The Bible and
Archaeology
 ARCHAEOLOGICAL
FINDS DO not in themselves prove that the Bible is the word of God; nor do
they prove the truth of statements about the future. If you have already
realised this you might well ask - Why have we produced an issue of this
magazine merely setting out a number of archaeological discoveries which
have some connection with the record contained in the Bible? It is because
archaeological finds have in many instances provided vital proof that
statements, places, people or events which have been dismissed previously as
mythical were indeed factual.
Despite attempts to
discredit historical and geographical statements in the Bible, no evidence
whatsoever has come to light which shows the Biblical record to be
erroneous. It is true that some archaeological interpretations may be
disputed, but this does not cast doubts upon the accuracy of the scriptural
account; it only shows the fallibility of men.
In this branch of science
lies a challenge to the Bible, for every time the archaeologists spade finds
a potsherd, a statue, a brick, a seal or a scroll, it could prove a biblical
statement to be inaccurate. But it is a challenge that has been more than
met, for, far from proving the inaccuracy of the Bible, archaeology is
constantly proving its truth.
The finds range from the
time of the captivity and slavery of Egypt, to the rule of kings like
Hezekiah and Jehu; from the invasion and captivities of Assyria and Babylon,
to a notice which was used to try and excite people against the Apostle
Paul. These are evidences which, like fulfilled prophecy, give a sparkle to
faith and a confidence that our hope for the future stands on a reliable and
proven base.
When Moses led the
Israelites from the slavery of Egypt with its brick-making and building
projects, he recognised the overruling power of God:
"Who is like unto
thee, O Lord...thou in mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast
redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy
habitation". Exodus 15:11,13
David in the Psalms
demonstrates that he also recognised the power of God's hand to save in
marked contrast to that of man:
'Put not your trust
in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath
goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts
perish. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope
is in the Lord his God:' Psalm 146:3-5
It was this help which
Hezekiah received when he put his trust in God, for it is recorded of the
siege by Sennacherib:
"Thus the Lord saved
Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib
the King of Assyria." 2 Chronicles 32:22
The Apostle Paul wrote to
the young man Timothy
"...the foundation of
God standeth sure". 2 Tim 2:19
Archaeology can help to
make us realise the sureness of God's plan with the earth as revealed in his
divine record. Just as a detective might piece together the evidence of a
tyre print, an old bus ticket or some other apparently meaningless item to
solve a mystery and reveal the truth, so we hope you will assimilate the
facts and evidences available to establish in you a confidence that :-
"All scripture is
given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man
of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2
Timothy 3:16-17
But where does all this
lead us? Surely it means that the proven accuracy of the Bible enables us to
have every confidence in its inspiration and therefore encourage us to study
its message of hope about the establishment of God's Kingdom on the earth.
Just as archaeology is important to us, so is the Bible's message for all
who will take time to read it, for it leads us to a complete understanding
of God's plan with the earth -
"But it is written, Eye
hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of
man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him".
1
Corinthians 2:19
So take a thoughtful look at some of the
evidence of archaeology presented in these pages.
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