in the Sea of Galilee? Answer
An astonishing archaeological find reveals a boat similar to those described during the times of Jesus. Could this be one of the boats where Jesus sat?
Translations available: Bulgarian
The Cross—On what kind of a cross was Jesus crucified? Answer
There were three different kinds of Roman crosses used during the days of Jesus. What type was used to crucify Jesus?
Translations available: Bulgarian
The Cross—Why do all four Gospels contain different versions of the inscription? Answer
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John: they all chronicle the life and death of Jesus Christ. But how can the supposed differences in the inscriptions about the head of Jesus at His crucifixion be explained?
INRI—What do these letters appearing on the crucifix mean? Answer
Have archaeologists discovered evidence of James, the brother of Jesus? (the James ossuary) Answer
Translations available: French
Paul’s Cyprus Travels—What has archaeology revealed? Answer
What are some of the cities that Paul and Barnabas travelled to (Acts 13:4-12)? What did they see along the way during the routes that they used?
Western Wall Tunnel—What’s the truth about this controversial tunnel beneath the Moslem Temple Mount in Jerusalem? Answer
Much interest was focused upon Jerusalem during the violent riots in September of 1996. What can we believe from the news media?