The newest issue of Christian Science Monitor has its cover story on archaeology and the Bible, highlighting Khirbet Qeiyafa and the debate over David, Solomon, and the ancient Israelite kingdoms. In all, it is one of the more balanced overviews of the discussion that I’ve read.
The article quotes Yossi Garfinkel, Israel Finkelstein, Amihai Mazar, Bill Dever, and other prominent figures involved in the debate over Israel’s ancient kingdom. It surveys the finds at Qeiyafa with summaries of the opposing interpretation. Interestingly, it critiques the accuracy of radiometric (carbon-14) dating, noting that the range of error now includes the current half-century-or-less gap between the biblical High Chronology and proposed Low Chronology to date Israel and Judah’s early kingdoms.
The article is a well-done overview of the opposing viewpoints and where things currently stand. It’s worth a read.
What Archaeology Tell Us about the Bible
Christa Chase Bryant, author of the CSM article, and photographer interview Yossi Garfinkel at Khirbet Qeiyafa. (Photo by Luke Chandler)
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