A History Of Biblical Israel 02 - The Kingdom

a history of ancient Israel lecture four a history of ancient Israel lecture four King David in history and tradition in this lecture we will take a tradition in this lecture we will take a look at King David one of the most look at King David one of the most look at King David one of the most beloved figures in the Hebrew Bible he's beloved figures in the Hebrew Bible he's beloved figures in the Hebrew Bible he's also one of the most enigmatic much has also one of the most enigmatic much has also one of the most enigmatic much has been published about him in the past been published about him in the past been published about him in the past decade or two alone and so we will have decade or two alone and so we will have decade or two alone and so we will have our hands full with all kinds of our hands full with all kinds of our hands full with all kinds of information in particular I would point information in particular I would point information in particular I would point you back to 1993 and you back to 1993 and you back to 1993 and 1994 when three fragments of an 1994 when three fragments of an 1994 when three fragments of an inscription in Old Aramaic were inscription in Old Aramaic were inscription in Old Aramaic were discovered at the site of tan in the discovered at the site of tan in the discovered at the site of tan in the North of Israel if the restoration and North of Israel if the restoration and North of Israel if the restoration and translation of this inscription are translation of this inscription are translation of this inscription are correct it is the first mention of David correct it is the first mention of David correct it is the first mention of David or rather the House of David that's been or rather the House of David that's been or rather the House of David that's been found outside the Bible it goes as found outside the Bible it goes as found outside the Bible it goes as follows and Hadad went in front of me follows and Hadad went in front of me follows and Hadad went in front of me and I departed from the seven something and I departed from the seven something and I departed from the seven something of my kingdom and I slew two Mighty of my kingdom and I slew two Mighty of my kingdom and I slew two Mighty Kings who harnessed thousands of Kings who harnessed thousands of Kings who harnessed thousands of Chariots and thousands of Chariot horses Chariots and thousands of Chariot horses Chariots and thousands of Chariot horses I killed joram Su of Ahab king of Israel I killed joram Su of Ahab king of Israel I killed joram Su of Ahab king of Israel and I killed ahaz yahu son of joram King and I killed ahaz yahu son of joram King and I killed ahaz yahu son of joram King of the House of David and I set their of the House of David and I set their of the House of David and I set their towns into ruins and turned their land towns into ruins and turned their land towns into ruins and turned their land into desolation this is the first into desolation this is the first into desolation this is the first mention of the House of David B David mention of the House of David B David mention of the House of David B David that's ever been found outside of the that's ever been found outside of the that's ever been found outside of the Bible we will come back to to this Bible we will come back to to this Bible we will come back to to this inscription in a little bit now David inscription in a little bit now David inscription in a little bit now David founded a dynasty that was destined to

founded a dynasty that was destined to founded a dynasty that was destined to rule from Jerusalem for the next 400 rule from Jerusalem for the next 400 rule from Jerusalem for the next 400 years even after Jerusalem fell to the years even after Jerusalem fell to the years even after Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians in 586 BCE ending the long Babylonians in 586 BCE ending the long Babylonians in 586 BCE ending the long line of davidic Kings many of the people line of davidic Kings many of the people line of davidic Kings many of the people of Jerusalem and Judah continued to hope of Jerusalem and Judah continued to hope of Jerusalem and Judah continued to hope for a restoration of the days of old for a restoration of the days of old for a restoration of the days of old when the House of David was Secure on when the House of David was Secure on when the House of David was Secure on the throne so it's not at all surprising the throne so it's not at all surprising the throne so it's not at all surprising that David received so much attention in that David received so much attention in that David received so much attention in the biblical materials or that there was the biblical materials or that there was the biblical materials or that there was such an obvious effort on the part of such an obvious effort on the part of such an obvious effort on the part of the ancient Judean compilers of these the ancient Judean compilers of these the ancient Judean compilers of these materials to present him in a favorable materials to present him in a favorable materials to present him in a favorable light the Hebrew Bible devotes 42 light the Hebrew Bible devotes 42 light the Hebrew Bible devotes 42 chapters to David and portrays them as chapters to David and portrays them as chapters to David and portrays them as God's chosen the true and righteous King God's chosen the true and righteous King God's chosen the true and righteous King and then we have a second extended and then we have a second extended and then we have a second extended biblical account in Chronicles which biblical account in Chronicles which biblical account in Chronicles which begins its history of Judah with David begins its history of Judah with David begins its history of Judah with David and devotes 20 chapters to his Reign and and devotes 20 chapters to his Reign and and devotes 20 chapters to his Reign and David is presented as the ideal hero David is presented as the ideal hero David is presented as the ideal hero God's man who can do no wrong and then God's man who can do no wrong and then God's man who can do no wrong and then finally David is associated by tradition finally David is associated by tradition finally David is associated by tradition with the book of Psalms where 13 of the with the book of Psalms where 13 of the with the book of Psalms where 13 of the individual Psalms are connected with individual Psalms are connected with individual Psalms are connected with particular moments in his career now particular moments in his career now particular moments in his career now still there are a number of basic still there are a number of basic still there are a number of basic questions that face anybody trying to questions that face anybody trying to questions that face anybody trying to study David's Reign and the period of study David's Reign and the period of study David's Reign and the period of the United monarchy can archaeology or the United monarchy can archaeology or the United monarchy can archaeology or other sources throw light on the

other sources throw light on the other sources throw light on the transition that is taking place in transition that is taking place in transition that is taking place in Israelite society that is from tribal Israelite society that is from tribal Israelite society that is from tribal life back in the period of the judges to life back in the period of the judges to life back in the period of the judges to the time of a centralized the time of a centralized the time of a centralized monarchy does archaeology actually monarchy does archaeology actually monarchy does archaeology actually indicate that a Mighty Kingdom existed indicate that a Mighty Kingdom existed indicate that a Mighty Kingdom existed such as was described in the biblical such as was described in the biblical such as was described in the biblical sources and to what extent are all the sources and to what extent are all the sources and to what extent are all the elaborate commercial and political elaborate commercial and political elaborate commercial and political relations that are described in the relations that are described in the relations that are described in the Bible actually reflected in the Bible actually reflected in the Bible actually reflected in the archaeology archaeology archaeology remains unfortunately the extra biblical remains unfortunately the extra biblical remains unfortunately the extra biblical evidence the evidence outside the Bible evidence the evidence outside the Bible evidence the evidence outside the Bible for the period of the United monarchy is for the period of the United monarchy is for the period of the United monarchy is sparse is often controversial and does sparse is often controversial and does sparse is often controversial and does not provide unequivocal answers to these not provide unequivocal answers to these not provide unequivocal answers to these questions so once again although we can questions so once again although we can questions so once again although we can try to trace the history of this period try to trace the history of this period try to trace the history of this period there are many debates that are ongoing there are many debates that are ongoing there are many debates that are ongoing and many questions that are still left and many questions that are still left and many questions that are still left unresolved which at least in my mind unresolved which at least in my mind unresolved which at least in my mind makes this period even more interesting makes this period even more interesting makes this period even more interesting and still relevant to today than ever and still relevant to today than ever and still relevant to today than ever before now let me Begin by saying there before now let me Begin by saying there before now let me Begin by saying there have been no fewer than four or five have been no fewer than four or five have been no fewer than four or five books published on David in the last books published on David in the last books published on David in the last decade alone even in the last couple of decade alone even in the last couple of decade alone even in the last couple of years and that one of the conclusions years and that one of the conclusions years and that one of the conclusions that these authors came to is that David that these authors came to is that David that these authors came to is that David was not someone who whom it would be was not someone who whom it would be was not someone who whom it would be wise to invite home to dinner so he is wise to invite home to dinner so he is wise to invite home to dinner so he is not the absolutely wonderful person that not the absolutely wonderful person that not the absolutely wonderful person that one might expect and indeed another

one might expect and indeed another one might expect and indeed another author has described the story of David author has described the story of David author has described the story of David as reading more like a modern soap opera as reading more like a modern soap opera as reading more like a modern soap opera plenty of sex plenty of violence and plenty of sex plenty of violence and plenty of sex plenty of violence and lots of struggles for power so again lots of struggles for power so again lots of struggles for power so again something that would appeal to the something that would appeal to the something that would appeal to the modern-day modern-day modern-day reader David is described as a reader David is described as a reader David is described as a charismatic leader who and I'm quoting charismatic leader who and I'm quoting charismatic leader who and I'm quoting here played exquisitly fought heroically here played exquisitly fought heroically here played exquisitly fought heroically and loved titanically end and loved titanically end and loved titanically end quote well it's become customary in quote well it's become customary in quote well it's become customary in scholarship about the Bible to divide scholarship about the Bible to divide scholarship about the Bible to divide the stories of David into two sections the stories of David into two sections the stories of David into two sections each of which has its own themes uh one each of which has its own themes uh one each of which has its own themes uh one section would be the history of the rise section would be the history of the rise section would be the history of the rise of David that would be the stories in 1 of David that would be the stories in 1 of David that would be the stories in 1 and 2 Samuel about how David came to and 2 Samuel about how David came to and 2 Samuel about how David came to power and came to be the king and the power and came to be the king and the power and came to be the king and the other would be the so-called succession other would be the so-called succession other would be the so-called succession narrative which is mostly in U 2 Samuel narrative which is mostly in U 2 Samuel narrative which is mostly in U 2 Samuel and uh the book of First Kings in which and uh the book of First Kings in which and uh the book of First Kings in which it talks about life once David was King it talks about life once David was King it talks about life once David was King now it's debated as to when each of now it's debated as to when each of now it's debated as to when each of these books was written and actually these books was written and actually these books was written and actually Consolidated but overall we get a Consolidated but overall we get a Consolidated but overall we get a picture of what life was like for picture of what life was like for picture of what life was like for David we also seem to have two separate David we also seem to have two separate David we also seem to have two separate them thems in here one strand of which them thems in here one strand of which them thems in here one strand of which is written from a northern perspective is written from a northern perspective is written from a northern perspective that is the land of Israel in the North that is the land of Israel in the North that is the land of Israel in the North and the other of which is written from a and the other of which is written from a and the other of which is written from a southern perspective that is the land of

southern perspective that is the land of southern perspective that is the land of Judah in the south of course these Judah in the south of course these Judah in the south of course these divisions North Israel and South Judah divisions North Israel and South Judah divisions North Israel and South Judah are not going to take place until after are not going to take place until after are not going to take place until after the Reigns of David and Solomon when the the Reigns of David and Solomon when the the Reigns of David and Solomon when the United monarchy split into the divided United monarchy split into the divided United monarchy split into the divided kingdoms but it will come into play kingdoms but it will come into play kingdoms but it will come into play because it is during the reign of the because it is during the reign of the because it is during the reign of the divided mon Archy that these accounts divided mon Archy that these accounts divided mon Archy that these accounts are most likely Consolidated and written are most likely Consolidated and written are most likely Consolidated and written down so uh as might not be unexpected we down so uh as might not be unexpected we down so uh as might not be unexpected we have stories of David written by several have stories of David written by several have stories of David written by several or at least two different perspectives the stories about David's perspectives the stories about David's rise to power may be familiar to most of rise to power may be familiar to most of rise to power may be familiar to most of you but again let me run through them you but again let me run through them you but again let me run through them briefly to bring everybody up to speed briefly to bring everybody up to speed briefly to bring everybody up to speed David is going to be anointed as king uh David is going to be anointed as king uh David is going to be anointed as king uh by Samuel by Samuel by Samuel he fights with Goliath the famous fight he fights with Goliath the famous fight he fights with Goliath the famous fight between gavid and Goliath is well known between gavid and Goliath is well known between gavid and Goliath is well known but let's begin at the beginning we're but let's begin at the beginning we're but let's begin at the beginning we're we're told that Samuel meets with Jesse we're told that Samuel meets with Jesse we're told that Samuel meets with Jesse David's father who brings all of his David's father who brings all of his David's father who brings all of his sons to see him but Samuel puts out the sons to see him but Samuel puts out the sons to see him but Samuel puts out the proverbial question are all your sons proverbial question are all your sons proverbial question are all your sons actually here one is in fact missing the actually here one is in fact missing the actually here one is in fact missing the youngest namely David who has to be youngest namely David who has to be youngest namely David who has to be called in from tending the the called in from tending the the called in from tending the the flock we are told of David's rise to flock we are told of David's rise to flock we are told of David's rise to power where he starts out being a power where he starts out being a power where he starts out being a Minstrel for Saul during his Melancholy

Minstrel for Saul during his Melancholy Minstrel for Saul during his Melancholy period uh but rapidly is promoted from period uh but rapidly is promoted from period uh but rapidly is promoted from being Saul's Minstrel to being his armor being Saul's Minstrel to being his armor being Saul's Minstrel to being his armor Bearer he then has his first successes Bearer he then has his first successes Bearer he then has his first successes as a young Warrior and a commander so as a young Warrior and a commander so as a young Warrior and a commander so that the uh women sing that Saul has that the uh women sing that Saul has that the uh women sing that Saul has slain thousands but David has slain 10, slain thousands but David has slain 10, slain thousands but David has slain 10, thousands and then there is the famous thousands and then there is the famous thousands and then there is the famous friendship between Saul's son Jonathan friendship between Saul's son Jonathan friendship between Saul's son Jonathan and David which eventually serves to and David which eventually serves to and David which eventually serves to increase the mistrust of Saul as he increase the mistrust of Saul as he increase the mistrust of Saul as he becomes increasingly unstable there is a becomes increasingly unstable there is a becomes increasingly unstable there is a fight a quarrel Saul tries to kill fight a quarrel Saul tries to kill fight a quarrel Saul tries to kill David and David then runs away and David and David then runs away and David and David then runs away and returns back to Judah his homeland where returns back to Judah his homeland where returns back to Judah his homeland where he becomes a mercenary maintaining and he becomes a mercenary maintaining and he becomes a mercenary maintaining and leading his own personal troops we're leading his own personal troops we're leading his own personal troops we're told of at least 600 such men that are told of at least 600 such men that are told of at least 600 such men that are mentioned and David leads a life as a mentioned and David leads a life as a mentioned and David leads a life as a warrior he is said at this point in his warrior he is said at this point in his warrior he is said at this point in his career to have been a kind of a bandit career to have been a kind of a bandit career to have been a kind of a bandit an outlaw who was tolerated rather than an outlaw who was tolerated rather than an outlaw who was tolerated rather than admired in fact though he will have admired in fact though he will have admired in fact though he will have served a good purpose in Judah at that served a good purpose in Judah at that served a good purpose in Judah at that time which was independent and we are time which was independent and we are time which was independent and we are told that David op operated in large told that David op operated in large told that David op operated in large part with Saul pursuing part with Saul pursuing part with Saul pursuing him and so uh it might not be surprising him and so uh it might not be surprising him and so uh it might not be surprising that we see that David enters into the that we see that David enters into the that we see that David enters into the service of the Philistines of all people service of the Philistines of all people service of the Philistines of all people albeit temporarily now when Saul is

albeit temporarily now when Saul is albeit temporarily now when Saul is killed there's a new situation that killed there's a new situation that killed there's a new situation that comes into play once uh comes into play once uh comes into play once uh David becomes king his kingdom assumes a David becomes king his kingdom assumes a David becomes king his kingdom assumes a very different character from that of very different character from that of very different character from that of Saul's Saul had been coming from a Saul's Saul had been coming from a Saul's Saul had been coming from a tradition of charismatic leaders he was tradition of charismatic leaders he was tradition of charismatic leaders he was a military king king of the nation but a military king king of the nation but a military king king of the nation but he didn't have a permanent foundation he didn't have a permanent foundation he didn't have a permanent foundation among the tribes Saul had no real among the tribes Saul had no real among the tribes Saul had no real residence he had no effective residence he had no effective residence he had no effective Administration David on the other hand Administration David on the other hand Administration David on the other hand gets himself a residence gets himself a gets himself a residence gets himself a gets himself a residence gets himself a very effective Administration but he very effective Administration but he very effective Administration but he wasn't necessarily a charismatic leader wasn't necessarily a charismatic leader wasn't necessarily a charismatic leader that is in terms of what it meant back that is in terms of what it meant back that is in terms of what it meant back previously that is ruling from God by previously that is ruling from God by previously that is ruling from God by God and of God uh he's a warrior he's God and of God uh he's a warrior he's God and of God uh he's a warrior he's supported by his troops their successes supported by his troops their successes supported by his troops their successes he is independent of the tribes and he he is independent of the tribes and he he is independent of the tribes and he becomes king over the territory by being becomes king over the territory by being becomes king over the territory by being a proven man he rules over a nation a proven man he rules over a nation a proven man he rules over a nation which is um limited and yet is going to which is um limited and yet is going to which is um limited and yet is going to expand quite expand quite expand quite fast now we are told quite a number of fast now we are told quite a number of fast now we are told quite a number of stories which we don't need to go into stories which we don't need to go into stories which we don't need to go into detail about them here but they involve detail about them here but they involve detail about them here but they involve Saul's daughter mik in particular we are Saul's daughter mik in particular we are Saul's daughter mik in particular we are interested though in the story of how interested though in the story of how interested though in the story of how David takes possession of David takes possession of David takes possession of Jerusalem David had first uh ruled from Jerusalem David had first uh ruled from Jerusalem David had first uh ruled from uh Hebron for about seven years he had uh Hebron for about seven years he had uh Hebron for about seven years he had expanded his territory to the north and expanded his territory to the north and expanded his territory to the north and in expanding territory to the north he

in expanding territory to the north he in expanding territory to the north he decided that the city of Hebron was not decided that the city of Hebron was not decided that the city of Hebron was not suitable to being his Capital suitable to being his Capital suitable to being his Capital anymore he wanted a city that was anymore he wanted a city that was anymore he wanted a city that was politically neutral geographically politically neutral geographically politically neutral geographically neutral and one which was relatively neutral and one which was relatively neutral and one which was relatively isolated now Jerusalem itself is in a isolated now Jerusalem itself is in a isolated now Jerusalem itself is in a rather interesting position it's high up rather interesting position it's high up rather interesting position it's high up on the hills of that of the Hill Country on the hills of that of the Hill Country on the hills of that of the Hill Country which we mentioned earlier but it is not which we mentioned earlier but it is not which we mentioned earlier but it is not at the crossroads of any great trade at the crossroads of any great trade at the crossroads of any great trade routes it is geographically separated routes it is geographically separated routes it is geographically separated from most of David's territory it's from most of David's territory it's from most of David's territory it's politically neutral if you want to put politically neutral if you want to put politically neutral if you want to put it that way and from this his new it that way and from this his new it that way and from this his new capital David could rule both North and capital David could rule both North and capital David could rule both North and South without any B AG brought to South without any B AG brought to South without any B AG brought to it and so the formulation of his kingdom it and so the formulation of his kingdom it and so the formulation of his kingdom is uh what seems to be David's foremost is uh what seems to be David's foremost is uh what seems to be David's foremost achievement it was a Personal achievement it was a Personal achievement it was a Personal Achievement that he made but in the long Achievement that he made but in the long Achievement that he made but in the long run it's his capture of Jerusalem that run it's his capture of Jerusalem that run it's his capture of Jerusalem that may have been the most important I would may have been the most important I would may have been the most important I would consider David's capture of Jerusalem consider David's capture of Jerusalem consider David's capture of Jerusalem from the jebusites somewhere around the from the jebusites somewhere around the from the jebusites somewhere around the year 1000 BC to be among the mo 10 most year 1000 BC to be among the mo 10 most year 1000 BC to be among the mo 10 most important conflicts for Jerusalem fought important conflicts for Jerusalem fought important conflicts for Jerusalem fought in its history history and I should in its history history and I should in its history history and I should mention that there have been more than mention that there have been more than mention that there have been more than 100 battles fought for control of 100 battles fought for control of 100 battles fought for control of Jerusalem over the past four or 5,000 Jerusalem over the past four or 5,000 Jerusalem over the past four or 5,000 years but David's capture Jerusalem is years but David's capture Jerusalem is years but David's capture Jerusalem is what brought Judaism to the city and what brought Judaism to the city and what brought Judaism to the city and began a long tradition and Association

began a long tradition and Association began a long tradition and Association of the city with three of the great of the city with three of the great of the city with three of the great religions of the world Judaism religions of the world Judaism religions of the world Judaism Christianity and Islam so our Christianity and Islam so our Christianity and Islam so our time is about 1,000 BCE the jebusites time is about 1,000 BCE the jebusites time is about 1,000 BCE the jebusites are controlling the city and David is are controlling the city and David is are controlling the city and David is going to capture going to capture going to capture it there is only one really good way to it there is only one really good way to it there is only one really good way to capture the city of Jerusalem and that's capture the city of Jerusalem and that's capture the city of Jerusalem and that's from the north the um city is protected from the north the um city is protected from the north the um city is protected on three sides by Deep wates or Ravines on three sides by Deep wates or Ravines on three sides by Deep wates or Ravines it's only on the North that one can it's only on the North that one can it's only on the North that one can really capture the city and time and really capture the city and time and really capture the city and time and time again this is how the city is in time again this is how the city is in time again this is how the city is in fact fact fact captured unfortunately we're not not captured unfortunately we're not not captured unfortunately we're not not exactly sure how David captured exactly sure how David captured exactly sure how David captured Jerusalem the text of 2 Samuel presents Jerusalem the text of 2 Samuel presents Jerusalem the text of 2 Samuel presents um a number of difficulties in um a number of difficulties in um a number of difficulties in Translation uh especially with the Translation uh especially with the Translation uh especially with the Hebrew word Sor in the King James Hebrew word Sor in the King James Hebrew word Sor in the King James version this is translated as gutter but version this is translated as gutter but version this is translated as gutter but in the revised Standard Version of the in the revised Standard Version of the in the revised Standard Version of the Bible it's assumed that sinor means a Bible it's assumed that sinor means a Bible it's assumed that sinor means a water shaft and the implication is that water shaft and the implication is that water shaft and the implication is that David's soldiers in particular joab his David's soldiers in particular joab his David's soldiers in particular joab his right-hand man climbed up some sort of right-hand man climbed up some sort of right-hand man climbed up some sort of water shaft from near the the gon spring water shaft from near the the gon spring water shaft from near the the gon spring and entered the city that way however and entered the city that way however and entered the city that way however the new English Bible translates sinor the new English Bible translates sinor the new English Bible translates sinor as a grappling iron and others translate as a grappling iron and others translate as a grappling iron and others translate sonor meaning ladder or anything else so sonor meaning ladder or anything else so sonor meaning ladder or anything else so in other words we're not exactly sure in other words we're not exactly sure in other words we're not exactly sure how David captured the city for the very how David captured the city for the very how David captured the city for the very long time people were pointed to

long time people were pointed to long time people were pointed to something called Warren shaft and it was something called Warren shaft and it was something called Warren shaft and it was discussed that this was how joab climbed discussed that this was how joab climbed discussed that this was how joab climbed up the city but it can now be shown that up the city but it can now be shown that up the city but it can now be shown that Warren shaft was not in use until about Warren shaft was not in use until about Warren shaft was not in use until about the year 800 BCE a good 200 years after the year 800 BCE a good 200 years after the year 800 BCE a good 200 years after the time that David captured the city the time that David captured the city the time that David captured the city instead within the last couple of years instead within the last couple of years instead within the last couple of years rescue operations archaeology conducted rescue operations archaeology conducted rescue operations archaeology conducted in the vicinity of the gon spring on the in the vicinity of the gon spring on the in the vicinity of the gon spring on the Eastern side of Jerusalem have now shown Eastern side of Jerusalem have now shown Eastern side of Jerusalem have now shown that the Canaanites built fortifications that the Canaanites built fortifications that the Canaanites built fortifications towers and walls designed to protect the towers and walls designed to protect the towers and walls designed to protect the guon spring the only water source for guon spring the only water source for guon spring the only water source for jerus M as early as the 18th century BCE jerus M as early as the 18th century BCE jerus M as early as the 18th century BCE that is about the time of Abraham these that is about the time of Abraham these that is about the time of Abraham these constructions would have been already constructions would have been already constructions would have been already 800 years old by the time David came 800 years old by the time David came 800 years old by the time David came along and they are the um perhaps the along and they are the um perhaps the along and they are the um perhaps the sinor that allowed joab to climb up sinor that allowed joab to climb up sinor that allowed joab to climb up through the water system and enter into through the water system and enter into through the water system and enter into the middle of Jerusalem sometime around the middle of Jerusalem sometime around the middle of Jerusalem sometime around midnight he and his men would have midnight he and his men would have midnight he and his men would have killed the guards of the gate opened up killed the guards of the gate opened up killed the guards of the gate opened up the gates to Jerusalem and in marched the gates to Jerusalem and in marched the gates to Jerusalem and in marched David and his men and thus jebusite David and his men and thus jebusite David and his men and thus jebusite Jerusalem became Israelite Jerusalem now Jerusalem became Israelite Jerusalem now Jerusalem became Israelite Jerusalem now at this time Jerusalem is on U the at this time Jerusalem is on U the at this time Jerusalem is on U the Eastern spur there are two Spurs of land Eastern spur there are two Spurs of land Eastern spur there are two Spurs of land running side by side and David is running side by side and David is running side by side and David is capturing the eastern most of these in capturing the eastern most of these in capturing the eastern most of these in fact the Southeastern over time Solomon

fact the Southeastern over time Solomon fact the Southeastern over time Solomon would expand up to the north on that would expand up to the north on that would expand up to the north on that Ridge and then over the centuries the Ridge and then over the centuries the Ridge and then over the centuries the city would expand to the West gradually city would expand to the West gradually city would expand to the West gradually filling in the Ravine in the middle and filling in the Ravine in the middle and filling in the Ravine in the middle and taking over then the Western Ridge as taking over then the Western Ridge as taking over then the Western Ridge as well until it looks as it does well until it looks as it does well until it looks as it does today once he captured the city David today once he captured the city David today once he captured the city David promptly brought the Ark of the Covenant promptly brought the Ark of the Covenant promptly brought the Ark of the Covenant there we are told that he put it in a there we are told that he put it in a there we are told that he put it in a tabernacle and danced around it uh got tabernacle and danced around it uh got tabernacle and danced around it uh got in trouble for doing that and that he in trouble for doing that and that he in trouble for doing that and that he put the Ark of the Covenant Right On Top put the Ark of the Covenant Right On Top put the Ark of the Covenant Right On Top of the Rock on which Abraham supposedly of the Rock on which Abraham supposedly of the Rock on which Abraham supposedly was going to sacrifice Isaac this is the was going to sacrifice Isaac this is the was going to sacrifice Isaac this is the rock that today is inside the Dome of rock that today is inside the Dome of rock that today is inside the Dome of the Rock and it is the rock that lay the Rock and it is the rock that lay the Rock and it is the rock that lay inside Solomon's Temple indeed Solomon inside Solomon's Temple indeed Solomon inside Solomon's Temple indeed Solomon built the temples among other reasons built the temples among other reasons built the temples among other reasons specifically to house the Ark of the specifically to house the Ark of the specifically to house the Ark of the Covenant but that is something that we Covenant but that is something that we Covenant but that is something that we will leave for the next lecture suffice will leave for the next lecture suffice will leave for the next lecture suffice it to say that with the bringing of the it to say that with the bringing of the it to say that with the bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem David made the city not Ark to Jerusalem David made the city not Ark to Jerusalem David made the city not only his political Capital but also his only his political Capital but also his only his political Capital but also his religious capital religious capital religious capital Capital One of the problems that we've Capital One of the problems that we've Capital One of the problems that we've got though is the fact that archaeology got though is the fact that archaeology got though is the fact that archaeology has been unable to pinpoint any or many has been unable to pinpoint any or many has been unable to pinpoint any or many of the structures that belong to David's of the structures that belong to David's of the structures that belong to David's Jerusalem there is not much that we can Jerusalem there is not much that we can Jerusalem there is not much that we can definitively say dates to the 10th definitively say dates to the 10th definitively say dates to the 10th Century in Jerusalem and this has been

Century in Jerusalem and this has been Century in Jerusalem and this has been an ongoing problem ever since Kathleen an ongoing problem ever since Kathleen an ongoing problem ever since Kathleen Kenyan excavated in Jerusalem youa Shilo Kenyan excavated in Jerusalem youa Shilo Kenyan excavated in Jerusalem youa Shilo excavated in Jerusalem as have other excavated in Jerusalem as have other excavated in Jerusalem as have other people and there have been a number of people and there have been a number of people and there have been a number of instances in which people have said aha instances in which people have said aha instances in which people have said aha this dates to David's Reign only to have this dates to David's Reign only to have this dates to David's Reign only to have other archaeologists disagree with them other archaeologists disagree with them other archaeologists disagree with them the most recent that I would point to the most recent that I would point to the most recent that I would point to are the excavations of aot Mazar where are the excavations of aot Mazar where are the excavations of aot Mazar where she has identified a large building she has identified a large building she has identified a large building recently uncovered as possibly a palace recently uncovered as possibly a palace recently uncovered as possibly a palace or the Palace of David but this remains or the Palace of David but this remains or the Palace of David but this remains to be proven we need more to be proven we need more to be proven we need more excavation the other aspect that David's excavation the other aspect that David's excavation the other aspect that David's capture of Jerusalem has given rise to capture of Jerusalem has given rise to capture of Jerusalem has given rise to is the political ramifications and is the political ramifications and is the political ramifications and indeed that original battle fought indeed that original battle fought indeed that original battle fought between David and the jebusites 3,000 between David and the jebusites 3,000 between David and the jebusites 3,000 years ago for control of Jerusalem is years ago for control of Jerusalem is years ago for control of Jerusalem is still being fought today mostly because still being fought today mostly because still being fought today mostly because the modern Israelis claim to be the modern Israelis claim to be the modern Israelis claim to be descendants from the Israelites and the descendants from the Israelites and the descendants from the Israelites and the modern Palestinians claim to be modern Palestinians claim to be modern Palestinians claim to be descendants of the the Canaanites and descendants of the the Canaanites and descendants of the the Canaanites and the Philistines in particular yaser the Philistines in particular yaser the Philistines in particular yaser Arafat used to say things like and I Arafat used to say things like and I Arafat used to say things like and I quote here directly our forefathers the quote here directly our forefathers the quote here directly our forefathers the Canaanites and jebusites built the Canaanites and jebusites built the Canaanites and jebusites built the cities and planted the land they built cities and planted the land they built cities and planted the land they built the Monumental city of beim that is the Monumental city of beim that is the Monumental city of beim that is Jerusalem end Jerusalem end Jerusalem end quote so we have today in the modern quote so we have today in the modern quote so we have today in the modern political and physical battles between

political and physical battles between political and physical battles between uh Israelis and Palestinians still the uh Israelis and Palestinians still the uh Israelis and Palestinians still the original battle between David and the original battle between David and the original battle between David and the Jeb ites the Israelites and the Jeb ites the Israelites and the Jeb ites the Israelites and the jebusites being fought still some 3,000 jebusites being fought still some 3,000 jebusites being fought still some 3,000 years later in the modern politics years later in the modern politics years later in the modern politics today as Ephraim ksh professor in London today as Ephraim ksh professor in London today as Ephraim ksh professor in London has said it's not that the Middle East has said it's not that the Middle East has said it's not that the Middle East leaders are suddenly big Believers in leaders are suddenly big Believers in leaders are suddenly big Believers in the Bible or Avid readers of history the Bible or Avid readers of history the Bible or Avid readers of history books the obsession with the past is books the obsession with the past is books the obsession with the past is geared toward reinforcing the modern geared toward reinforcing the modern geared toward reinforcing the modern foundations of power end quote and I foundations of power end quote and I foundations of power end quote and I would agree with Professor K that here would agree with Professor K that here would agree with Professor K that here those who control the past are able to those who control the past are able to those who control the past are able to control the presentence and so Jerusalem control the presentence and so Jerusalem control the presentence and so Jerusalem and David's battle for it still figure and David's battle for it still figure and David's battle for it still figure prominently in the discussions prominently in the discussions prominently in the discussions today well back to ancient history once today well back to ancient history once today well back to ancient history once David has captured the city uh we find David has captured the city uh we find David has captured the city uh we find him in collusion shall we say with the him in collusion shall we say with the him in collusion shall we say with the famous B Shiva with whom he falls in famous B Shiva with whom he falls in famous B Shiva with whom he falls in love after seeing her bathing and it is love after seeing her bathing and it is love after seeing her bathing and it is after the union of David and bath Sheba after the union of David and bath Sheba after the union of David and bath Sheba that we get the birth of Solomon who that we get the birth of Solomon who that we get the birth of Solomon who will continue his father's process of will continue his father's process of will continue his father's process of expansion of the Kingdom or Empire and expansion of the Kingdom or Empire and expansion of the Kingdom or Empire and ruling over what we now refer to as the ruling over what we now refer to as the ruling over what we now refer to as the United United United monarchy let us now return back to those monarchy let us now return back to those monarchy let us now return back to those three fragments of the Aramaic three fragments of the Aramaic three fragments of the Aramaic inscription that were found at ton in inscription that were found at ton in inscription that were found at ton in 1993 and 1993 and 1993 and 1994 these fragments mention the House 1994 these fragments mention the House 1994 these fragments mention the House of David as well as the kings of both

of David as well as the kings of both of David as well as the kings of both Israel and Judah when they were first Israel and Judah when they were first Israel and Judah when they were first found they were dated to the uh 9th found they were dated to the uh 9th found they were dated to the uh 9th century BCE it's now clear that uh the century BCE it's now clear that uh the century BCE it's now clear that uh the inscription does come from that period inscription does come from that period inscription does come from that period but should be specifically dated to but should be specifically dated to but should be specifically dated to about the year 842 or 841 about the year 842 or 841 about the year 842 or 841 bcee now this is important because it's bcee now this is important because it's bcee now this is important because it's the first time that the name David has the first time that the name David has the first time that the name David has been found in any ancient inscription been found in any ancient inscription been found in any ancient inscription outside the Bible and it would therefore outside the Bible and it would therefore outside the Bible and it would therefore be the oldest extra Biblical reference be the oldest extra Biblical reference be the oldest extra Biblical reference to Israel apart from the mpus Ste which to Israel apart from the mpus Ste which to Israel apart from the mpus Ste which we talked about which is a couple of we talked about which is a couple of we talked about which is a couple of hundred years hundred years hundred years older now this inscription has been older now this inscription has been older now this inscription has been fleshed out a little bit further uh it's fleshed out a little bit further uh it's fleshed out a little bit further uh it's currently translated as follows let me currently translated as follows let me currently translated as follows let me read it again and Hadad went in front of read it again and Hadad went in front of read it again and Hadad went in front of me and I departed from the seven me and I departed from the seven me and I departed from the seven somethings of my kingdom and I slew somethings of my kingdom and I slew somethings of my kingdom and I slew Mighty Kings who harness thousands of Mighty Kings who harness thousands of Mighty Kings who harness thousands of Chariots and thousands of Chariot horses Chariots and thousands of Chariot horses Chariots and thousands of Chariot horses I killed joram son of Ahab king of I killed joram son of Ahab king of I killed joram son of Ahab king of Israel Isel and I killed aaz yahu son of Israel Isel and I killed aaz yahu son of Israel Isel and I killed aaz yahu son of joram different joram King of the House joram different joram King of the House joram different joram King of the House of David and I set their towns into of David and I set their towns into of David and I set their towns into ruins and turned their land into ruins and turned their land into ruins and turned their land into desolation this inscription has been now desolation this inscription has been now desolation this inscription has been now attributed to King Hazel of attributed to King Hazel of attributed to King Hazel of Aram Aram being modern day Aram Aram being modern day Aram Aram being modern day Damascus he uh usurped the Throne of

Damascus he uh usurped the Throne of Damascus he uh usurped the Throne of ancient Damascus sometime between 8:45 ancient Damascus sometime between 8:45 ancient Damascus sometime between 8:45 and 842 BCE and was the very same King and 842 BCE and was the very same King and 842 BCE and was the very same King against whom the Bible says that the two against whom the Bible says that the two against whom the Bible says that the two kings named in the inscription were kings named in the inscription were kings named in the inscription were fighting the biblical story in 2 Kings fighting the biblical story in 2 Kings fighting the biblical story in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles says that joram led the and 2 Chronicles says that joram led the and 2 Chronicles says that joram led the army of Israel against King Hazel of army of Israel against King Hazel of army of Israel against King Hazel of Aram during the summer of 841 at the Aram during the summer of 841 at the Aram during the summer of 841 at the Battle of ramoth Gilead which is across Battle of ramoth Gilead which is across Battle of ramoth Gilead which is across the Jordan River from the Jezreel Valley the Jordan River from the Jezreel Valley the Jordan River from the Jezreel Valley in that battle as wounded and was um in that battle as wounded and was um in that battle as wounded and was um wounded apparently severely enough he's wounded apparently severely enough he's wounded apparently severely enough he's taken from the battlefield and brought taken from the battlefield and brought taken from the battlefield and brought over to the city of Jezreel to recover over to the city of Jezreel to recover over to the city of Jezreel to recover in relative peace and at that time then in relative peace and at that time then in relative peace and at that time then jeu a commander in his army takes jeu a commander in his army takes jeu a commander in his army takes advantage of the king's absence to stage advantage of the king's absence to stage advantage of the king's absence to stage jaku and has himself declared King and jaku and has himself declared King and jaku and has himself declared King and we meet Hazel of Aram in this story and we meet Hazel of Aram in this story and we meet Hazel of Aram in this story and in the course of the story with jah's in the course of the story with jah's in the course of the story with jah's coup and the murder of the two kings One coup and the murder of the two kings One coup and the murder of the two kings One of Israel and one of Judah we then meet of Israel and one of Judah we then meet of Israel and one of Judah we then meet Jezebel Widow of Ahab mother of joram Jezebel Widow of Ahab mother of joram Jezebel Widow of Ahab mother of joram daughter of the Phoenician king of siden daughter of the Phoenician king of siden daughter of the Phoenician king of siden and Queen Mother in Israel Jezebel is and Queen Mother in Israel Jezebel is and Queen Mother in Israel Jezebel is going to get herself thrown out of the going to get herself thrown out of the going to get herself thrown out of the window for her troubles so we've got a window for her troubles so we've got a window for her troubles so we've got a Biblical account of hael and jeu and Biblical account of hael and jeu and Biblical account of hael and jeu and joram and aahu and everybody else

joram and aahu and everybody else joram and aahu and everybody else mentioned at least to some degree in mentioned at least to some degree in mentioned at least to some degree in this inscription so we're fairly this inscription so we're fairly this inscription so we're fairly confident in dating it to about 842 and confident in dating it to about 842 and confident in dating it to about 842 and 841 uh unfortunately we've got some 841 uh unfortunately we've got some 841 uh unfortunately we've got some problems attested right here namely problems attested right here namely problems attested right here namely because in the inscription hael claims because in the inscription hael claims because in the inscription hael claims credit for killing joram and aazia the credit for killing joram and aazia the credit for killing joram and aazia the king of Israel and Judah and yet in the king of Israel and Judah and yet in the king of Israel and Judah and yet in the biblical account jeu is to be blamed for biblical account jeu is to be blamed for biblical account jeu is to be blamed for these murders now we're not going to these murders now we're not going to these murders now we're not going to resolve this today I'll uh in fact I resolve this today I'll uh in fact I resolve this today I'll uh in fact I will leave that for our upcoming lecture will leave that for our upcoming lecture will leave that for our upcoming lecture but let me simply say that all of this but let me simply say that all of this but let me simply say that all of this proves that this inscription is valid proves that this inscription is valid proves that this inscription is valid and that we can use it to work with the and that we can use it to work with the and that we can use it to work with the existence of David and the House of existence of David and the House of existence of David and the House of David or can we there is a little bit of David or can we there is a little bit of David or can we there is a little bit of a problem here because uh the critical a problem here because uh the critical a problem here because uh the critical letters in the letters in the letters in the inscription are usually the ones that inscription are usually the ones that inscription are usually the ones that are translated as House of David that is are translated as House of David that is are translated as House of David that is B David or bit David but others have B David or bit David but others have B David or bit David but others have said that this is not meaning the House said that this is not meaning the House said that this is not meaning the House of David that maybe it means the house of David that maybe it means the house of David that maybe it means the house of the uncle or the house of the Beloved of the uncle or the house of the Beloved of the uncle or the house of the Beloved or even the house of the kettle which or even the house of the kettle which or even the house of the kettle which doesn't make much sense to me but um doesn't make much sense to me but um doesn't make much sense to me but um Scholars do say that one could translate Scholars do say that one could translate Scholars do say that one could translate these words differently and so there are these words differently and so there are these words differently and so there are a number of ongoing discussions about a number of ongoing discussions about a number of ongoing discussions about this this this [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] inscription while we're on the topic inscription while we're on the topic inscription while we're on the topic there have been other inscriptions now

there have been other inscriptions now there have been other inscriptions now identified that may mention David as identified that may mention David as identified that may mention David as well there's the so-called Mesa Steely well there's the so-called Mesa Steely well there's the so-called Mesa Steely Mesa meaning being a king of Moab over Mesa meaning being a king of Moab over Mesa meaning being a king of Moab over on the other side of the Jordan River on the other side of the Jordan River on the other side of the Jordan River and in here in this inscription we may and in here in this inscription we may and in here in this inscription we may have a mention of the king of Israel and have a mention of the king of Israel and have a mention of the king of Israel and a mention of the House of David but this a mention of the House of David but this a mention of the House of David but this inscription is very much broken and is inscription is very much broken and is inscription is very much broken and is quite debated there may be another quite debated there may be another quite debated there may be another mention down in Egypt mention down in Egypt mention down in Egypt in a list left by uh king chesang of in a list left by uh king chesang of in a list left by uh king chesang of Egypt whom we will meet in a future Egypt whom we will meet in a future Egypt whom we will meet in a future lecture and here we've got perhaps a lecture and here we've got perhaps a lecture and here we've got perhaps a mention of David as well now all of mention of David as well now all of mention of David as well now all of these inscriptions have come to light or these inscriptions have come to light or these inscriptions have come to light or been reinterpreted just in the last been reinterpreted just in the last been reinterpreted just in the last couple of years and so now we might have couple of years and so now we might have couple of years and so now we might have more mentions of David than we ever more mentions of David than we ever more mentions of David than we ever thought before on the other hand we have thought before on the other hand we have thought before on the other hand we have a little bit more of a a little bit more of a a little bit more of a problem because we've got a group of problem because we've got a group of problem because we've got a group of Scholars uh referred to by others as Scholars uh referred to by others as Scholars uh referred to by others as biblical minimalists some call them the biblical minimalists some call them the biblical minimalists some call them the Copenhagen school which isn't exactly Copenhagen school which isn't exactly Copenhagen school which isn't exactly appropriate because some of them are at appropriate because some of them are at appropriate because some of them are at the University of Sheffield in England the University of Sheffield in England the University of Sheffield in England While others are at the University of While others are at the University of While others are at the University of Copenhagen and these biblical Copenhagen and these biblical Copenhagen and these biblical minimalists tend to argue that uh all of minimalists tend to argue that uh all of minimalists tend to argue that uh all of this is made up and by all of this I this is made up and by all of this I this is made up and by all of this I mean the history of Israel the history mean the history of Israel the history mean the history of Israel the history of Judah David Solomon uh they're of Judah David Solomon uh they're of Judah David Solomon uh they're arguing that none of the actually

arguing that none of the actually arguing that none of the actually existed now this is one of the most existed now this is one of the most existed now this is one of the most fiercely debated issues in biblical fiercely debated issues in biblical fiercely debated issues in biblical archaeology today namely the historicity archaeology today namely the historicity archaeology today namely the historicity of the Bible and a Biblical chronology of the Bible and a Biblical chronology of the Bible and a Biblical chronology these biblical minimalists take the view these biblical minimalists take the view these biblical minimalists take the view that the Bible is a narrative of that the Bible is a narrative of that the Bible is a narrative of Mythology it's mythology interwoven with Mythology it's mythology interwoven with Mythology it's mythology interwoven with some historical elements but history some historical elements but history some historical elements but history they say is an essentially modern term they say is an essentially modern term they say is an essentially modern term and that trying to read the Bible as a and that trying to read the Bible as a and that trying to read the Bible as a historical text in the modern sense of historical text in the modern sense of historical text in the modern sense of the term is doomed from the start and the term is doomed from the start and the term is doomed from the start and they say this because the Bible is they say this because the Bible is they say this because the Bible is written a tradition of Storytelling and written a tradition of Storytelling and written a tradition of Storytelling and religious worship not with the intention religious worship not with the intention religious worship not with the intention of relating facts in a history and we've of relating facts in a history and we've of relating facts in a history and we've already seen that this is in fact the already seen that this is in fact the already seen that this is in fact the case but they go further and say that case but they go further and say that case but they go further and say that the United monarchy and that the figures the United monarchy and that the figures the United monarchy and that the figures of David and Solomon are legendary and of David and Solomon are legendary and of David and Solomon are legendary and not historical at all in short biblical not historical at all in short biblical not historical at all in short biblical minimalists say that the B Bible is in minimalists say that the B Bible is in minimalists say that the B Bible is in fact very nearly Irrelevant for fact very nearly Irrelevant for fact very nearly Irrelevant for reconstructing the history of ancient reconstructing the history of ancient reconstructing the history of ancient Palestine as they tend to call it and Palestine as they tend to call it and Palestine as they tend to call it and especially of the people that we know of especially of the people that we know of especially of the people that we know of as the ancient as the ancient as the ancient Israelites so what they're doing this is Israelites so what they're doing this is Israelites so what they're doing this is a a method of scholarship within a a method of scholarship within a a method of scholarship within biblical studies it became very popular biblical studies it became very popular biblical studies it became very popular especially during the 90s but it uh has especially during the 90s but it uh has especially during the 90s but it uh has its Origins all the way back in about its Origins all the way back in about its Origins all the way back in about 1968 when a couple of essays were 1968 when a couple of essays were 1968 when a couple of essays were written by professors in Copenhagen that written by professors in Copenhagen that written by professors in Copenhagen that advocated a complete rethinking of the

advocated a complete rethinking of the advocated a complete rethinking of the way that we approach the Bible and the way that we approach the Bible and the way that we approach the Bible and the way that we attempt to draw historical way that we attempt to draw historical way that we attempt to draw historical conclusions from it minimalism and conclusions from it minimalism and conclusions from it minimalism and minimalists are seen by some people as minimalists are seen by some people as minimalists are seen by some people as derogatory terms but it's become the way derogatory terms but it's become the way derogatory terms but it's become the way used to describe the school of thought used to describe the school of thought used to describe the school of thought the other term that we can use is the the other term that we can use is the the other term that we can use is the Copenhagen school because that's where Copenhagen school because that's where Copenhagen school because that's where the movement began and where it has its the movement began and where it has its the movement began and where it has its main Advocates but again as I say others main Advocates but again as I say others main Advocates but again as I say others are at Sheffield and indeed elsewhere are at Sheffield and indeed elsewhere are at Sheffield and indeed elsewhere essentially biblical minimalism arose essentially biblical minimalism arose essentially biblical minimalism arose out of the need to account for some of out of the need to account for some of out of the need to account for some of the major discrepancies between the the major discrepancies between the the major discrepancies between the Bible and what archaeologists have dug Bible and what archaeologists have dug Bible and what archaeologists have dug up in Israel and Palestine or rather up in Israel and Palestine or rather up in Israel and Palestine or rather what archaeologists have failed to dig what archaeologists have failed to dig what archaeologists have failed to dig up in Israel and Palestine so what we've up in Israel and Palestine so what we've up in Israel and Palestine so what we've got is the question again of just how got is the question again of just how got is the question again of just how much we can use the Bible and how much much we can use the Bible and how much much we can use the Bible and how much we are dependent upon archaeology to we are dependent upon archaeology to we are dependent upon archaeology to prove disprove or corroborate the prove disprove or corroborate the prove disprove or corroborate the biblical account biblical account biblical account in this case the arguments about the in this case the arguments about the in this case the arguments about the legitimacy of David and whether he legitimacy of David and whether he legitimacy of David and whether he existed or not can be put into a larger existed or not can be put into a larger existed or not can be put into a larger context in which these minimalists are context in which these minimalists are context in which these minimalists are questioning pretty much anything that questioning pretty much anything that questioning pretty much anything that happens in the Bible and I would include happens in the Bible and I would include happens in the Bible and I would include in here the whole um Abraham and the in here the whole um Abraham and the in here the whole um Abraham and the Patriarchs discussion and whether the Patriarchs discussion and whether the Patriarchs discussion and whether the Exodus took place or not and exactly Exodus took place or not and exactly Exodus took place or not and exactly what is happening during the whole what is happening during the whole what is happening during the whole period of judges and the United monarchy period of judges and the United monarchy period of judges and the United monarchy of David and Solomon where whether this of David and Solomon where whether this of David and Solomon where whether this is to be seen as a related series of

is to be seen as a related series of is to be seen as a related series of accounts that are written down in the accounts that are written down in the accounts that are written down in the 8th and seventh centuries BCE by people 8th and seventh centuries BCE by people 8th and seventh centuries BCE by people trying to create an earlier history or trying to create an earlier history or trying to create an earlier history or whether all of these things actually whether all of these things actually whether all of these things actually happened and so we have for example one happened and so we have for example one happened and so we have for example one of the newest books that's been of the newest books that's been of the newest books that's been published by Israel finklestein and Neil published by Israel finklestein and Neil published by Israel finklestein and Neil Asher Silverman entitled The Bible Asher Silverman entitled The Bible Asher Silverman entitled The Bible Unearthed reconsiders the whole Unearthed reconsiders the whole Unearthed reconsiders the whole historical period that produced the historical period that produced the historical period that produced the Hebrew Bible and indeed takes a look at Hebrew Bible and indeed takes a look at Hebrew Bible and indeed takes a look at the existence of Abraham and the the existence of Abraham and the the existence of Abraham and the existence of Moses and the Exodus and existence of Moses and the Exodus and existence of Moses and the Exodus and then goes through and discusses David then goes through and discusses David then goes through and discusses David and Solomon as and Solomon as and Solomon as well and one of the things that these well and one of the things that these well and one of the things that these authors point out they claim fairly authors point out they claim fairly authors point out they claim fairly convincingly that the kingdoms of uh convincingly that the kingdoms of uh convincingly that the kingdoms of uh Israel and Judah became um very Israel and Judah became um very Israel and Judah became um very different regions even before the time different regions even before the time different regions even before the time of King David and that we have no of King David and that we have no of King David and that we have no archaeological evidence archaeological evidence archaeological evidence that Jerusalem was anything more than a that Jerusalem was anything more than a that Jerusalem was anything more than a modest Highland Village in the time of modest Highland Village in the time of modest Highland Village in the time of David and Solomon now it is true that we David and Solomon now it is true that we David and Solomon now it is true that we don't have much evidence for what don't have much evidence for what don't have much evidence for what Jerusalem looked like in the 10th Jerusalem looked like in the 10th Jerusalem looked like in the 10th Century BCE but many other people see Century BCE but many other people see Century BCE but many other people see the downgrading of David and Solomon as the downgrading of David and Solomon as the downgrading of David and Solomon as being rather ominous we've got uh people being rather ominous we've got uh people being rather ominous we've got uh people accusing frelin and some of the other accusing frelin and some of the other accusing frelin and some of the other people of having a political agenda people of having a political agenda people of having a political agenda which they deny and others have said which they deny and others have said which they deny and others have said that um what what these people are doing that um what what these people are doing that um what what these people are doing are giving ammunition to uh people who

are giving ammunition to uh people who are giving ammunition to uh people who might be anti-israel or anti-semitic might be anti-israel or anti-semitic might be anti-israel or anti-semitic nonsense these people reply research is nonsense these people reply research is nonsense these people reply research is research and people can do what they research and people can do what they research and people can do what they want with it what we've got here however want with it what we've got here however want with it what we've got here however is a a classic dilemma we have the is a a classic dilemma we have the is a a classic dilemma we have the biblical stories on the one hand which biblical stories on the one hand which biblical stories on the one hand which paint a picture of David in intense paint a picture of David in intense paint a picture of David in intense detail with very small Strokes on the detail with very small Strokes on the detail with very small Strokes on the other hand we've got absolutely no other hand we've got absolutely no other hand we've got absolutely no archaeological evidence to prove any of archaeological evidence to prove any of archaeological evidence to prove any of this and we had until the finding of the this and we had until the finding of the this and we had until the finding of the tell Don Steely no extra biblical tell Don Steely no extra biblical tell Don Steely no extra biblical evidence mentioning David whatsoever now evidence mentioning David whatsoever now evidence mentioning David whatsoever now we do have the House of David mentioned we do have the House of David mentioned we do have the House of David mentioned most of us think in the Talon stey we most of us think in the Talon stey we most of us think in the Talon stey we may have it appearing in the Mesa Steely may have it appearing in the Mesa Steely may have it appearing in the Mesa Steely and in shak's inscription as well so and in shak's inscription as well so and in shak's inscription as well so there is now good evidence that someone there is now good evidence that someone there is now good evidence that someone named David actually did exist but named David actually did exist but named David actually did exist but whether it is the biblical David or some whether it is the biblical David or some whether it is the biblical David or some other David is um still being argued other David is um still being argued other David is um still being argued today and this is uh a topic that today and this is uh a topic that today and this is uh a topic that continues to generate controversy and continues to generate controversy and continues to generate controversy and more and more books we have not seen the more and more books we have not seen the more and more books we have not seen the last of them that's for sure basically last of them that's for sure basically last of them that's for sure basically we have a pitched battle being fought we have a pitched battle being fought we have a pitched battle being fought between those who consider the Old between those who consider the Old between those who consider the Old Testament to be reliable and those who Testament to be reliable and those who Testament to be reliable and those who on the other side say that it contains on the other side say that it contains on the other side say that it contains pure mythology and our King David is pure mythology and our King David is pure mythology and our King David is caught right smack in the middle of caught right smack in the middle of caught right smack in the middle of this Solomon is also caught here as well

this Solomon is also caught here as well this Solomon is also caught here as well and it is in the next lecture that we and it is in the next lecture that we and it is in the next lecture that we will take a look at Solomon and his will take a look at Solomon and his will take a look at Solomon and his Reign both from the uh point of view of Reign both from the uh point of view of Reign both from the uh point of view of the biblical account and the point of the biblical account and the point of the biblical account and the point of view from the archaeology and any extra view from the archaeology and any extra view from the archaeology and any extra biblical text that we may have so David biblical text that we may have so David biblical text that we may have so David and Solomon and their United monarchy on and Solomon and their United monarchy on and Solomon and their United monarchy on the one hand continue to Fascinate and the one hand continue to Fascinate and the one hand continue to Fascinate and on the other hand continue to resonate on the other hand continue to resonate on the other hand continue to resonate today in all of the scholarship and today in all of the scholarship and today in all of the scholarship and arguments ongoing after listening to lecture 4 a ongoing after listening to lecture 4 a student posed this question to Professor student posed this question to Professor student posed this question to Professor Klein how can we resolve whether or not Klein how can we resolve whether or not Klein how can we resolve whether or not David David David existed let's listen to the professor's existed let's listen to the professor's existed let's listen to the professor's response the way to resolve all of these response the way to resolve all of these response the way to resolve all of these issues on this question is as we say in issues on this question is as we say in issues on this question is as we say in archaeology all the time we need to do archaeology all the time we need to do archaeology all the time we need to do more digging we need more excavations more digging we need more excavations more digging we need more excavations it's only through more inscriptions it's only through more inscriptions it's only through more inscriptions which undoubtedly are out there if David which undoubtedly are out there if David which undoubtedly are out there if David did exist there are other inscriptions did exist there are other inscriptions did exist there are other inscriptions that mention him or mention the House of that mention him or mention the House of that mention him or mention the House of David and if they exist they will David and if they exist they will David and if they exist they will eventually be found if David did capture eventually be found if David did capture eventually be found if David did capture Jerusalem and did build up Jerusalem as Jerusalem and did build up Jerusalem as Jerusalem and did build up Jerusalem as the Bible says then there will be uh the Bible says then there will be uh the Bible says then there will be uh buildings there will be uh artifacts buildings there will be uh artifacts buildings there will be uh artifacts there and these simply remain to be there and these simply remain to be there and these simply remain to be found of course the problem is that found of course the problem is that found of course the problem is that Jerusalem is completely inhabited as a Jerusalem is completely inhabited as a Jerusalem is completely inhabited as a modern city today so it's very hard to modern city today so it's very hard to modern city today so it's very hard to find anything but um uh if a lot Mazar find anything but um uh if a lot Mazar find anything but um uh if a lot Mazar is finding anything today in terms of

is finding anything today in terms of is finding anything today in terms of her recent excavations if her Palace of her recent excavations if her Palace of her recent excavations if her Palace of David does indeed turn out to be both a David does indeed turn out to be both a David does indeed turn out to be both a palace and uh belonging to David then we palace and uh belonging to David then we palace and uh belonging to David then we may well be on our way to um being able may well be on our way to um being able may well be on our way to um being able to resolve the issues that at the moment to resolve the issues that at the moment to resolve the issues that at the moment are um being fiercely debated this ends lecture this ends lecture 4 remember to visit this course's web 4 remember to visit this course's web 4 remember to visit this course's web page at page at page at www.modlar.com where you'll find www.modlar.com where you'll find www.modlar.com where you'll find additional information about the additional information about the additional information about the lectures you just heard a history of lectures you just heard a history of lectures you just heard a history of ancient Israel lecture 5 King Solomon in ancient Israel lecture 5 King Solomon in ancient Israel lecture 5 King Solomon in history and tradition in this lecture we'll take a tradition in this lecture we'll take a look at King Solomon that is King look at King Solomon that is King look at King Solomon that is King Solomon in history and tradition Solomon Solomon in history and tradition Solomon Solomon in history and tradition Solomon is renowned for his wisdom his wealth is renowned for his wisdom his wealth is renowned for his wisdom his wealth and his wives and he's credited in the and his wives and he's credited in the and his wives and he's credited in the Hebrew Bible with ruling over an Empire Hebrew Bible with ruling over an Empire Hebrew Bible with ruling over an Empire that stretched from Egypt to the that stretched from Egypt to the that stretched from Egypt to the Euphrates however like David Solomon and Euphrates however like David Solomon and Euphrates however like David Solomon and his accomplishments have become the his accomplishments have become the his accomplishments have become the subject of recent controversies and subject of recent controversies and subject of recent controversies and debates including his building debates including his building debates including his building activities at the sites of Jerusalem and activities at the sites of Jerusalem and activities at the sites of Jerusalem and megiddo among megiddo among megiddo among others Solomon's Reign was considered to others Solomon's Reign was considered to others Solomon's Reign was considered to be the Golden Age be the Golden Age be the Golden Age of Israelite and Judean history or at of Israelite and Judean history or at of Israelite and Judean history or at least that's what one would conclude least that's what one would conclude least that's what one would conclude from a casual reading of the biblical from a casual reading of the biblical from a casual reading of the biblical account his Reign lasted 40 years account his Reign lasted 40 years account his Reign lasted 40 years approximately 970 to 930 BCE and we're

approximately 970 to 930 BCE and we're approximately 970 to 930 BCE and we're told that he was buried in Jerusalem the told that he was buried in Jerusalem the told that he was buried in Jerusalem the city of David his father which Solomon city of David his father which Solomon city of David his father which Solomon had expanded had expanded had expanded magnificently the people that compiled magnificently the people that compiled magnificently the people that compiled the Hebrew Bible depicted Solomon as an the Hebrew Bible depicted Solomon as an the Hebrew Bible depicted Solomon as an exceedingly wise exceptionally wealthy exceedingly wise exceptionally wealthy exceedingly wise exceptionally wealthy and extremely powerful and extremely powerful and extremely powerful ruler and as mentioned his Empire is ruler and as mentioned his Empire is ruler and as mentioned his Empire is supposed to have stretched from the supposed to have stretched from the supposed to have stretched from the Euphrates river to the Egyptian Euphrates river to the Egyptian Euphrates river to the Egyptian Frontier in the book of Chronicles in Frontier in the book of Chronicles in Frontier in the book of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible the chronicler press the Hebrew Bible the chronicler press the Hebrew Bible the chronicler press these claims even further neutralizing these claims even further neutralizing these claims even further neutralizing any negative aspects from Solomon's any negative aspects from Solomon's any negative aspects from Solomon's Reign and elaborating on his role as Reign and elaborating on his role as Reign and elaborating on his role as builder of the famous temple in builder of the famous temple in builder of the famous temple in Jerusalem and co-founder with his father Jerusalem and co-founder with his father Jerusalem and co-founder with his father David of the Israelite religion in the David of the Israelite religion in the David of the Israelite religion in the cult at cult at cult at Jerusalem and various things in the Book Jerusalem and various things in the Book Jerusalem and various things in the Book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes and even of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes and even of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes and even the song of songs appear to credit the song of songs appear to credit the song of songs appear to credit Solomon for their wisdom so it's not Solomon for their wisdom so it's not Solomon for their wisdom so it's not surprising that his Reign later came to surprising that his Reign later came to surprising that his Reign later came to be regarded as the epitome of Splendor be regarded as the epitome of Splendor be regarded as the epitome of Splendor and opulence and even wise and opulence and even wise and opulence and even wise government but uh a careful examination government but uh a careful examination government but uh a careful examination of the biblical text probing beneath the of the biblical text probing beneath the of the biblical text probing beneath the sweeping generalizations reveals certain sweeping generalizations reveals certain sweeping generalizations reveals certain ironies ironies ironies for example wealthy Solomon developed for example wealthy Solomon developed for example wealthy Solomon developed cash flow problems powerful Solomon was cash flow problems powerful Solomon was cash flow problems powerful Solomon was troubled by adversaries very close to troubled by adversaries very close to troubled by adversaries very close to home and wise Solomon apparently home and wise Solomon apparently home and wise Solomon apparently exploited his people through forced exploited his people through forced exploited his people through forced labor and other practices of a desperate

labor and other practices of a desperate labor and other practices of a desperate that the bulk of his kingdom chose to that the bulk of his kingdom chose to that the bulk of his kingdom chose to break away after his death so we have a break away after his death so we have a break away after his death so we have a rather interesting situation now Solomon's Reign is the situation now Solomon's Reign is the first when we can actually try and tie first when we can actually try and tie first when we can actually try and tie something specifically in the Bible to something specifically in the Bible to something specifically in the Bible to something specifically in the something specifically in the something specifically in the archaeological record namely in the archaeological record namely in the archaeological record namely in the first book of Kings First Kings 9 he first book of Kings First Kings 9 he first book of Kings First Kings 9 he mentions several cities that Solomon mentions several cities that Solomon mentions several cities that Solomon built or fortified including Jerusalem built or fortified including Jerusalem built or fortified including Jerusalem and hator megiddo and gizer in and hator megiddo and gizer in and hator megiddo and gizer in archaeological excavations that these archaeological excavations that these archaeological excavations that these sites all four of them have revealed sites all four of them have revealed sites all four of them have revealed layers of building and fortification layers of building and fortification layers of building and fortification remains that were dated to Solomon's remains that were dated to Solomon's remains that were dated to Solomon's rain and which do in fact suggest both rain and which do in fact suggest both rain and which do in fact suggest both by their large scale and their similar by their large scale and their similar by their large scale and their similar design that they were centralized a design that they were centralized a design that they were centralized a royal building program royal building program royal building program perhaps so we may have on the one hand perhaps so we may have on the one hand perhaps so we may have on the one hand material evidence of Solomon's material evidence of Solomon's material evidence of Solomon's accomplishments as a builder on the accomplishments as a builder on the accomplishments as a builder on the other hand that same evidence shows that other hand that same evidence shows that other hand that same evidence shows that his accomplishments were rather modest his accomplishments were rather modest his accomplishments were rather modest when you compare them to the kings of when you compare them to the kings of when you compare them to the kings of Egypt or the great Kings of Egypt or the great Kings of Egypt or the great Kings of Mesopotamia so let us take a look then Mesopotamia so let us take a look then Mesopotamia so let us take a look then in detail at Solomon both his tradition in detail at Solomon both his tradition in detail at Solomon both his tradition and his history and then see if we can and his history and then see if we can and his history and then see if we can tie it to anything in the archaeological tie it to anything in the archaeological tie it to anything in the archaeological record now as mentioned Solomon is record now as mentioned Solomon is record now as mentioned Solomon is particularly known for his wealth his particularly known for his wealth his particularly known for his wealth his women and his women and his women and his wisdom we're told in First Kings thus wisdom we're told in First Kings thus wisdom we're told in First Kings thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of

King Solomon excelled all the kings of King Solomon excelled all the kings of the Earth in riches and in wisdom and the Earth in riches and in wisdom and the Earth in riches and in wisdom and the whole earth sought the presence of the whole earth sought the presence of the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom which God had Solomon to hear his wisdom which God had Solomon to hear his wisdom which God had put into his mind and of course we're put into his mind and of course we're put into his mind and of course we're told the the story of the two women who told the the story of the two women who told the the story of the two women who both claimed that the infant was theirs both claimed that the infant was theirs both claimed that the infant was theirs and Solomon said we'll cut the child in and Solomon said we'll cut the child in and Solomon said we'll cut the child in half and you can each have a half and half and you can each have a half and half and you can each have a half and the mother said no no no let him be the the mother said no no no let him be the the mother said no no no let him be the other woman can have it Solomon and his other woman can have it Solomon and his other woman can have it Solomon and his wisdom realized that only a mother would wisdom realized that only a mother would wisdom realized that only a mother would rather give up her child than have it rather give up her child than have it rather give up her child than have it cut in half and so he gave the child to cut in half and so he gave the child to cut in half and so he gave the child to the proper mother so Solomon's wisdom the proper mother so Solomon's wisdom the proper mother so Solomon's wisdom has come down Through the Ages has come down Through the Ages has come down Through the Ages Solomon is also known for his wives and Solomon is also known for his wives and Solomon is also known for his wives and we're told again in the book of First we're told again in the book of First we're told again in the book of First Kings now King Solomon loved many Kings now King Solomon loved many Kings now King Solomon loved many foreign women the daughter of pharaoh foreign women the daughter of pharaoh foreign women the daughter of pharaoh and moabit ammonite Edomite sidonian and and moabit ammonite Edomite sidonian and and moabit ammonite Edomite sidonian and hittite women Solomon clung to these in hittite women Solomon clung to these in hittite women Solomon clung to these in love he had 700 wives princesses and 300 love he had 700 wives princesses and 300 love he had 700 wives princesses and 300 concubines and his wives turned away his concubines and his wives turned away his concubines and his wives turned away his heart so we're told that he had a total heart so we're told that he had a total heart so we're told that he had a total of a thousand wives and con ubin and of a thousand wives and con ubin and of a thousand wives and con ubin and that these women turned his heart after that these women turned his heart after that these women turned his heart after other gods and indeed we're told that he other gods and indeed we're told that he other gods and indeed we're told that he built sanctuaries to the gods of the built sanctuaries to the gods of the built sanctuaries to the gods of the moabites and the amonites respectively moabites and the amonites respectively moabites and the amonites respectively and therefore God became angry with and therefore God became angry with and therefore God became angry with Solomon and sent Solomon and sent Solomon and sent adversaries we are also told of adversaries we are also told of adversaries we are also told of Solomon's Solomon's Solomon's wealth that he had an abundance of

wealth that he had an abundance of wealth that he had an abundance of silver and silver and silver and gold and in First Kings we're told now gold and in First Kings we're told now gold and in First Kings we're told now the weight of gold that came to Solomon the weight of gold that came to Solomon the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold in one year was 666 talents of gold in one year was 666 talents of gold besides that which came from the Traders besides that which came from the Traders besides that which came from the Traders and from the traffic of the merchants and from the traffic of the merchants and from the traffic of the merchants and from all the kings of Arabia and and from all the kings of Arabia and and from all the kings of Arabia and from the governors of the land King from the governors of the land King from the governors of the land King Solomon made 200 large Shields of beaten Solomon made 200 large Shields of beaten Solomon made 200 large Shields of beaten gold 600 shekels of gold went into each gold 600 shekels of gold went into each gold 600 shekels of gold went into each Shield the king also made a great Ivory Shield the king also made a great Ivory Shield the king also made a great Ivory throne and overlaid it with the finest throne and overlaid it with the finest throne and overlaid it with the finest gold so our sources Come From First gold so our sources Come From First gold so our sources Come From First Kings for the most part we're also told Kings for the most part we're also told Kings for the most part we're also told of the Queen of Sheba coming to visit of the Queen of Sheba coming to visit of the Queen of Sheba coming to visit and various other things as well in fact and various other things as well in fact and various other things as well in fact the queen of of Sheba may be Solomon's the queen of of Sheba may be Solomon's the queen of of Sheba may be Solomon's lasting claim to fame she exchanged lasting claim to fame she exchanged lasting claim to fame she exchanged costly gifts with him but we'll come costly gifts with him but we'll come costly gifts with him but we'll come back to that in a back to that in a back to that in a minute now overall our discussions of minute now overall our discussions of minute now overall our discussions of the biblical and the archaeological the biblical and the archaeological the biblical and the archaeological materials that pertain to Solomon lead materials that pertain to Solomon lead materials that pertain to Solomon lead us to a couple of conclusions first the us to a couple of conclusions first the us to a couple of conclusions first the biblical account in uh Genesis through 2 biblical account in uh Genesis through 2 biblical account in uh Genesis through 2 Kings serves as our primary source of Kings serves as our primary source of Kings serves as our primary source of information just as it has for all the information just as it has for all the information just as it has for all the earlier periods of Biblical history that earlier periods of Biblical history that earlier periods of Biblical history that we've been talking about the account we've been talking about the account we've been talking about the account given by the chronicler in the Hebrew given by the chronicler in the Hebrew given by the chronicler in the Hebrew Bible is of no real help nor is there Bible is of no real help nor is there Bible is of no real help nor is there much of consequence that can be found much of consequence that can be found much of consequence that can be found about Solomon from any other biblical about Solomon from any other biblical about Solomon from any other biblical sources another item to point out is sources another item to point out is sources another item to point out is that the presentation in the Hebrew that the presentation in the Hebrew that the presentation in the Hebrew Bible consists largely of extended Bible consists largely of extended Bible consists largely of extended descriptions of Solomon's cultic descriptions of Solomon's cultic descriptions of Solomon's cultic activities and sweeping claims about his

activities and sweeping claims about his activities and sweeping claims about his great wealth and wisdom and great wealth and wisdom and great wealth and wisdom and international international international Prestige so that when you probe beneath Prestige so that when you probe beneath Prestige so that when you probe beneath these as we've mentioned these as we've mentioned these as we've mentioned you get rather disappointing results and you get rather disappointing results and you get rather disappointing results and the meager information that we've got the meager information that we've got the meager information that we've got today simply does not support the today simply does not support the today simply does not support the sweeping claims and it is upon this that sweeping claims and it is upon this that sweeping claims and it is upon this that biblical minimalists and others have biblical minimalists and others have biblical minimalists and others have sieged to claim that uh the account of sieged to claim that uh the account of sieged to claim that uh the account of Solomon in the Hebrew Bible actually Solomon in the Hebrew Bible actually Solomon in the Hebrew Bible actually Bears no relation to the reality of the Bears no relation to the reality of the Bears no relation to the reality of the archaeological archaeological archaeological record now if we begin to read between record now if we begin to read between record now if we begin to read between the lines it seems pretty obvious that the lines it seems pretty obvious that the lines it seems pretty obvious that Solomon inherited a kingdom from David Solomon inherited a kingdom from David Solomon inherited a kingdom from David that was not unified in any means the that was not unified in any means the that was not unified in any means the fact that he was able to hold the fact that he was able to hold the fact that he was able to hold the kingdom together throughout his Reign kingdom together throughout his Reign kingdom together throughout his Reign was one of his major accomplishments and was one of his major accomplishments and was one of his major accomplishments and yet for this he doesn't get much yet for this he doesn't get much yet for this he doesn't get much praise the trend that started under praise the trend that started under praise the trend that started under David of a Jerusalem based Kingdom David of a Jerusalem based Kingdom David of a Jerusalem based Kingdom reached full development under reached full development under reached full development under Solomon he probably was wealthy and Solomon he probably was wealthy and Solomon he probably was wealthy and Powerful at least by the standards of Powerful at least by the standards of Powerful at least by the standards of the time that is the early first the time that is the early first the time that is the early first millennium millennium millennium BCE but even so he should probably be BCE but even so he should probably be BCE but even so he should probably be regarded more as a local ruler over a regarded more as a local ruler over a regarded more as a local ruler over a expanded citystate rather than a expanded citystate rather than a expanded citystate rather than a worldclass Emperor like Alexander the worldclass Emperor like Alexander the worldclass Emperor like Alexander the Great or juliia Caesar to whom he Great or juliia Caesar to whom he Great or juliia Caesar to whom he probably doesn't really compare he probably doesn't really compare he probably doesn't really compare he engaged in the usual Royal Pursuits uh engaged in the usual Royal Pursuits uh engaged in the usual Royal Pursuits uh building programs commercial Ventures building programs commercial Ventures building programs commercial Ventures patronage of literature and whether he patronage of literature and whether he patronage of literature and whether he was wise or not was probably something was wise or not was probably something was wise or not was probably something to be discussed even in his own day and

to be discussed even in his own day and to be discussed even in his own day and like many of the kings of his day and like many of the kings of his day and like many of the kings of his day and afterward Solomon had International afterward Solomon had International afterward Solomon had International contacts and then this context we would contacts and then this context we would contacts and then this context we would probably put the visit of the Queen of probably put the visit of the Queen of probably put the visit of the Queen of Sheba if indeed it ever took place we're Sheba if indeed it ever took place we're Sheba if indeed it ever took place we're told in First Kings now when the Queen told in First Kings now when the Queen told in First Kings now when the Queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord she came concerning the name of the Lord she came concerning the name of the Lord she came to test him with hard questions she came to test him with hard questions she came to test him with hard questions she came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue to Jerusalem with a very great retinue to Jerusalem with a very great retinue with camels bearing spices and very much with camels bearing spices and very much with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones and when she gold and precious stones and when she gold and precious stones and when she came to Solomon she told him all that came to Solomon she told him all that came to Solomon she told him all that was on her mind and Solomon answered all was on her mind and Solomon answered all was on her mind and Solomon answered all of her questions there was nothing of her questions there was nothing of her questions there was nothing hidden from the King which he could not hidden from the King which he could not hidden from the King which he could not explained to explained to explained to her so the story taken at face value is her so the story taken at face value is her so the story taken at face value is that Sheba came to visit Solomon because that Sheba came to visit Solomon because that Sheba came to visit Solomon because of his wealth and wisdom and we may well of his wealth and wisdom and we may well of his wealth and wisdom and we may well accept that at face value or say it is accept that at face value or say it is accept that at face value or say it is simply a story that reflects the simply a story that reflects the simply a story that reflects the international connections that international connections that international connections that undoubtedly he could well have had at undoubtedly he could well have had at undoubtedly he could well have had at that time overall Solomon is regarded as that time overall Solomon is regarded as that time overall Solomon is regarded as a peaceful King and indeed he seems to a peaceful King and indeed he seems to a peaceful King and indeed he seems to have been so we know of no clashes have been so we know of no clashes have been so we know of no clashes military or otherwise with foreign military or otherwise with foreign military or otherwise with foreign powers during his Reign the achievements powers during his Reign the achievements powers during his Reign the achievements that are credited to him lie mostly in that are credited to him lie mostly in that are credited to him lie mostly in the religious economic and cultural the religious economic and cultural the religious economic and cultural spheres he built completed the temple at spheres he built completed the temple at spheres he built completed the temple at Jerusalem erected buildings and other Jerusalem erected buildings and other Jerusalem erected buildings and other cities set up fortresses made trade cities set up fortresses made trade cities set up fortresses made trade alliances and economic treaties with alliances and economic treaties with alliances and economic treaties with neighboring countries on the whole he neighboring countries on the whole he neighboring countries on the whole he might not have been as vigorous or

might not have been as vigorous or might not have been as vigorous or creative as David but uh he did piece creative as David but uh he did piece creative as David but uh he did piece together and put together the together and put together the together and put together the Empire now Solomon had inherited this Empire now Solomon had inherited this Empire now Solomon had inherited this Kingdom he inherited it from his father Kingdom he inherited it from his father Kingdom he inherited it from his father David and he managed to keep control of David and he managed to keep control of David and he managed to keep control of it by various diplomatic connections he it by various diplomatic connections he it by various diplomatic connections he developed and sustained these in various developed and sustained these in various developed and sustained these in various ways and one of these is his wives one ways and one of these is his wives one ways and one of these is his wives one of the reasons why I don't necessarily of the reasons why I don't necessarily of the reasons why I don't necessarily question the fact that he could have had question the fact that he could have had question the fact that he could have had a thousand wives and concubines is a thousand wives and concubines is a thousand wives and concubines is because at that time in history it was because at that time in history it was because at that time in history it was very common to seal a diplomatic treaty very common to seal a diplomatic treaty very common to seal a diplomatic treaty between two Powers by marrying each between two Powers by marrying each between two Powers by marrying each other's daughters that is you U put other's daughters that is you U put other's daughters that is you U put together some kind of diplomatic treaty together some kind of diplomatic treaty together some kind of diplomatic treaty and in order to cement it make sure and in order to cement it make sure and in order to cement it make sure either side follows it each king would either side follows it each king would either side follows it each king would then marry the daughter of the other then marry the daughter of the other then marry the daughter of the other king so a lot of the women that we see king so a lot of the women that we see king so a lot of the women that we see in Solomon's Palace May well have gotten in Solomon's Palace May well have gotten in Solomon's Palace May well have gotten there because of the various peace there because of the various peace there because of the various peace treaties that he signed with his treaties that he signed with his treaties that he signed with his neighbors with the moabites the neighbors with the moabites the neighbors with the moabites the ammonites the the sidonians the ammonites the the sidonians the ammonites the the sidonians the Hittites it's very easy to see the Hittites it's very easy to see the Hittites it's very easy to see the background of foreign Politics as background of foreign Politics as background of foreign Politics as underlying all of these marriages underlying all of these marriages underlying all of these marriages because these are women of the very because these are women of the very because these are women of the very countries that Solomon would wish to countries that Solomon would wish to countries that Solomon would wish to have been at peace with both right have been at peace with both right have been at peace with both right around his country and further Beyond around his country and further Beyond around his country and further Beyond and in particular the daughter of the and in particular the daughter of the and in particular the daughter of the king of Egypt who Solomon marries plays king of Egypt who Solomon marries plays king of Egypt who Solomon marries plays a pretty prominent role she's mentioned a pretty prominent role she's mentioned a pretty prominent role she's mentioned about five different times and this

about five different times and this about five different times and this confirms that he wanted to be friends confirms that he wanted to be friends confirms that he wanted to be friends with Egypt so he also then cultivated with Egypt so he also then cultivated with Egypt so he also then cultivated extensive trade relationships sends extensive trade relationships sends extensive trade relationships sends voyages to the land of ofir that bring voyages to the land of ofir that bring voyages to the land of ofir that bring back gold and valuable wood and other back gold and valuable wood and other back gold and valuable wood and other luxuries and since his Israelites were luxuries and since his Israelites were luxuries and since his Israelites were not seafarers themselves he is supported not seafarers themselves he is supported not seafarers themselves he is supported in this by the king of tire that is the in this by the king of tire that is the in this by the king of tire that is the king from the coast of Lebanon where king from the coast of Lebanon where king from the coast of Lebanon where we've seen the Phoenicians were already we've seen the Phoenicians were already we've seen the Phoenicians were already and in fact these would indeed be and in fact these would indeed be and in fact these would indeed be Phoenician seaf fares that are helping Phoenician seaf fares that are helping Phoenician seaf fares that are helping out King Solomon the king of Ty we're out King Solomon the king of Ty we're out King Solomon the king of Ty we're told in the book of First Kings put ship told in the book of First Kings put ship told in the book of First Kings put ship rights and sailors at his rights and sailors at his rights and sailors at his disposal and Solomon had the city of disposal and Solomon had the city of disposal and Solomon had the city of etson gabber constructed as a harbor for etson gabber constructed as a harbor for etson gabber constructed as a harbor for his Fleet on the northern coast of the his Fleet on the northern coast of the his Fleet on the northern coast of the Gulf of akaba and uh excavations has Gulf of akaba and uh excavations has Gulf of akaba and uh excavations has confirmed that the city which has been confirmed that the city which has been confirmed that the city which has been found May indeed have been begun by found May indeed have been begun by found May indeed have been begun by Solomon now it's often said of this Solomon now it's often said of this Solomon now it's often said of this peaceful era that this is the time when peaceful era that this is the time when peaceful era that this is the time when Israel made associations with the Israel made associations with the Israel made associations with the international world when it became open international world when it became open international world when it became open to the spirit of the age art and to the spirit of the age art and to the spirit of the age art and learning flourished great buildings were learning flourished great buildings were learning flourished great buildings were erected literature was collected but erected literature was collected but erected literature was collected but where did it take place well it took where did it take place well it took where did it take place well it took place in Jerusalem and really nowhere place in Jerusalem and really nowhere place in Jerusalem and really nowhere else so it really is at Solomon's court else so it really is at Solomon's court else so it really is at Solomon's court that his Enlightenment and wisdom had that his Enlightenment and wisdom had that his Enlightenment and wisdom had its greatest effect but still as we say its greatest effect but still as we say its greatest effect but still as we say this whole development must be seen in this whole development must be seen in this whole development must be seen in fairly modest terms within a small area fairly modest terms within a small area fairly modest terms within a small area it is now very highly doubted that the

it is now very highly doubted that the it is now very highly doubted that the Empire stretch from Egypt to the Empire stretch from Egypt to the Empire stretch from Egypt to the Euphrates more likely it was about the Euphrates more likely it was about the Euphrates more likely it was about the bounds of the modern state of Israel as bounds of the modern state of Israel as bounds of the modern state of Israel as it exists now if even it exists now if even it exists now if even that now this age of Solomon should not that now this age of Solomon should not that now this age of Solomon should not be underestimated but it should be be underestimated but it should be be underestimated but it should be appreciated because immediately upon his appreciated because immediately upon his appreciated because immediately upon his death violent conflicts broke out and death violent conflicts broke out and death violent conflicts broke out and the United monarchy is going to split the United monarchy is going to split the United monarchy is going to split into the divided kingdoms the city with which Solomon's kingdoms the city with which Solomon's name is forever linked is the city of name is forever linked is the city of name is forever linked is the city of Jerusalem Jerusalem Jerusalem even though little or nothing of what he even though little or nothing of what he even though little or nothing of what he built there has actually been identified built there has actually been identified built there has actually been identified by by by archaeologists in terms of Solomon's archaeologists in terms of Solomon's archaeologists in terms of Solomon's Temple and Solomon's Palace we are told Temple and Solomon's Palace we are told Temple and Solomon's Palace we are told that they were built to the north of the that they were built to the north of the that they were built to the north of the jebusite city that City that David had jebusite city that City that David had jebusite city that City that David had captured uh the jebusite city was on the captured uh the jebusite city was on the captured uh the jebusite city was on the southernmost part of this Eastern Ridge southernmost part of this Eastern Ridge southernmost part of this Eastern Ridge Solomon then built fortified built up Solomon then built fortified built up Solomon then built fortified built up the northern part of that Easter Ridge the northern part of that Easter Ridge the northern part of that Easter Ridge and this is where the Temple Mount lies and this is where the Temple Mount lies and this is where the Temple Mount lies today it was not easy to build there it today it was not easy to build there it today it was not easy to build there it was a very narrow Ridge Solomon's was a very narrow Ridge Solomon's was a very narrow Ridge Solomon's workmen and his Architects his workmen and his Architects his workmen and his Architects his construction Engineers would have been construction Engineers would have been construction Engineers would have been hardpressed to build up in that area hardpressed to build up in that area hardpressed to build up in that area nevertheless they did manage and we are nevertheless they did manage and we are nevertheless they did manage and we are told that the temple the famous temple told that the temple the famous temple told that the temple the famous temple of Solomon was built on uh this northern of Solomon was built on uh this northern of Solomon was built on uh this northern part of the Eastern Ridge some 230 m to

part of the Eastern Ridge some 230 m to part of the Eastern Ridge some 230 m to the north of the city of David that the north of the city of David that the north of the city of David that would be let's see about 750 ft or so to would be let's see about 750 ft or so to would be let's see about 750 ft or so to the north of the jebusite city joined the north of the jebusite city joined the north of the jebusite city joined the two of them by a narrow strip but the two of them by a narrow strip but the two of them by a narrow strip but again I should say that none of this has again I should say that none of this has again I should say that none of this has been substantially confirmed by been substantially confirmed by been substantially confirmed by archaeology in part because this city archaeology in part because this city archaeology in part because this city has been built and rebuilt so many times has been built and rebuilt so many times has been built and rebuilt so many times over the last couple of thousand over the last couple of thousand over the last couple of thousand years the one thing that we do know for years the one thing that we do know for years the one thing that we do know for sure is that the Temple Mount upon which sure is that the Temple Mount upon which sure is that the Temple Mount upon which Solomon's Temple was built is now today Solomon's Temple was built is now today Solomon's Temple was built is now today the home of the Dome of the Rock sacred the home of the Dome of the Rock sacred the home of the Dome of the Rock sacred to to to Islam uh up the Haram El Sharif the Islam uh up the Haram El Sharif the Islam uh up the Haram El Sharif the noble sanctuary as it is known to Islam noble sanctuary as it is known to Islam noble sanctuary as it is known to Islam and it is this particular area that is and it is this particular area that is and it is this particular area that is the center of the battles that have been the center of the battles that have been the center of the battles that have been fought for Jerusalem over the last 3 or fought for Jerusalem over the last 3 or fought for Jerusalem over the last 3 or 4,000 years Marin Ben Vista the former 4,000 years Marin Ben Vista the former 4,000 years Marin Ben Vista the former deputy mayor of Jerusalem once said that deputy mayor of Jerusalem once said that deputy mayor of Jerusalem once said that the Temple Mount is a time bomb of the Temple Mount is a time bomb of the Temple Mount is a time bomb of apocalyptic dimensions and this is quite apocalyptic dimensions and this is quite apocalyptic dimensions and this is quite agreeable with me this I would not agreeable with me this I would not agreeable with me this I would not contest and I would in fact agree also contest and I would in fact agree also contest and I would in fact agree also with gersham gorenberg the author of the with gersham gorenberg the author of the with gersham gorenberg the author of the end of day's book in which he says that end of day's book in which he says that end of day's book in which he says that the Temple Mount is the most contested the Temple Mount is the most contested the Temple Mount is the most contested piece of real estate on Earth and that piece of real estate on Earth and that piece of real estate on Earth and that without a doubt it is so all this begins without a doubt it is so all this begins without a doubt it is so all this begins in fact well before the time of Solomon in fact well before the time of Solomon in fact well before the time of Solomon in fact the Temple Mount was probably in fact the Temple Mount was probably in fact the Temple Mount was probably already a Canaanite high place back in

already a Canaanite high place back in already a Canaanite high place back in the third millennium BCE and then having the third millennium BCE and then having the third millennium BCE and then having been taken over by David and then by been taken over by David and then by been taken over by David and then by Solomon and onwards up to the present Solomon and onwards up to the present Solomon and onwards up to the present day we're probably looking at four or day we're probably looking at four or day we're probably looking at four or 5,000 years of continuous religious 5,000 years of continuous religious 5,000 years of continuous religious worship up on top of the Temple Mount worship up on top of the Temple Mount worship up on top of the Temple Mount which may make it the oldest piece of which may make it the oldest piece of which may make it the oldest piece of real estate in the world to have a real estate in the world to have a real estate in the world to have a continuous religious presence up on top continuous religious presence up on top continuous religious presence up on top going from Canaanite Pagan ritual to going from Canaanite Pagan ritual to going from Canaanite Pagan ritual to Judaism Christianity Islam and on to Judaism Christianity Islam and on to Judaism Christianity Islam and on to today it is up on top of this area that today it is up on top of this area that today it is up on top of this area that we find the rock that we have mentioned we find the rock that we have mentioned we find the rock that we have mentioned before the rock on which Abraham was before the rock on which Abraham was before the rock on which Abraham was going to sacrifice Isaac and also this going to sacrifice Isaac and also this going to sacrifice Isaac and also this rock on which Muhammad ascended to rock on which Muhammad ascended to rock on which Muhammad ascended to heaven on his nocturnal journey and heaven on his nocturnal journey and heaven on his nocturnal journey and today if you go look at the Rock inside today if you go look at the Rock inside today if you go look at the Rock inside of the Dome of the Rock if you can get of the Dome of the Rock if you can get of the Dome of the Rock if you can get in your tour guide will point to a in your tour guide will point to a in your tour guide will point to a couple of indentations in the Rock and couple of indentations in the Rock and couple of indentations in the Rock and depending on the story that he or she depending on the story that he or she depending on the story that he or she tells you will say either these are the tells you will say either these are the tells you will say either these are the marks made by the legs of the Ark of the marks made by the legs of the Ark of the marks made by the legs of the Ark of the Covenant or these are the marks made by Covenant or these are the marks made by Covenant or these are the marks made by Muhammad's horse or Steed as he leaped Muhammad's horse or Steed as he leaped Muhammad's horse or Steed as he leaped up to the heavens or by the ladder as he up to the heavens or by the ladder as he up to the heavens or by the ladder as he climbed up to the heavens so this one climbed up to the heavens so this one climbed up to the heavens so this one area on the Temple mount the Haram El area on the Temple mount the Haram El area on the Temple mount the Haram El Sharif is now sacred to three of the Sharif is now sacred to three of the Sharif is now sacred to three of the world's major religions Judaism Islam world's major religions Judaism Islam world's major religions Judaism Islam and Christianity

and Christianity and Christianity well this all then begins in terms of well this all then begins in terms of well this all then begins in terms of building practices with Solomon he is building practices with Solomon he is building practices with Solomon he is the one that puts the temple up on top the one that puts the temple up on top the one that puts the temple up on top and we are given detailed descriptions and we are given detailed descriptions and we are given detailed descriptions of Solomon's Temple both in the book of of Solomon's Temple both in the book of of Solomon's Temple both in the book of Kings and the Book of 2 Chronicles in Kings and the Book of 2 Chronicles in Kings and the Book of 2 Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible and to these we can add the Hebrew Bible and to these we can add the Hebrew Bible and to these we can add the uh firsthand evidence of the uh firsthand evidence of the uh firsthand evidence of Ezekiel but unfortunately we don't know Ezekiel but unfortunately we don't know Ezekiel but unfortunately we don't know all the details we're told that the all the details we're told that the all the details we're told that the temple was begun in the fourth year of temple was begun in the fourth year of temple was begun in the fourth year of Solomon's 40y yearlong Reign and that Solomon's 40y yearlong Reign and that Solomon's 40y yearlong Reign and that this was also the 480th year after The this was also the 480th year after The this was also the 480th year after The Exodus from Egypt as you may remember Exodus from Egypt as you may remember Exodus from Egypt as you may remember Solomon's building projects took exactly Solomon's building projects took exactly Solomon's building projects took exactly half his Reign were told 20 years and of half his Reign were told 20 years and of half his Reign were told 20 years and of those 20 years 7even years of that time those 20 years 7even years of that time those 20 years 7even years of that time was devoted to the building of the was devoted to the building of the was devoted to the building of the temple the problem here we have symbolic temple the problem here we have symbolic temple the problem here we have symbolic numbers for 4 40 multiples of 40 and numbers for 4 40 multiples of 40 and numbers for 4 40 multiples of 40 and seven and we may not want to take these seven and we may not want to take these seven and we may not want to take these numbers literally suffice it to say that numbers literally suffice it to say that numbers literally suffice it to say that we are told that Solomon builds the we are told that Solomon builds the we are told that Solomon builds the temple and it takes a fair amount of temple and it takes a fair amount of temple and it takes a fair amount of time and probably a great deal of time and probably a great deal of time and probably a great deal of money well when Solomon begins to build money well when Solomon begins to build money well when Solomon begins to build the temple hyam the king of Ty agrees to the temple hyam the king of Ty agrees to the temple hyam the king of Ty agrees to supply building materials and skilled supply building materials and skilled supply building materials and skilled workmen Solomon himself raises a levy of workmen Solomon himself raises a levy of workmen Solomon himself raises a levy of forced labor for the project And So It

forced labor for the project And So It forced labor for the project And So It Begins there is an elaborate description Begins there is an elaborate description Begins there is an elaborate description of the temple and we are told all of the temple and we are told all of the temple and we are told all together between the building of the together between the building of the together between the building of the temple and the palace and Associated temple and the palace and Associated temple and the palace and Associated Royal buildings that we've got 20 years Royal buildings that we've got 20 years Royal buildings that we've got 20 years in all in addition we're told that in all in addition we're told that in all in addition we're told that Solomon hired a bron Smith from TY who Solomon hired a bron Smith from TY who Solomon hired a bron Smith from TY who made bronze fixtures and Furnishings for made bronze fixtures and Furnishings for made bronze fixtures and Furnishings for the temple and when all the work was the temple and when all the work was the temple and when all the work was completed Solomon stored in the temple completed Solomon stored in the temple completed Solomon stored in the temple all the things that David had dedicated all the things that David had dedicated all the things that David had dedicated silver gold and vessels including the silver gold and vessels including the silver gold and vessels including the Arc of the Arc of the Arc of the Covenant now the description of uh Covenant now the description of uh Covenant now the description of uh bringing the ark into the temple and of bringing the ark into the temple and of bringing the ark into the temple and of dedicating the temple to God uh we're dedicating the temple to God uh we're dedicating the temple to God uh we're told the dedication ceremony included told the dedication ceremony included told the dedication ceremony included the ritual transfer of the Ark into the the ritual transfer of the Ark into the the ritual transfer of the Ark into the temple and then a long Prayer by Solomon temple and then a long Prayer by Solomon temple and then a long Prayer by Solomon in which he called upon God to reconfirm in which he called upon God to reconfirm in which he called upon God to reconfirm his promise to David to bless the temple his promise to David to bless the temple his promise to David to bless the temple with his presence and to forgive the with his presence and to forgive the with his presence and to forgive the people then elaborate sacrifices and people then elaborate sacrifices and people then elaborate sacrifices and peace offerings followed by a great peace offerings followed by a great peace offerings followed by a great feast and after the people returned back feast and after the people returned back feast and after the people returned back to their homes God appeared to Solomon to their homes God appeared to Solomon to their homes God appeared to Solomon and assured him that his prayer would be and assured him that his prayer would be and assured him that his prayer would be answered depending upon the king's answered depending upon the king's answered depending upon the king's faithfulness we are then told a number faithfulness we are then told a number faithfulness we are then told a number of other items that seem to be appended of other items that seem to be appended of other items that seem to be appended into the text of this point and they into the text of this point and they into the text of this point and they pertain in one way or another to the pertain in one way or another to the pertain in one way or another to the completion of the building program completion of the building program completion of the building program Solomon gives 20 cities to hyam of TI in Solomon gives 20 cities to hyam of TI in Solomon gives 20 cities to hyam of TI in payment for everything that hyam had

payment for everything that hyam had payment for everything that hyam had contributed we are told that the contributed we are told that the contributed we are told that the daughter of the Egyptian pharaoh is daughter of the Egyptian pharaoh is daughter of the Egyptian pharaoh is moved to her own house we are told that moved to her own house we are told that moved to her own house we are told that Solomon built the Milo m i l l o that we Solomon built the Milo m i l l o that we Solomon built the Milo m i l l o that we don't actually know what the Milo is and don't actually know what the Milo is and don't actually know what the Milo is and that Solomon then began to offer uh that Solomon then began to offer uh that Solomon then began to offer uh burnt offerings and peace offerings in burnt offerings and peace offerings in burnt offerings and peace offerings in the temple three times a the temple three times a the temple three times a year now the temple itself presents a year now the temple itself presents a year now the temple itself presents a bit of a bit of a bit of a puzzle in part the biblical description puzzle in part the biblical description puzzle in part the biblical description of the uh Temple is not entirely clear of the uh Temple is not entirely clear of the uh Temple is not entirely clear and can be interpreted in a number of and can be interpreted in a number of and can be interpreted in a number of different ways and uh related to this is different ways and uh related to this is different ways and uh related to this is the origin of the architecture where did the origin of the architecture where did the origin of the architecture where did Solomon get his idea for the temple and Solomon get his idea for the temple and Solomon get his idea for the temple and what the temple was supposed to look what the temple was supposed to look what the temple was supposed to look like it seems a bit strange that the like it seems a bit strange that the like it seems a bit strange that the Bible's description of the temple is Bible's description of the temple is Bible's description of the temple is fairly inexact especially because the fairly inexact especially because the fairly inexact especially because the furniture and the utensils inside are furniture and the utensils inside are furniture and the utensils inside are described in minute detail so the described in minute detail so the described in minute detail so the building itself lacks all detail except building itself lacks all detail except building itself lacks all detail except for a little brief notice concerning its for a little brief notice concerning its for a little brief notice concerning its windows and we don't know why this is we windows and we don't know why this is we windows and we don't know why this is we also get other aspects that are given in also get other aspects that are given in also get other aspects that are given in excruciating detail doors to the inner excruciating detail doors to the inner excruciating detail doors to the inner Sanctuary made of olive wood carved in Sanctuary made of olive wood carved in Sanctuary made of olive wood carved in relief U with palm trees and open relief U with palm trees and open relief U with palm trees and open flowers overlaying with gold side flowers overlaying with gold side flowers overlaying with gold side Chambers are described extensively and Chambers are described extensively and Chambers are described extensively and so on and so forth now we do know that so on and so forth now we do know that so on and so forth now we do know that the temple is not the only building in the temple is not the only building in the temple is not the only building in the temple compound it's simply the the temple compound it's simply the the temple compound it's simply the central structure and so we have central structure and so we have central structure and so we have arguments still ongoing as to exactly

arguments still ongoing as to exactly arguments still ongoing as to exactly what the building look like what is of what the building look like what is of what the building look like what is of importance is that Solomon's Temple importance is that Solomon's Temple importance is that Solomon's Temple seems to have been of the type that we seems to have been of the type that we seems to have been of the type that we call a long room Temple a long room call a long room Temple a long room call a long room Temple a long room Temple is one that is oriented with the Temple is one that is oriented with the Temple is one that is oriented with the entrance on the short side and the entrance on the short side and the entrance on the short side and the shrine at the opposite end of the shrine at the opposite end of the shrine at the opposite end of the building that is it would have been a building that is it would have been a building that is it would have been a long and narrow Temple and you would long and narrow Temple and you would long and narrow Temple and you would have entered on one of the short sides have entered on one of the short sides have entered on one of the short sides and walked the length of the building to and walked the length of the building to and walked the length of the building to get to the holy of holies or the shrine get to the holy of holies or the shrine get to the holy of holies or the shrine at the other at the other at the other end end end now this type of building is um not now this type of building is um not now this type of building is um not uncommon you can find it in any number uncommon you can find it in any number uncommon you can find it in any number of countries in Syria and elsewhere also of countries in Syria and elsewhere also of countries in Syria and elsewhere also in Greece and one can in fact trace this in Greece and one can in fact trace this in Greece and one can in fact trace this type of Temple back to the so-called type of Temple back to the so-called type of Temple back to the so-called megaron type of building found in turkey megaron type of building found in turkey megaron type of building found in turkey and in Greece in the third and second and in Greece in the third and second and in Greece in the third and second Millennia BCE Solomon's Temple seems to Millennia BCE Solomon's Temple seems to Millennia BCE Solomon's Temple seems to have been made up in three parts there's have been made up in three parts there's have been made up in three parts there's a porch at the front uh with um two a porch at the front uh with um two a porch at the front uh with um two freestanding columns from here you would freestanding columns from here you would freestanding columns from here you would pass into the main hall or sanctuary and pass into the main hall or sanctuary and pass into the main hall or sanctuary and then at the far end was the inner then at the far end was the inner then at the far end was the inner Sanctuary known as the holy of holies Sanctuary known as the holy of holies Sanctuary known as the holy of holies this was where the Arc of the Covenant this was where the Arc of the Covenant this was where the Arc of the Covenant would have been kept would have been kept would have been kept what we're not sure about are the exact what we're not sure about are the exact what we're not sure about are the exact dimensions of the temple one scholar dimensions of the temple one scholar dimensions of the temple one scholar claims that the Bible says the temple claims that the Bible says the temple claims that the Bible says the temple was 60 cubits long that would be about

was 60 cubits long that would be about was 60 cubits long that would be about 103 ft long and 20 cubits or 33 ft wide 103 ft long and 20 cubits or 33 ft wide 103 ft long and 20 cubits or 33 ft wide and 30 cubits or 51 ft High other and 30 cubits or 51 ft High other and 30 cubits or 51 ft High other Scholars say that the whole thing was Scholars say that the whole thing was Scholars say that the whole thing was about 100 cubits long by 50 cubits wide about 100 cubits long by 50 cubits wide about 100 cubits long by 50 cubits wide that would be 150 by 75 ft but that yes that would be 150 by 75 ft but that yes that would be 150 by 75 ft but that yes it was about 30 cubits or 50 ft it was about 30 cubits or 50 ft it was about 30 cubits or 50 ft high now we can't of course examine the high now we can't of course examine the high now we can't of course examine the temple and decide for ourselves because temple and decide for ourselves because temple and decide for ourselves because Solomon's Temple was destroyed in the Solomon's Temple was destroyed in the Solomon's Temple was destroyed in the year 586 by the armies of the Neo year 586 by the armies of the Neo year 586 by the armies of the Neo Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar as we Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar as we Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar as we will discuss in a future will discuss in a future will discuss in a future lecture what we can talk about though is lecture what we can talk about though is lecture what we can talk about though is the fact that this type of a temple is the fact that this type of a temple is the fact that this type of a temple is completely unlike the indigenous completely unlike the indigenous completely unlike the indigenous Israelite temples which existed at that Israelite temples which existed at that Israelite temples which existed at that time the indigenous Israelite temples time the indigenous Israelite temples time the indigenous Israelite temples are what we call a broad room Temple as are what we call a broad room Temple as are what we call a broad room Temple as opposed to the long room Temple if you opposed to the long room Temple if you opposed to the long room Temple if you remember Solomon's Temple is a long room remember Solomon's Temple is a long room remember Solomon's Temple is a long room Temple a long and narrow Temple which Temple a long and narrow Temple which Temple a long and narrow Temple which you entered on the short side a broad you entered on the short side a broad you entered on the short side a broad room Temple is exactly what it sounds room Temple is exactly what it sounds room Temple is exactly what it sounds like that the room is much broader it's like that the room is much broader it's like that the room is much broader it's almost well it's not a square but it's almost well it's not a square but it's almost well it's not a square but it's closer to it than the long room would be closer to it than the long room would be closer to it than the long room would be and that you entered on one of the broad and that you entered on one of the broad and that you entered on one of the broad sides so it looks completely different sides so it looks completely different sides so it looks completely different it's much more of a rectangle more like it's much more of a rectangle more like it's much more of a rectangle more like a square than Solomon's Temple would a square than Solomon's Temple would a square than Solomon's Temple would have looked like so what we're wondering have looked like so what we're wondering have looked like so what we're wondering is why Solomon did not follow the more

is why Solomon did not follow the more is why Solomon did not follow the more usual Israelite Temple plan and indeed usual Israelite Temple plan and indeed usual Israelite Temple plan and indeed built something that looked more like built something that looked more like built something that looked more like you would find up in North Syria or you would find up in North Syria or you would find up in North Syria or elsewhere and what we probably can say elsewhere and what we probably can say elsewhere and what we probably can say is that when it came time for him to is that when it came time for him to is that when it came time for him to build a house for God when it came time build a house for God when it came time build a house for God when it came time for him to build the Temple rather than for him to build the Temple rather than for him to build the Temple rather than looking at the Israelite prototypes he looking at the Israelite prototypes he looking at the Israelite prototypes he looked to Phoenician examples and The looked to Phoenician examples and The looked to Phoenician examples and The Phoenician examples Trace themselves Phoenician examples Trace themselves Phoenician examples Trace themselves back to these long room temples in North back to these long room temples in North back to these long room temples in North Syria and even back to Turkey and over Syria and even back to Turkey and over Syria and even back to Turkey and over to Greece the fact that ham of Ty from to Greece the fact that ham of Ty from to Greece the fact that ham of Ty from Phoenicia is helping Solomon probably Phoenicia is helping Solomon probably Phoenicia is helping Solomon probably had an awful lot to do with it so we had an awful lot to do with it so we had an awful lot to do with it so we find Solomon's Temple looking a lot like find Solomon's Temple looking a lot like find Solomon's Temple looking a lot like a Phoenician Temple rather than an a Phoenician Temple rather than an a Phoenician Temple rather than an Israelite Temple Israelite Temple Israelite Temple we should also mention here the fact we should also mention here the fact we should also mention here the fact that Solomon's Temple is still relevant that Solomon's Temple is still relevant that Solomon's Temple is still relevant today because it is entering into today because it is entering into today because it is entering into modern-day politics and I would cite as modern-day politics and I would cite as modern-day politics and I would cite as recently as the year 2000 when Yasser recently as the year 2000 when Yasser recently as the year 2000 when Yasser Arafat at Camp David declared to Barack Arafat at Camp David declared to Barack Arafat at Camp David declared to Barack and Clinton quote the temple didn't and Clinton quote the temple didn't and Clinton quote the temple didn't exist in Jerusalem it existed in Naas exist in Jerusalem it existed in Naas exist in Jerusalem it existed in Naas there is nothing there that is there is there is nothing there that is there is there is nothing there that is there is no trace of a temple on the Temple Mount no trace of a temple on the Temple Mount no trace of a temple on the Temple Mount end quote end quote end quote and Arafat repeated this to Jac shurak and Arafat repeated this to Jac shurak and Arafat repeated this to Jac shurak when he visited France in September of when he visited France in September of when he visited France in September of 2000 saying quote the ruins of the 2000 saying quote the ruins of the 2000 saying quote the ruins of the temple don't exist our studies show that temple don't exist our studies show that temple don't exist our studies show that these are actually Greek and Roman ruins

these are actually Greek and Roman ruins these are actually Greek and Roman ruins end end end quote and others have weighed in on this quote and others have weighed in on this quote and others have weighed in on this similarly now here again this is pure similarly now here again this is pure similarly now here again this is pure politics uh Benny Morris of Ben grian politics uh Benny Morris of Ben grian politics uh Benny Morris of Ben grian university has stated that arafat's university has stated that arafat's university has stated that arafat's denial of the Jewish temple is a denial of the Jewish temple is a denial of the Jewish temple is a microcosmic of his denial of the Jews microcosmic of his denial of the Jews microcosmic of his denial of the Jews claim to the land of Israel in point of claim to the land of Israel in point of claim to the land of Israel in point of fact there's been very little if fact there's been very little if fact there's been very little if anything found of Solomon's Temple but anything found of Solomon's Temple but anything found of Solomon's Temple but this should not be surprising the Temple this should not be surprising the Temple this should not be surprising the Temple Mount has been built upon for the last Mount has been built upon for the last Mount has been built upon for the last 3,000 years and the Dome of the Rock is 3,000 years and the Dome of the Rock is 3,000 years and the Dome of the Rock is standing there right now so pointing to standing there right now so pointing to standing there right now so pointing to the lack of archaeological evidence is the lack of archaeological evidence is the lack of archaeological evidence is not a very good precedent what is of not a very good precedent what is of not a very good precedent what is of Greater relevance is the fact that when Greater relevance is the fact that when Greater relevance is the fact that when Jerusalem came under Islamic control in Jerusalem came under Islamic control in Jerusalem came under Islamic control in the 7th Century CE that Islam's own the 7th Century CE that Islam's own the 7th Century CE that Islam's own early names for Jerusalem were midet B early names for Jerusalem were midet B early names for Jerusalem were midet B El mcis or the city of the temple or El mcis or the city of the temple or El mcis or the city of the temple or simply Bay al- mcis the temple or the simply Bay al- mcis the temple or the simply Bay al- mcis the temple or the holy house so any statements by yaser holy house so any statements by yaser holy house so any statements by yaser Arafat and others concerning the Arafat and others concerning the Arafat and others concerning the non-existence of the temple in Jerusalem non-existence of the temple in Jerusalem non-existence of the temple in Jerusalem are directly contradicted by Islam's own are directly contradicted by Islam's own are directly contradicted by Islam's own early names for Jerusalem which stated early names for Jerusalem which stated early names for Jerusalem which stated that there was a holy house or a temple that there was a holy house or a temple that there was a holy house or a temple right there right there right there now next to the temple in Jerusalem now next to the temple in Jerusalem now next to the temple in Jerusalem Solomon builds a palace this too is Solomon builds a palace this too is Solomon builds a palace this too is described in great detail in the book of described in great detail in the book of described in great detail in the book of kings in the Hebrew Bible and it kings in the Hebrew Bible and it kings in the Hebrew Bible and it included units like the house of the included units like the house of the included units like the house of the forest of Lebanon the Hall of pillars

forest of Lebanon the Hall of pillars forest of Lebanon the Hall of pillars the Hall of the throne where he Solomon the Hall of the throne where he Solomon the Hall of the throne where he Solomon was to pronounce judgment and so on and was to pronounce judgment and so on and was to pronounce judgment and so on and so forth there have been a number of so forth there have been a number of so forth there have been a number of similar palaces that have been similar palaces that have been similar palaces that have been discovered at megiddo and other cities discovered at megiddo and other cities discovered at megiddo and other cities but the Palace of Solomon at Jerusalem but the Palace of Solomon at Jerusalem but the Palace of Solomon at Jerusalem has not yet been has not yet been has not yet been discovered however there is one passage discovered however there is one passage discovered however there is one passage in particular from the Hebrew Bible that in particular from the Hebrew Bible that in particular from the Hebrew Bible that has long attracted the attention of has long attracted the attention of has long attracted the attention of archaeologists in the book of Kings we archaeologists in the book of Kings we archaeologists in the book of Kings we are told and I quote and this is the are told and I quote and this is the are told and I quote and this is the account of the forced labor which King account of the forced labor which King account of the forced labor which King Solomon levied to build the house of the Solomon levied to build the house of the Solomon levied to build the house of the Lord and his own house and the Milo and Lord and his own house and the Milo and Lord and his own house and the Milo and the wall of Jerusalem and hatur and the wall of Jerusalem and hatur and the wall of Jerusalem and hatur and megiddo and megiddo and megiddo and gazer and indeed archaeological gazer and indeed archaeological gazer and indeed archaeological excavations at hotor and megiddo and excavations at hotor and megiddo and excavations at hotor and megiddo and gazer have uncovered architecture that gazer have uncovered architecture that gazer have uncovered architecture that was dated to the time of Solomon thus was dated to the time of Solomon thus was dated to the time of Solomon thus gazer and hotor megiddo have become gazer and hotor megiddo have become gazer and hotor megiddo have become popularly known as Solomon's Royal popularly known as Solomon's Royal popularly known as Solomon's Royal cities and indeed each of these cities cities and indeed each of these cities cities and indeed each of these cities are strategically cited and situated to are strategically cited and situated to are strategically cited and situated to command important areas within the command important areas within the command important areas within the kingdom hot sour in the Jordan Valley kingdom hot sour in the Jordan Valley kingdom hot sour in the Jordan Valley megido in the jezel valley and gazer is megido in the jezel valley and gazer is megido in the jezel valley and gazer is at the foot of the Hill Country at the foot of the Hill Country at the foot of the Hill Country commanding a Ro that passed up the coast commanding a Ro that passed up the coast commanding a Ro that passed up the coast all of these have been very powerful all of these have been very powerful all of these have been very powerful Canaanite city states but for now had Canaanite city states but for now had Canaanite city states but for now had passed into the hands of passed into the hands of passed into the hands of Solomon and at each of these cities Solomon and at each of these cities Solomon and at each of these cities there have been Gates found

there have been Gates found there have been Gates found multi-chambered Gates there was a multi-chambered Gates there was a multi-chambered Gates there was a so-called solomonic gate found at hator so-called solomonic gate found at hator so-called solomonic gate found at hator a solomonic gate found at megiddo and a a solomonic gate found at megiddo and a a solomonic gate found at megiddo and a solomonic gate found at gazer and so solomonic gate found at gazer and so solomonic gate found at gazer and so archaeologists for the longest time said archaeologists for the longest time said archaeologists for the longest time said that we had kind of a Global blueprint that we had kind of a Global blueprint that we had kind of a Global blueprint that was used by Solomon's Architects that was used by Solomon's Architects that was used by Solomon's Architects that they followed at each of his cities that they followed at each of his cities that they followed at each of his cities this is now coming under attack and this is now coming under attack and this is now coming under attack and Under Fire and it seems now that all of Under Fire and it seems now that all of Under Fire and it seems now that all of these gateways uh may not in fact date these gateways uh may not in fact date these gateways uh may not in fact date to the time of Solomon but in fact may to the time of Solomon but in fact may to the time of Solomon but in fact may be anywhere from 100 to 200 years later be anywhere from 100 to 200 years later be anywhere from 100 to 200 years later at the very least that they may well at the very least that they may well at the very least that they may well date to the period of the divided date to the period of the divided date to the period of the divided kingdoms that is during the later part kingdoms that is during the later part kingdoms that is during the later part of the Iron Age of the Iron Age of the Iron Age so all of this now brings us back to the so all of this now brings us back to the so all of this now brings us back to the present where not only David but Solomon present where not only David but Solomon present where not only David but Solomon is under attack and the whole question is under attack and the whole question is under attack and the whole question of the biblical account which we have of the biblical account which we have of the biblical account which we have been walking through in this lecture is been walking through in this lecture is been walking through in this lecture is again under some question shall we put again under some question shall we put again under some question shall we put it that way the whole account of Solomon it that way the whole account of Solomon it that way the whole account of Solomon as recorded in the Hebrew Bible has now as recorded in the Hebrew Bible has now as recorded in the Hebrew Bible has now been called into question how much can been called into question how much can been called into question how much can we believe this is as yet unknown but we believe this is as yet unknown but we believe this is as yet unknown but archaeology here again should be able to archaeology here again should be able to archaeology here again should be able to provide us some details in our future provide us some details in our future provide us some details in our future lecture we'll take a look at two objects lecture we'll take a look at two objects lecture we'll take a look at two objects that were usually called Solomon that were usually called Solomon that were usually called Solomon Solomon's stables and Solomon's Palace Solomon's stables and Solomon's Palace Solomon's stables and Solomon's Palace at the site of megiddo both of these

at the site of megiddo both of these at the site of megiddo both of these have been redated now to the time of the have been redated now to the time of the have been redated now to the time of the kingdom of Armory or even later during kingdom of Armory or even later during kingdom of Armory or even later during the divided Kingdom periods in Israel the divided Kingdom periods in Israel the divided Kingdom periods in Israel and Judah it is to this period of the and Judah it is to this period of the and Judah it is to this period of the divided monarchy that we will will divided monarchy that we will will divided monarchy that we will will return after a brief excursus to look return after a brief excursus to look return after a brief excursus to look specifically at the Ark of the Covenant specifically at the Ark of the Covenant specifically at the Ark of the Covenant which we shall do in this next lecture after listening to lecture 5 a lecture after listening to lecture 5 a student posed this question to Professor student posed this question to Professor student posed this question to Professor kleene if archaeologists had unlimited kleene if archaeologists had unlimited kleene if archaeologists had unlimited access to the Temple Mount what would access to the Temple Mount what would access to the Temple Mount what would they find if archaeologists were allowed they find if archaeologists were allowed they find if archaeologists were allowed unrestricted access to the Temple Mount unrestricted access to the Temple Mount unrestricted access to the Temple Mount and we were able to dig up whatever we and we were able to dig up whatever we and we were able to dig up whatever we wanted wherever we wanted with of course wanted wherever we wanted with of course wanted wherever we wanted with of course precise recording as we went I think we precise recording as we went I think we precise recording as we went I think we would be absolutely astonished by what would be absolutely astonished by what would be absolutely astonished by what we found there I I believe Not only we found there I I believe Not only we found there I I believe Not only would we find evidence for Solomon's would we find evidence for Solomon's would we find evidence for Solomon's Temple up on top of the Temple Mount but Temple up on top of the Temple Mount but Temple up on top of the Temple Mount but also evidence for herod's Temple and also evidence for herod's Temple and also evidence for herod's Temple and everything in between plus afterward um everything in between plus afterward um everything in between plus afterward um Christianity Islam Judaism all three Christianity Islam Judaism all three Christianity Islam Judaism all three religions are going to find something of religions are going to find something of religions are going to find something of interest to them up there uh interest to them up there uh interest to them up there uh unfortunately this will never happen unfortunately this will never happen unfortunately this will never happen there will not be any digging up on top there will not be any digging up on top there will not be any digging up on top not legal digging in the near future and not legal digging in the near future and not legal digging in the near future and so this area will remain off limits to so this area will remain off limits to so this area will remain off limits to archaeology for the foreseeable archaeology for the foreseeable archaeology for the foreseeable future this ends lecture

five a history of ancient Israel lecture five a history of ancient Israel lecture six the Ark of the Covenant in this lecture we'll take a Covenant in this lecture we'll take a look at the Ark of the Covenant that look at the Ark of the Covenant that look at the Ark of the Covenant that object made famous by Harrison Ford and object made famous by Harrison Ford and object made famous by Harrison Ford and Raiders of the Lost Arc we'll take a Raiders of the Lost Arc we'll take a Raiders of the Lost Arc we'll take a look u in part at what exactly was the look u in part at what exactly was the look u in part at what exactly was the Arc of the Covenant and where is it now Arc of the Covenant and where is it now Arc of the Covenant and where is it now the Ark of the Covenant considered to be the Ark of the Covenant considered to be the Ark of the Covenant considered to be the most holy and Powerful object the most holy and Powerful object the most holy and Powerful object described in the Hebrew Bible measured described in the Hebrew Bible measured described in the Hebrew Bible measured only 2 and 1/2 cubits by 1 and 1/2 only 2 and 1/2 cubits by 1 and 1/2 only 2 and 1/2 cubits by 1 and 1/2 cubits by 1 and 1/2 cubits in other cubits by 1 and 1/2 cubits in other cubits by 1 and 1/2 cubits in other words 4 2 in long by 2T 6 in wide and 2 words 4 2 in long by 2T 6 in wide and 2 words 4 2 in long by 2T 6 in wide and 2 6 in high not a very big 6 in high not a very big 6 in high not a very big object the description of the Arc of the object the description of the Arc of the object the description of the Arc of the Covenant is found in Exodus 25 lines 10 Covenant is found in Exodus 25 lines 10 Covenant is found in Exodus 25 lines 10 through through through 22 they shall make an ark of AAA wood 22 they shall make an ark of AAA wood 22 they shall make an ark of AAA wood two cubits and a half shall be its two cubits and a half shall be its two cubits and a half shall be its length a cubit and a half its breadth length a cubit and a half its breadth length a cubit and a half its breadth and a cubit and a half its height and and a cubit and a half its height and and a cubit and a half its height and you shall overlay it with pure gold you shall overlay it with pure gold you shall overlay it with pure gold within and without shall you overlay it within and without shall you overlay it within and without shall you overlay it and you shall make upon it a molding of and you shall make upon it a molding of and you shall make upon it a molding of gold round gold round gold round about and you shall cast four rings of about and you shall cast four rings of about and you shall cast four rings of gold for it and put them on its four gold for it and put them on its four gold for it and put them on its four feet two rings on the one side of it and feet two rings on the one side of it and feet two rings on the one side of it and two rings on the other side of it you two rings on the other side of it you two rings on the other side of it you shall make poles of AAA wood and overlay shall make poles of AAA wood and overlay shall make poles of AAA wood and overlay them with gold and you shall put the them with gold and you shall put the them with gold and you shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the

poles into the rings on the sides of the poles into the rings on the sides of the Ark to carry the Ark by them the poles Ark to carry the Ark by them the poles Ark to carry the Ark by them the poles shall remain in the rings of the Ark shall remain in the rings of the Ark shall remain in the rings of the Ark they shall not be taken from it they shall not be taken from it they shall not be taken from it and you shall put into the ark the and you shall put into the ark the and you shall put into the ark the testimony which I shall give you then testimony which I shall give you then testimony which I shall give you then you shall make a mercy seat of pure gold you shall make a mercy seat of pure gold you shall make a mercy seat of pure gold two cubits and a half shall be its two cubits and a half shall be its two cubits and a half shall be its length and a cubit and a half its length and a cubit and a half its length and a cubit and a half its breadth and you shall make two cherubin breadth and you shall make two cherubin breadth and you shall make two cherubin of gold of hammered Works shall you make of gold of hammered Works shall you make of gold of hammered Works shall you make them on the two ends of The Mercy Seat them on the two ends of The Mercy Seat them on the two ends of The Mercy Seat make one cherub on the one end and one make one cherub on the one end and one make one cherub on the one end and one cherub on the other end of one piece cherub on the other end of one piece cherub on the other end of one piece with The Mercy Seat shall you make the with The Mercy Seat shall you make the with The Mercy Seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends the cherubim cherubim on its two ends the cherubim cherubim on its two ends the cherubim shall spread out their wings above shall spread out their wings above shall spread out their wings above overshadowing the mercy seat with their overshadowing the mercy seat with their overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings their faces one to another toward wings their faces one to another toward wings their faces one to another toward The Mercy Seat shall the faces of the The Mercy Seat shall the faces of the The Mercy Seat shall the faces of the cherubim cherubim cherubim be and you shall put the mercy seat on be and you shall put the mercy seat on be and you shall put the mercy seat on the top of the Ark and in the ark you the top of the Ark and in the ark you the top of the Ark and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I shall shall put the testimony that I shall shall put the testimony that I shall give you there I will meet with you and give you there I will meet with you and give you there I will meet with you and from Above The Mercy Seat from between from Above The Mercy Seat from between from Above The Mercy Seat from between the two cherubin that are upon the Ark the two cherubin that are upon the Ark the two cherubin that are upon the Ark of the testimony I will speak with you of the testimony I will speak with you of the testimony I will speak with you of all that I will give you in of all that I will give you in of all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel so that's the ark not very big but with so that's the ark not very big but with a precise description of exactly what it a precise description of exactly what it a precise description of exactly what it looked like what was it that was in the looked like what was it that was in the looked like what was it that was in the ark there was nothing in the ark except ark there was nothing in the ark except ark there was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone which Moses put the two tablets of stone which Moses put the two tablets of stone which Moses put there the two tablets with which God there the two tablets with which God there the two tablets with which God made a covenant with the people of

made a covenant with the people of made a covenant with the people of Israel when they came out of the land of Israel when they came out of the land of Israel when they came out of the land of Egypt book of First Egypt book of First Egypt book of First Kings it's first mentioned in Exodus 25 Kings it's first mentioned in Exodus 25 Kings it's first mentioned in Exodus 25 that the tablets of the law which were that the tablets of the law which were that the tablets of the law which were given to Moses upon Mount Si were put given to Moses upon Mount Si were put given to Moses upon Mount Si were put into the Ark of the Covenant and this is into the Ark of the Covenant and this is into the Ark of the Covenant and this is what gave it its power the fact that the what gave it its power the fact that the what gave it its power the fact that the laws The Ten Commandments were laws The Ten Commandments were laws The Ten Commandments were inside we're told that many great Deeds inside we're told that many great Deeds inside we're told that many great Deeds were performed with the ark as it were performed with the ark as it were performed with the ark as it traveled in front of the army including traveled in front of the army including traveled in front of the army including in the Book of Joshua Joshua 6 where it in the Book of Joshua Joshua 6 where it in the Book of Joshua Joshua 6 where it says that Jericho's Wall came tumbling says that Jericho's Wall came tumbling says that Jericho's Wall came tumbling down after the ark was carried around it down after the ark was carried around it down after the ark was carried around it for seven for seven for seven times so Joshua the son of nun called times so Joshua the son of nun called times so Joshua the son of nun called the priests and said to them take up the the priests and said to them take up the the priests and said to them take up the Ark of the Covenant and let seven Ark of the Covenant and let seven Ark of the Covenant and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of Ram's priests bear seven trumpets of Ram's priests bear seven trumpets of Ram's horns before the Ark of the Lord and he horns before the Ark of the Lord and he horns before the Ark of the Lord and he said to the people go forward March said to the people go forward March said to the people go forward March around the city and let the armed men around the city and let the armed men around the city and let the armed men pass on before the Ark of the Lord and pass on before the Ark of the Lord and pass on before the Ark of the Lord and as Joshua had commanded the people the as Joshua had commanded the people the as Joshua had commanded the people the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets seven priests bearing the seven trumpets seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of Ram's horns before the Lord went of Ram's horns before the Lord went of Ram's horns before the Lord went forward blowing the trumpets with the forward blowing the trumpets with the forward blowing the trumpets with the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord Ark of the Covenant of the Lord Ark of the Covenant of the Lord following them and the armed men went following them and the armed men went following them and the armed men went before the priests who blew the trumpets before the priests who blew the trumpets before the priests who blew the trumpets and the rear guard came after the ark and the rear guard came after the ark and the rear guard came after the ark while the trumpets blew while the trumpets blew while the trumpets blew continually one of the more intriguing continually one of the more intriguing continually one of the more intriguing things to do with the ark is to try and things to do with the ark is to try and things to do with the ark is to try and follow its Journeys as you read through follow its Journeys as you read through follow its Journeys as you read through the Hebrew Bible if you do so the the Hebrew Bible if you do so the the Hebrew Bible if you do so the journey would look something like this journey would look something like this journey would look something like this the ark was first kept at the city of the ark was first kept at the city of the ark was first kept at the city of Shiloh we told this in Joshua 18 and the

Shiloh we told this in Joshua 18 and the Shiloh we told this in Joshua 18 and the Book of 1st Samuel Book of 1st Samuel Book of 1st Samuel 3 and it accompanied the Israelite Army 3 and it accompanied the Israelite Army 3 and it accompanied the Israelite Army into battle once it fell into the hands into battle once it fell into the hands into battle once it fell into the hands of the Philistines near the town of of the Philistines near the town of of the Philistines near the town of ezzar probably AEK we're told this in ezzar probably AEK we're told this in ezzar probably AEK we're told this in first first first Samuel so the people sent to Shiloh and Samuel so the people sent to Shiloh and Samuel so the people sent to Shiloh and brought from there the Ark of the brought from there the Ark of the brought from there the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord of hosts who is Covenant of the Lord of hosts who is Covenant of the Lord of hosts who is enthroned on the cherubim and the two enthroned on the cherubim and the two enthroned on the cherubim and the two sons of Eli hne and Phineas were there sons of Eli hne and Phineas were there sons of Eli hne and Phineas were there with the Ark of the Covenant of God when with the Ark of the Covenant of God when with the Ark of the Covenant of God when the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord came the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord came the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord came into the camp all Israel gave a mighty into the camp all Israel gave a mighty into the camp all Israel gave a mighty shout so that the Earth shout so that the Earth shout so that the Earth resounded and when the Philistines heard resounded and when the Philistines heard resounded and when the Philistines heard the noise of the shouting they said what the noise of the shouting they said what the noise of the shouting they said what does this Great shouting in the camp of does this Great shouting in the camp of does this Great shouting in the camp of the Hebrews mean and when they learned the Hebrews mean and when they learned the Hebrews mean and when they learned that the Ark of the Lord had come to the that the Ark of the Lord had come to the that the Ark of the Lord had come to the camp the Philistines were afraid for camp the Philistines were afraid for camp the Philistines were afraid for they said a God has come into the they said a God has come into the they said a God has come into the camp and so the Philistines fought and camp and so the Philistines fought and camp and so the Philistines fought and Israel Was Defeated and they fled every Israel Was Defeated and they fled every Israel Was Defeated and they fled every man to his home and there was a very man to his home and there was a very man to his home and there was a very great Slaughter for there fell of Israel great Slaughter for there fell of Israel great Slaughter for there fell of Israel 30,000 foot soldiers and the Ark of God 30,000 foot soldiers and the Ark of God 30,000 foot soldiers and the Ark of God was captured and the two sons of Ellie was captured and the two sons of Ellie was captured and the two sons of Ellie Hoff and Phineas were Hoff and Phineas were Hoff and Phineas were slain once the Philistines had the Ark slain once the Philistines had the Ark slain once the Philistines had the Ark in their possession they took it to in their possession they took it to in their possession they took it to ashdod and then to gath and then to ashdod and then to gath and then to ashdod and then to gath and then to echon three of their five cities as echon three of their five cities as echon three of their five cities as we've mentioned in a past lecture we're we've mentioned in a past lecture we're we've mentioned in a past lecture we're told this in the book of 1 told this in the book of 1 told this in the book of 1 Samuel when the Philistines captured the Samuel when the Philistines captured the Samuel when the Philistines captured the Ark of God They carried it from ezzar to Ark of God They carried it from ezzar to Ark of God They carried it from ezzar to ashod then the Philistines took the Ark

ashod then the Philistines took the Ark ashod then the Philistines took the Ark of God and brought it into the house of of God and brought it into the house of of God and brought it into the house of Dagon and set it up beside Dagon and Dagon and set it up beside Dagon and Dagon and set it up beside Dagon and when the people of ashdod Rose early the when the people of ashdod Rose early the when the people of ashdod Rose early the next day behold Dagon had fallen face next day behold Dagon had fallen face next day behold Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the Ark of downward on the ground before the Ark of downward on the ground before the Ark of the the the Lord so they sent the Ark of God to Lord so they sent the Ark of God to Lord so they sent the Ark of God to echon but when the Ark of God came to echon but when the Ark of God came to echon but when the Ark of God came to erron the people of ekron cried out they erron the people of ekron cried out they erron the people of ekron cried out they have brought around to us the Ark of the have brought around to us the Ark of the have brought around to us the Ark of the god of Israel to slay us and our people god of Israel to slay us and our people god of Israel to slay us and our people they sent therefore and gathered they sent therefore and gathered they sent therefore and gathered together all the Lords of the together all the Lords of the together all the Lords of the Philistines and said send away the Ark Philistines and said send away the Ark Philistines and said send away the Ark of the god of Israel and let it return of the god of Israel and let it return of the god of Israel and let it return to its own place that it may not slay us to its own place that it may not slay us to its own place that it may not slay us and our people for there was a deathly and our people for there was a deathly and our people for there was a deathly Panic throughout the whole city the hand Panic throughout the whole city the hand Panic throughout the whole city the hand of God was very heavy there the men who of God was very heavy there the men who of God was very heavy there the men who did not die were stricken with tumors did not die were stricken with tumors did not die were stricken with tumors and the Cry of the city went up to and the Cry of the city went up to and the Cry of the city went up to heaven since Shiloh had been destroyed heaven since Shiloh had been destroyed heaven since Shiloh had been destroyed the ark then moved on we're told this in the ark then moved on we're told this in the ark then moved on we're told this in Jeremiah 26 and in Psalms 78 when God Jeremiah 26 and in Psalms 78 when God Jeremiah 26 and in Psalms 78 when God heard he was full of Wrath and he heard he was full of Wrath and he heard he was full of Wrath and he utterly rejected Israel he forsook his utterly rejected Israel he forsook his utterly rejected Israel he forsook his dwelling at Shiloh the tent where he dwelling at Shiloh the tent where he dwelling at Shiloh the tent where he dwelt among men and delivered his power dwelt among men and delivered his power dwelt among men and delivered his power to captivity his glory to the hand of to captivity his glory to the hand of to captivity his glory to the hand of the foe he gave his people over to the the foe he gave his people over to the the foe he gave his people over to the sword and vented his wrath on his sword and vented his wrath on his sword and vented his wrath on his Heritage fire devoured their young men Heritage fire devoured their young men Heritage fire devoured their young men and their maidens had no marriage song and their maidens had no marriage song and their maidens had no marriage song their priests fell by The Sword and their priests fell by The Sword and their priests fell by The Sword and their widows made no their widows made no their widows made no lamentation so the ark was returned to lamentation so the ark was returned to lamentation so the ark was returned to Beth shees 1 Samuel now the people of

Beth shees 1 Samuel now the people of Beth shees 1 Samuel now the people of beemus were reaping their wheat harvest beemus were reaping their wheat harvest beemus were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley and when they lifted up in the valley and when they lifted up in the valley and when they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark they rejoiced their eyes and saw the ark they rejoiced their eyes and saw the ark they rejoiced to see it the cart came into the field to see it the cart came into the field to see it the cart came into the field of Joshua of bemes and stopped there a of Joshua of bemes and stopped there a of Joshua of bemes and stopped there a great Stone was there and they split up great Stone was there and they split up great Stone was there and they split up the wood of the cart and offered the the wood of the cart and offered the the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the Lord and cows as a burnt offering to the Lord and cows as a burnt offering to the Lord and the Levites came down to the Ark of the the Levites came down to the Ark of the the Levites came down to the Ark of the Lord and the box that was beside it in Lord and the box that was beside it in Lord and the box that was beside it in which were the golden figures and set which were the golden figures and set which were the golden figures and set them upon the great Stone and the man of them upon the great Stone and the man of them upon the great Stone and the man of beemus offered burnt offerings and beemus offered burnt offerings and beemus offered burnt offerings and sacrific sacrif ices on that day to the sacrific sacrif ices on that day to the sacrific sacrif ices on that day to the Lord and the Ark remained there in bees Lord and the Ark remained there in bees Lord and the Ark remained there in bees and to a plague made necessary its and to a plague made necessary its and to a plague made necessary its transfer to abinadab house on the hill transfer to abinadab house on the hill transfer to abinadab house on the hill in kth gerim again we get the story in 1 in kth gerim again we get the story in 1 in kth gerim again we get the story in 1 Samuel and the men of kirath jam came Samuel and the men of kirath jam came Samuel and the men of kirath jam came and took up the Ark of the Lord and and took up the Ark of the Lord and and took up the Ark of the Lord and brought it to the house of abinadab on brought it to the house of abinadab on brought it to the house of abinadab on the hill and they consecrated his son the hill and they consecrated his son the hill and they consecrated his son Eleazar to have charge of the Ark of the Eleazar to have charge of the Ark of the Eleazar to have charge of the Ark of the Lord from the day that the ark was Lord from the day that the ark was Lord from the day that the ark was lodged to Kath jerim a long time passed lodged to Kath jerim a long time passed lodged to Kath jerim a long time passed some 20 years and all the house of some 20 years and all the house of some 20 years and all the house of Israel lamented after the Israel lamented after the Israel lamented after the Lord then comes David David moves the Lord then comes David David moves the Lord then comes David David moves the ark to Jerusalem where it was first ark to Jerusalem where it was first ark to Jerusalem where it was first placed in the house of OED Edom the placed in the house of OED Edom the placed in the house of OED Edom the gitite for three months we're told this gitite for three months we're told this gitite for three months we're told this in the book of 2 Samuel and They Carried in the book of 2 Samuel and They Carried in the book of 2 Samuel and They Carried the Ark of God upon a new cart and the Ark of God upon a new cart and the Ark of God upon a new cart and brought it out of the house of abinadab brought it out of the house of abinadab brought it out of the house of abinadab which was on the hill and usza and AO which was on the hill and usza and AO which was on the hill and usza and AO the sons of abinadab were Dr driving the

the sons of abinadab were Dr driving the the sons of abinadab were Dr driving the new cart with the Ark of God and AIO new cart with the Ark of God and AIO new cart with the Ark of God and AIO went before the ark and David and all went before the ark and David and all went before the ark and David and all the house of Israel were making Mary the house of Israel were making Mary the house of Israel were making Mary before the Lord with all their might before the Lord with all their might before the Lord with all their might with songs and liars and harps and with songs and liars and harps and with songs and liars and harps and tambourines and castanets and tambourines and castanets and tambourines and castanets and symbols and David was afraid of the Lord symbols and David was afraid of the Lord symbols and David was afraid of the Lord that day and he said how can the Ark of that day and he said how can the Ark of that day and he said how can the Ark of the Lord come to me so David was not the Lord come to me so David was not the Lord come to me so David was not willing to take the Ark of the Lord into willing to take the Ark of the Lord into willing to take the Ark of the Lord into the city of David but David took it the city of David but David took it the city of David but David took it aside to the house of OED ad om the aside to the house of OED ad om the aside to the house of OED ad om the gitite and the Ark of the Lord remained gitite and the Ark of the Lord remained gitite and the Ark of the Lord remained in the house of OED Adam the gitite 3 in the house of OED Adam the gitite 3 in the house of OED Adam the gitite 3 months and the Lord blessed OED Edom and months and the Lord blessed OED Edom and months and the Lord blessed OED Edom and all his all his all his household finally it was then moved into household finally it was then moved into household finally it was then moved into a special tent within Jerusalem 2 Samuel a special tent within Jerusalem 2 Samuel a special tent within Jerusalem 2 Samuel 6 says so David went and brought up the 6 says so David went and brought up the 6 says so David went and brought up the Ark of God from the house of OED Edom to Ark of God from the house of OED Edom to Ark of God from the house of OED Edom to the city of David with rejoicing and the city of David with rejoicing and the city of David with rejoicing and when those Who Bore the Ark of the Lord when those Who Bore the Ark of the Lord when those Who Bore the Ark of the Lord had gone six Paces he SA sacrificed an had gone six Paces he SA sacrificed an had gone six Paces he SA sacrificed an ox and a fatling and David danced before ox and a fatling and David danced before ox and a fatling and David danced before the Lord with all his might and David the Lord with all his might and David the Lord with all his might and David was girded with a linen EOD so David and was girded with a linen EOD so David and was girded with a linen EOD so David and all the house of Israel brought up the all the house of Israel brought up the all the house of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouting and with Ark of the Lord with shouting and with Ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the the sound of the the sound of the horn and then finally the ark came to horn and then finally the ark came to horn and then finally the ark came to rest in a special permanent place in the rest in a special permanent place in the rest in a special permanent place in the holy of holies within the temple that holy of holies within the temple that holy of holies within the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem First Kings 8 Solomon built in Jerusalem First Kings 8 Solomon built in Jerusalem First Kings 8 tells us and all the Elders of Israel tells us and all the Elders of Israel tells us and all the Elders of Israel came and the priest took up the ark AR

came and the priest took up the ark AR came and the priest took up the ark AR and they brought up the Ark of the Lord and they brought up the Ark of the Lord and they brought up the Ark of the Lord the tent of meeting and all the holy the tent of meeting and all the holy the tent of meeting and all the holy vessels that were in the tent the vessels that were in the tent the vessels that were in the tent the priests and the Levites brought them up priests and the Levites brought them up priests and the Levites brought them up and King Solomon and all the and King Solomon and all the and King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel who had assembled congregation of Israel who had assembled congregation of Israel who had assembled before him were with him before the ark before him were with him before the ark before him were with him before the ark sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered they could not be counted or numbered they could not be counted or numbered then the priest brought the Ark of the then the priest brought the Ark of the then the priest brought the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord to its place in the Covenant of the Lord to its place in the Covenant of the Lord to its place in the inner sanctuary of the house in the most inner sanctuary of the house in the most inner sanctuary of the house in the most holy Place underneath the wings of the holy Place underneath the wings of the holy Place underneath the wings of the teram so in some the travels of the ark teram so in some the travels of the ark teram so in some the travels of the ark go from go from go from Shilo to AEK to ashod Shilo to AEK to ashod Shilo to AEK to ashod ashalon Gaza then to goth and echon then ashalon Gaza then to goth and echon then ashalon Gaza then to goth and echon then Beth shemes then to kth Yim and then Beth shemes then to kth Yim and then Beth shemes then to kth Yim and then finally to Jerusalem where it stays finally to Jerusalem where it stays finally to Jerusalem where it stays quite the travels over quite a number of quite the travels over quite a number of quite the travels over quite a number of years so years so years so if the ark ended up in Solomon's Temple if the ark ended up in Solomon's Temple if the ark ended up in Solomon's Temple where is it now after the ark is moved where is it now after the ark is moved where is it now after the ark is moved into Solomon's Temple there is no into Solomon's Temple there is no into Solomon's Temple there is no further mention of it being carried to further mention of it being carried to further mention of it being carried to war or at war or at war or at festivals some Scholars basing their festivals some Scholars basing their festivals some Scholars basing their views on the fact that the ark is not views on the fact that the ark is not views on the fact that the ark is not mentioned among the vessels that were mentioned among the vessels that were mentioned among the vessels that were carried off into Exile or even brought carried off into Exile or even brought carried off into Exile or even brought back from Babylonia in the 6th Century back from Babylonia in the 6th Century back from Babylonia in the 6th Century BC suggests that the ark was no longer BC suggests that the ark was no longer BC suggests that the ark was no longer in Solomon's Temple at the time that the

in Solomon's Temple at the time that the in Solomon's Temple at the time that the temple and indeed the entire city of temple and indeed the entire city of temple and indeed the entire city of Jerusalem were destroyed by the Jerusalem were destroyed by the Jerusalem were destroyed by the Babylonians in the year 586 Babylonians in the year 586 Babylonians in the year 586 BCE so the ark disappeared sometime BCE so the ark disappeared sometime BCE so the ark disappeared sometime between Solomon's time let's say 9:30 between Solomon's time let's say 9:30 between Solomon's time let's say 9:30 bcee and the time that the city is bcee and the time that the city is bcee and the time that the city is destroyed in 586 bcee but when and destroyed in 586 bcee but when and destroyed in 586 bcee but when and exactly what exactly what exactly what happened the book of second estrus which happened the book of second estrus which happened the book of second estrus which is not found in many bibles today only is not found in many bibles today only is not found in many bibles today only in Bibles that contain the Apocrypha in Bibles that contain the Apocrypha in Bibles that contain the Apocrypha books that did not make it into the books that did not make it into the books that did not make it into the regular Bible the book of second estrus regular Bible the book of second estrus regular Bible the book of second estrus implies that the ark was destroyed the implies that the ark was destroyed the implies that the ark was destroyed the author who is lamenting over the fall of author who is lamenting over the fall of author who is lamenting over the fall of Jerusalem in 586 says our Sanctuary is Jerusalem in 586 says our Sanctuary is Jerusalem in 586 says our Sanctuary is laid waste our altar is broken down our laid waste our altar is broken down our laid waste our altar is broken down our Temple is destroyed the Ark of our Temple is destroyed the Ark of our Temple is destroyed the Ark of our covenant is spoiled so one of the covenant is spoiled so one of the covenant is spoiled so one of the possibilities is that the ark was simply possibilities is that the ark was simply possibilities is that the ark was simply melted melted melted down another possibility is that it was down another possibility is that it was down another possibility is that it was captured and carried off but if that captured and carried off but if that captured and carried off but if that happened we have no record of it there happened we have no record of it there happened we have no record of it there is a passage in the talmud which says is a passage in the talmud which says is a passage in the talmud which says that the ark was hidden by King Josiah that the ark was hidden by King Josiah that the ark was hidden by King Josiah Josiah was King in Judah from 639 to 609 Josiah was King in Judah from 639 to 609 Josiah was King in Judah from 639 to 609 BCE we'll see him in a future lecture BCE we'll see him in a future lecture BCE we'll see him in a future lecture and this passage in the towood says that and this passage in the towood says that and this passage in the towood says that Josiah hid the ark quote in its place

Josiah hid the ark quote in its place Josiah hid the ark quote in its place end quote or beneath the end quote or beneath the end quote or beneath the Woodshed now we have no indication where Woodshed now we have no indication where Woodshed now we have no indication where this might be in its place under or this might be in its place under or this might be in its place under or beneath the Woodshed that could mean beneath the Woodshed that could mean beneath the Woodshed that could mean anything but according to the talud then anything but according to the talud then anything but according to the talud then Josiah hid the ark this would have been Josiah hid the ark this would have been Josiah hid the ark this would have been less than 10 or 15 years before the less than 10 or 15 years before the less than 10 or 15 years before the destruction of the city by the destruction of the city by the destruction of the city by the Babylonians and it is this Babylonians and it is this Babylonians and it is this statement in the townwood that has led statement in the townwood that has led statement in the townwood that has led to a popular theory that the ark's to a popular theory that the ark's to a popular theory that the ark's present location is in a secret chamber present location is in a secret chamber present location is in a secret chamber carved deep beneath the Temple mount in carved deep beneath the Temple mount in carved deep beneath the Temple mount in Jerusalem and indeed there are probably Jerusalem and indeed there are probably Jerusalem and indeed there are probably Chambers underneath the Temple Mount but Chambers underneath the Temple Mount but Chambers underneath the Temple Mount but no one has been allowed to go into them no one has been allowed to go into them no one has been allowed to go into them in recent time some Ultra Orthodox claim in recent time some Ultra Orthodox claim in recent time some Ultra Orthodox claim that the ark is indeed under the Temple that the ark is indeed under the Temple that the ark is indeed under the Temple Mount and will be revealed at the proper Mount and will be revealed at the proper Mount and will be revealed at the proper time that is when the temple is rebuilt time that is when the temple is rebuilt time that is when the temple is rebuilt on top of the Temple on top of the Temple on top of the Temple Mount however there are stories Mount however there are stories Mount however there are stories circulating that when the present tunnel circulating that when the present tunnel circulating that when the present tunnel that runs along the western wall and in that runs along the western wall and in that runs along the western wall and in which you can see remnants of herod's which you can see remnants of herod's which you can see remnants of herod's building projects when that tunnel was building projects when that tunnel was building projects when that tunnel was being excavated two rabbis along with being excavated two rabbis along with being excavated two rabbis along with some of their students went in to see if some of their students went in to see if some of their students went in to see if they could find the ark and in the they could find the ark and in the they could find the ark and in the course of these investigations they course of these investigations they course of these investigations they noticed water SE leing from the wall noticed water SE leing from the wall noticed water SE leing from the wall they removed a stone now remember this

they removed a stone now remember this they removed a stone now remember this is some 30 ft underneath the present day is some 30 ft underneath the present day is some 30 ft underneath the present day of Jerusalem's walls they moved a stone of Jerusalem's walls they moved a stone of Jerusalem's walls they moved a stone revealed a vaed chamber and from here revealed a vaed chamber and from here revealed a vaed chamber and from here discovered another lower chamber and in discovered another lower chamber and in discovered another lower chamber and in this lower chamber would be the Ark of this lower chamber would be the Ark of this lower chamber would be the Ark of the Covenant along with other objects the Covenant along with other objects the Covenant along with other objects unfortunately supposedly the authorities unfortunately supposedly the authorities unfortunately supposedly the authorities got wind of these uh got wind of these uh got wind of these uh investigations and sealed up the investigations and sealed up the investigations and sealed up the entrances to these caves and there are entrances to these caves and there are entrances to these caves and there are no photographs nor drawings nor anything no photographs nor drawings nor anything no photographs nor drawings nor anything else of these views that the people saw else of these views that the people saw else of these views that the people saw and this is a common theme anybody that and this is a common theme anybody that and this is a common theme anybody that has claimed to have discovered the Ark has claimed to have discovered the Ark has claimed to have discovered the Ark of the Covenant without exception has of the Covenant without exception has of the Covenant without exception has then been unable to produce evidence then been unable to produce evidence then been unable to produce evidence that they've actually found it no that they've actually found it no that they've actually found it no photographs no drawings no photographs no drawings no photographs no drawings no nothing now numerous people have claimed nothing now numerous people have claimed nothing now numerous people have claimed that they found or that they know where that they found or that they know where that they found or that they know where the ark is perhaps elsewhere in the ark is perhaps elsewhere in the ark is perhaps elsewhere in Jerusalem this includes people like Ron Jerusalem this includes people like Ron Jerusalem this includes people like Ron Wyatt who has discovered Noah's Ark Wyatt who has discovered Noah's Ark Wyatt who has discovered Noah's Ark Sodom and Gomorrah The Parting of the Sodom and Gomorrah The Parting of the Sodom and Gomorrah The Parting of the Red Sea Mount Si how the pyramids were Red Sea Mount Si how the pyramids were Red Sea Mount Si how the pyramids were built and the Ark of the Covenant he built and the Ark of the Covenant he built and the Ark of the Covenant he claims to have discovered the location claims to have discovered the location claims to have discovered the location of the Ark of the Covenant and in 1979 of the Ark of the Covenant and in 1979 of the Ark of the Covenant and in 1979 began excavations with his sons to go began excavations with his sons to go began excavations with his sons to go find the Ark of the Covenant Ron Wyatt

find the Ark of the Covenant Ron Wyatt find the Ark of the Covenant Ron Wyatt has a website on which he gives the has a website on which he gives the has a website on which he gives the story of how he discovered the Arc of story of how he discovered the Arc of story of how he discovered the Arc of the Covenant and it says in I quote from the Covenant and it says in I quote from the Covenant and it says in I quote from the website while waiting in Jerusalem the website while waiting in Jerusalem the website while waiting in Jerusalem for his return flight to the United for his return flight to the United for his return flight to the United States Ron was walking along an ancient States Ron was walking along an ancient States Ron was walking along an ancient stone quarry known to some as the stone quarry known to some as the stone quarry known to some as the calvary escarment as he began walking he calvary escarment as he began walking he calvary escarment as he began walking he began conversing with the local began conversing with the local began conversing with the local Authority about Roman Antiquities at one Authority about Roman Antiquities at one Authority about Roman Antiquities at one point they stopped walking and Ron's point they stopped walking and Ron's point they stopped walking and Ron's left hand pointed to a site being used left hand pointed to a site being used left hand pointed to a site being used as a trash dump and he stated that's as a trash dump and he stated that's as a trash dump and he stated that's Jeremiah's Grotto and the Ark of the Jeremiah's Grotto and the Ark of the Jeremiah's Grotto and the Ark of the Covenant is in there even though these Covenant is in there even though these Covenant is in there even though these words had come from his own mouth and words had come from his own mouth and words had come from his own mouth and his own hand had pointed he had not his own hand had pointed he had not his own hand had pointed he had not consciously done or said these things in consciously done or said these things in consciously done or said these things in fact it was the first time he had ever fact it was the first time he had ever fact it was the first time he had ever thought about Excavating for the ark now thought about Excavating for the ark now thought about Excavating for the ark now according to this according to this according to this website Ron Wyatt's theory is that the website Ron Wyatt's theory is that the website Ron Wyatt's theory is that the Ark of the Covenant was hidden just Ark of the Covenant was hidden just Ark of the Covenant was hidden just prior to the destruction of the temple prior to the destruction of the temple prior to the destruction of the temple when the city was surrounded by the when the city was surrounded by the when the city was surrounded by the Babylonian Siege wall the Ark of the Babylonian Siege wall the Ark of the Babylonian Siege wall the Ark of the Covenant was hidden somewhere within the Covenant was hidden somewhere within the Covenant was hidden somewhere within the confines of the city wall of Jerusalem confines of the city wall of Jerusalem confines of the city wall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian Siege wall the entire and the Babylonian Siege wall the entire and the Babylonian Siege wall the entire city of Jerusalem and the temple were city of Jerusalem and the temple were city of Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed in 586 by the Babylonians so destroyed in 586 by the Babylonians so destroyed in 586 by the Babylonians so the ark could only have escaped the ark could only have escaped the ark could only have escaped destruction or captivity by not being destruction or captivity by not being destruction or captivity by not being anywhere in the city the site that Ron anywhere in the city the site that Ron anywhere in the city the site that Ron had pointed to was he believed outside had pointed to was he believed outside had pointed to was he believed outside of the ancient city wall but within the of the ancient city wall but within the of the ancient city wall but within the siege wall two non-biblical sources siege wall two non-biblical sources siege wall two non-biblical sources state that the sacred objects from the state that the sacred objects from the state that the sacred objects from the temple were hidden by Jeremiah before

temple were hidden by Jeremiah before temple were hidden by Jeremiah before the destruction of Jerusalem by the destruction of Jerusalem by the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar so Ron's conclusion was Nebuchadnezzar so Ron's conclusion was Nebuchadnezzar so Ron's conclusion was supposition based on study but still supposition based on study but still supposition based on study but still only supposition yet it was enough to only supposition yet it was enough to only supposition yet it was enough to base a decision on he decided to go base a decision on he decided to go base a decision on he decided to go ahead with the excavation again I'm ahead with the excavation again I'm ahead with the excavation again I'm quoting from his website so the quoting from his website so the quoting from his website so the excavation then began in January of excavation then began in January of excavation then began in January of 1979 Ron Wyatt and his Sons Ronnie and 1979 Ron Wyatt and his Sons Ronnie and 1979 Ron Wyatt and his Sons Ronnie and Dany returned to Jerusalem and began Dany returned to Jerusalem and began Dany returned to Jerusalem and began their their their excavations they eventually removed many excavations they eventually removed many excavations they eventually removed many tons of rock and debris sifting through tons of rock and debris sifting through tons of rock and debris sifting through all of it for artifacts this was a all of it for artifacts this was a all of it for artifacts this was a requirement of the Department of requirement of the Department of requirement of the Department of Antiquities with which they were happy Antiquities with which they were happy Antiquities with which they were happy to to to comply by 1980 Ron and the boys have comply by 1980 Ron and the boys have comply by 1980 Ron and the boys have been working here for almost 2 years been working here for almost 2 years been working here for almost 2 years they had begun in January of 1979 and it they had begun in January of 1979 and it they had begun in January of 1979 and it was now late 1980 they had explored the was now late 1980 they had explored the was now late 1980 they had explored the entire underground Cliff face looking entire underground Cliff face looking entire underground Cliff face looking for an entrance into a cave over a for an entrance into a cave over a for an entrance into a cave over a tunnel if the ark was in that location tunnel if the ark was in that location tunnel if the ark was in that location it certainly would be hidden in a cave it certainly would be hidden in a cave it certainly would be hidden in a cave he he he reasoned with hammers and chisels they reasoned with hammers and chisels they reasoned with hammers and chisels they began their work it wasn't long before began their work it wasn't long before began their work it wasn't long before they broke through the rock into an open they broke through the rock into an open they broke through the rock into an open space enlarging the hole they saw behind space enlarging the hole they saw behind space enlarging the hole they saw behind it a cave which was about 15 ft in it a cave which was about 15 ft in it a cave which was about 15 ft in height and of about the same width height and of about the same width height and of about the same width crawling through they were finally crawling through they were finally crawling through they were finally inside the actual mountain called morah Elsewhere on his website Wyatt morah Elsewhere on his website Wyatt records and I quote shining his records and I quote shining his records and I quote shining his flashlight down through the massive pile flashlight down through the massive pile flashlight down through the massive pile of large rocks his eyes caught a glimpse of large rocks his eyes caught a glimpse of large rocks his eyes caught a glimpse of something shiny he began slowly

of something shiny he began slowly of something shiny he began slowly removing the Rocks one at a time and removing the Rocks one at a time and removing the Rocks one at a time and discovered some dry rotted wooden discovered some dry rotted wooden discovered some dry rotted wooden Timbers just beneath the rocks and then Timbers just beneath the rocks and then Timbers just beneath the rocks and then some also dry rotted remains of animal some also dry rotted remains of animal some also dry rotted remains of animal skins that turned to powder when he skins that turned to powder when he skins that turned to powder when he moved them animal skins were covering a moved them animal skins were covering a moved them animal skins were covering a gold veneered table with a raised gold veneered table with a raised gold veneered table with a raised molding around the side and they molding around the side and they molding around the side and they realized that this was at the very least realized that this was at the very least realized that this was at the very least an object from Solomon's Temple but they an object from Solomon's Temple but they an object from Solomon's Temple but they were in such a confined space they were in such a confined space they were in such a confined space they couldn't uncover the entire table and couldn't uncover the entire table and couldn't uncover the entire table and yet they are confident that in that yet they are confident that in that yet they are confident that in that chamber they saw the Ark of the Covenant chamber they saw the Ark of the Covenant chamber they saw the Ark of the Covenant the table of Sho bread golden altar of the table of Sho bread golden altar of the table of Sho bread golden altar of incense golden sensor seven Branch incense golden sensor seven Branch incense golden sensor seven Branch candlestick holder a large sword a miter candlestick holder a large sword a miter candlestick holder a large sword a miter with an ivory pomegranate a brass ring with an ivory pomegranate a brass ring with an ivory pomegranate a brass ring and so on Unfortunately they were not and so on Unfortunately they were not and so on Unfortunately they were not able to bring out any of the objects nor able to bring out any of the objects nor able to bring out any of the objects nor are there any photographs of what they are there any photographs of what they are there any photographs of what they found another favorite suggestion for found another favorite suggestion for found another favorite suggestion for the location of the Ark of the Covenant the location of the Ark of the Covenant the location of the Ark of the Covenant is Mount Nebo in Jordan on the Eastern is Mount Nebo in Jordan on the Eastern is Mount Nebo in Jordan on the Eastern side of the Dead Sea since the book of side of the Dead Sea since the book of side of the Dead Sea since the book of second macbes which is also part of the second macbes which is also part of the second macbes which is also part of the Apocrypha and not usually included in Apocrypha and not usually included in Apocrypha and not usually included in the Bible says that Jeremiah hid the Ark the Bible says that Jeremiah hid the Ark the Bible says that Jeremiah hid the Ark of the Covenant on Mount of the Covenant on Mount of the Covenant on Mount Nebo it was also in the writing that the Nebo it was also in the writing that the Nebo it was also in the writing that the Prophet Jeremiah having received an Prophet Jeremiah having received an Prophet Jeremiah having received an oracle ordered Ed that the tent in the oracle ordered Ed that the tent in the oracle ordered Ed that the tent in the ark should follow with him and that he ark should follow with him and that he ark should follow with him and that he went out to the mountain where Moses had went out to the mountain where Moses had went out to the mountain where Moses had gone up and had seen the inheritance of gone up and had seen the inheritance of gone up and had seen the inheritance of God and Jeremiah came and he found a

God and Jeremiah came and he found a God and Jeremiah came and he found a cave and he brought there the tent and cave and he brought there the tent and cave and he brought there the tent and the Ark and the altar of incense and he the Ark and the altar of incense and he the Ark and the altar of incense and he sealed up the entrance some of those who sealed up the entrance some of those who sealed up the entrance some of those who followed him came up to Mark the way but followed him came up to Mark the way but followed him came up to Mark the way but could not find it when Jeremiah learned could not find it when Jeremiah learned could not find it when Jeremiah learned of it he rebuked them and declared the of it he rebuked them and declared the of it he rebuked them and declared the place shall be unknown until God gathers place shall be unknown until God gathers place shall be unknown until God gathers his people together again and shows his his people together again and shows his his people together again and shows his mercy and so some people have gone to mercy and so some people have gone to mercy and so some people have gone to look for the ark for example in the look for the ark for example in the look for the ark for example in the Autumn of 1981 Tom crotzer and his team Autumn of 1981 Tom crotzer and his team Autumn of 1981 Tom crotzer and his team from the institute for restoring ancient from the institute for restoring ancient from the institute for restoring ancient history went to The Franciscan Monastery history went to The Franciscan Monastery history went to The Franciscan Monastery on the summit of Mount Nebo which owned on the summit of Mount Nebo which owned on the summit of Mount Nebo which owned the property where they thought the ark the property where they thought the ark the property where they thought the ark was located they said that they found a was located they said that they found a was located they said that they found a plaque inside the chapel which indicated plaque inside the chapel which indicated plaque inside the chapel which indicated that the Ark of the Lord was buried that the Ark of the Lord was buried that the Ark of the Lord was buried there and so at night they entered a there and so at night they entered a there and so at night they entered a tunnel which was 35 ft long and 4T wide tunnel which was 35 ft long and 4T wide tunnel which was 35 ft long and 4T wide at the end of the tunnel they ran into a at the end of the tunnel they ran into a at the end of the tunnel they ran into a wall after knocking the stones down they wall after knocking the stones down they wall after knocking the stones down they entered one by one into a small cave entered one by one into a small cave entered one by one into a small cave about 10 ft by 12 ft by the light of about 10 ft by 12 ft by the light of about 10 ft by 12 ft by the light of their flashlights they were able to make their flashlights they were able to make their flashlights they were able to make out a large object covered with blue out a large object covered with blue out a large object covered with blue material under the covering they could material under the covering they could material under the covering they could see a golden box which they did not see a golden box which they did not see a golden box which they did not touch because they remembered what had touch because they remembered what had touch because they remembered what had happened to others who had dared to happened to others who had dared to happened to others who had dared to touch the sacred box namely they were touch the sacred box namely they were touch the sacred box namely they were killed when they touched it so they killed when they touched it so they killed when they touched it so they simply photographed the box and then simply photographed the box and then simply photographed the box and then withdrew asked later why he didn't bring withdrew asked later why he didn't bring withdrew asked later why he didn't bring out the Ark of the Covenant to show the out the Ark of the Covenant to show the out the Ark of the Covenant to show the world they replied God sent us only to world they replied God sent us only to world they replied God sent us only to locate the ark they were not to open it locate the ark they were not to open it locate the ark they were not to open it nor were they to bring it nor were they to bring it nor were they to bring it out an archaeologist looked at the

out an archaeologist looked at the out an archaeologist looked at the photographs that they took he only found photographs that they took he only found photographs that they took he only found one of them to be at all clear and that one of them to be at all clear and that one of them to be at all clear and that photograph depicted a yellow box that photograph depicted a yellow box that photograph depicted a yellow box that appeared to be made out of brass and appeared to be made out of brass and appeared to be made out of brass and which had a very modern looking nail which had a very modern looking nail which had a very modern looking nail protruding from one corner others have suggested that the corner others have suggested that the ark is hidden somewhere near the Dead ark is hidden somewhere near the Dead ark is hidden somewhere near the Dead Sea on Jordan's West Bank this is Sea on Jordan's West Bank this is Sea on Jordan's West Bank this is usually considered an association with usually considered an association with usually considered an association with kumran and the people of the Dead Sea kumran and the people of the Dead Sea kumran and the people of the Dead Sea Scrolls which we'll take a look at in a Scrolls which we'll take a look at in a Scrolls which we'll take a look at in a future lecture if this is so then the future lecture if this is so then the future lecture if this is so then the ark and the other artifacts are buried ark and the other artifacts are buried ark and the other artifacts are buried in one of the Region's many caves much in one of the Region's many caves much in one of the Region's many caves much like the Dead Sea like the Dead Sea like the Dead Sea Scrolls in particular one Explorer Scrolls in particular one Explorer Scrolls in particular one Explorer vendel Jones is convinced that the ark vendel Jones is convinced that the ark vendel Jones is convinced that the ark is in one of the dead sea caves based on is in one of the dead sea caves based on is in one of the dead sea caves based on information that's contained in the information that's contained in the information that's contained in the so-called Copper Scroll which we will so-called Copper Scroll which we will so-called Copper Scroll which we will take a look at in a few future lecture take a look at in a few future lecture take a look at in a few future lecture since 1972 vendel Jones has conducted since 1972 vendel Jones has conducted since 1972 vendel Jones has conducted eight major excavations in and around eight major excavations in and around eight major excavations in and around kumran involving over 300 volunteers and kumran involving over 300 volunteers and kumran involving over 300 volunteers and an investment of nearly $2 million but an investment of nearly $2 million but an investment of nearly $2 million but they have yet to find the they have yet to find the they have yet to find the ark interestingly the thesis that we ark interestingly the thesis that we ark interestingly the thesis that we find in Raiders of the Lost Ark that the find in Raiders of the Lost Ark that the find in Raiders of the Lost Ark that the ark was taken by pharaoh shishak and is ark was taken by pharaoh shishak and is ark was taken by pharaoh shishak and is at the site of Tannis in Egypt is not a at the site of Tannis in Egypt is not a at the site of Tannis in Egypt is not a popular View today this is probably popular View today this is probably popular View today this is probably because there are a lack of traditions because there are a lack of traditions because there are a lack of traditions saying that the ark is down in Egypt on saying that the ark is down in Egypt on saying that the ark is down in Egypt on the other hand there is a tradition the other hand there is a tradition the other hand there is a tradition which suggests that the ark may be in which suggests that the ark may be in which suggests that the ark may be in Ethiopia journalist Graham Hancock in

Ethiopia journalist Graham Hancock in Ethiopia journalist Graham Hancock in particular in his book The Sign and the particular in his book The Sign and the particular in his book The Sign and the seal says that the Queen of Sheba and seal says that the Queen of Sheba and seal says that the Queen of Sheba and Solomon had a son in his book he relates Solomon had a son in his book he relates Solomon had a son in his book he relates this tradition and that this son went to this tradition and that this son went to this tradition and that this son went to Ethiopia and with him brought the ark Ethiopia and with him brought the ark Ethiopia and with him brought the ark this is the man named menelik this is the man named menelik this is the man named menelik when he went to Ethiopia he took the ark when he went to Ethiopia he took the ark when he went to Ethiopia he took the ark with him and that it eventually reached with him and that it eventually reached with him and that it eventually reached the site of axom in the site of axom in the site of axom in Ethiopia others have tried to follow Ethiopia others have tried to follow Ethiopia others have tried to follow this as well getting to Ethiopia and this as well getting to Ethiopia and this as well getting to Ethiopia and have traced this movement of the Ark to have traced this movement of the Ark to have traced this movement of the Ark to one particular church but nobody is one particular church but nobody is one particular church but nobody is allowed in to see the ark if indeed it allowed in to see the ark if indeed it allowed in to see the ark if indeed it exists in there of course as we all know exists in there of course as we all know exists in there of course as we all know and as the first Indiana Jones movie and as the first Indiana Jones movie and as the first Indiana Jones movie informed us the arc is in a government informed us the arc is in a government informed us the arc is in a government Warehouse somewhere in Washington DC Warehouse somewhere in Washington DC Warehouse somewhere in Washington DC being worked on by experts at this very being worked on by experts at this very being worked on by experts at this very moment with that in mind let us now moment with that in mind let us now moment with that in mind let us now proceed to our next lecture in which we proceed to our next lecture in which we proceed to our next lecture in which we will take up the discussion of the will take up the discussion of the will take up the discussion of the divided monarchy that is the period divided monarchy that is the period divided monarchy that is the period after Solomon when Israel and Judah after Solomon when Israel and Judah after Solomon when Israel and Judah break into separate Kingdoms in the break into separate Kingdoms in the break into separate Kingdoms in the North and the South and proceed upon on North and the South and proceed upon on North and the South and proceed upon on very different histories we will begin very different histories we will begin very different histories we will begin first with the Northern Kingdom of Israel after listening to lecture six a

Israel after listening to lecture six a student posed this question to Professor student posed this question to Professor student posed this question to Professor Klein what are your personal thoughts Klein what are your personal thoughts Klein what are your personal thoughts about the search for the Ark of the about the search for the Ark of the about the search for the Ark of the Covenant let's listen to the professor's Covenant let's listen to the professor's Covenant let's listen to the professor's response my own personal take on all of response my own personal take on all of response my own personal take on all of this on all of the search for the Ark of this on all of the search for the Ark of this on all of the search for the Ark of the Covenant is frankly that it is a the Covenant is frankly that it is a the Covenant is frankly that it is a waste of time money energy and waste of time money energy and waste of time money energy and resources if the ark ever did exist as resources if the ark ever did exist as resources if the ark ever did exist as it's described in the Hebrew Bible it is it's described in the Hebrew Bible it is it's described in the Hebrew Bible it is now long gone most likely I believe it now long gone most likely I believe it now long gone most likely I believe it was captured by somebody when they was captured by somebody when they was captured by somebody when they destroyed or besieged Jerusalem remember destroyed or besieged Jerusalem remember destroyed or besieged Jerusalem remember that Jerusalem has been fought over more that Jerusalem has been fought over more that Jerusalem has been fought over more than a hundred times in the last 4,000 than a hundred times in the last 4,000 than a hundred times in the last 4,000 years and we have any number of years and we have any number of years and we have any number of instances where the Treasures of the instances where the Treasures of the instances where the Treasures of the temple were temple were temple were looted the the Roman general Titus when looted the the Roman general Titus when looted the the Roman general Titus when he destroyed the city in 70 CE as we he destroyed the city in 70 CE as we he destroyed the city in 70 CE as we shall see in a future lecture gets all shall see in a future lecture gets all shall see in a future lecture gets all the bad press for taking the stuff out the bad press for taking the stuff out the bad press for taking the stuff out of the temple but it had been done many of the temple but it had been done many of the temple but it had been done many times before in fact the Treasures of times before in fact the Treasures of times before in fact the Treasures of the temple had either been looted or the temple had either been looted or the temple had either been looted or borrowed from no fewer than 17 or 18 borrowed from no fewer than 17 or 18 borrowed from no fewer than 17 or 18 times during its Thousand-Year history times during its Thousand-Year history times during its Thousand-Year history of existence from the time of Solomon of existence from the time of Solomon of existence from the time of Solomon right through Herod so I would have no right through Herod so I would have no right through Herod so I would have no trouble believing that one or another of trouble believing that one or another of trouble believing that one or another of the conquerors of Jerusalem or even just the conquerors of Jerusalem or even just the conquerors of Jerusalem or even just somebody that was attacking it would somebody that was attacking it would somebody that was attacking it would have acquired the ark and then it would have acquired the ark and then it would have acquired the ark and then it would be captured taken away melted down or

be captured taken away melted down or be captured taken away melted down or otherwise destroyed either way it's not otherwise destroyed either way it's not otherwise destroyed either way it's not going to be around for us to find today going to be around for us to find today going to be around for us to find today we certainly know that it is gone by 586 we certainly know that it is gone by 586 we certainly know that it is gone by 586 BCE because Nebuchadnezzar does not BCE because Nebuchadnezzar does not BCE because Nebuchadnezzar does not mention it in the list of treasures that mention it in the list of treasures that mention it in the list of treasures that he took away from Jerusalem and believe he took away from Jerusalem and believe he took away from Jerusalem and believe me if the ark had still been in me if the ark had still been in me if the ark had still been in Jerusalem at that time Nebuchadnezzar Jerusalem at that time Nebuchadnezzar Jerusalem at that time Nebuchadnezzar would certainly have mentioned it so it would certainly have mentioned it so it would certainly have mentioned it so it disappears somewhere between 930 BCE and disappears somewhere between 930 BCE and disappears somewhere between 930 BCE and 586 BCE and I can think of any number of 586 BCE and I can think of any number of 586 BCE and I can think of any number of people that could have taken it first people that could have taken it first people that could have taken it first and foremost among them would be shishak and foremost among them would be shishak and foremost among them would be shishak he whom Raiders of the Lost Ark wants to he whom Raiders of the Lost Ark wants to he whom Raiders of the Lost Ark wants to have the ark taken off to Tanis and this have the ark taken off to Tanis and this have the ark taken off to Tanis and this makes a lot of sense to me but what it makes a lot of sense to me but what it makes a lot of sense to me but what it boils down to is that this is is one of boils down to is that this is is one of boils down to is that this is is one of the searches like a search for the Holy the searches like a search for the Holy the searches like a search for the Holy Grail or anything else of that ilk that Grail or anything else of that ilk that Grail or anything else of that ilk that it is probably doomed to failure any it is probably doomed to failure any it is probably doomed to failure any such Expedition is doomed to failure and such Expedition is doomed to failure and such Expedition is doomed to failure and frankly what I would rather see is that frankly what I would rather see is that frankly what I would rather see is that the effort and the time and especially the effort and the time and especially the effort and the time and especially the money could be put to much better the money could be put to much better the money could be put to much better use by using them for real excavations use by using them for real excavations use by using them for real excavations that is Excavating at hsur or megiddo or that is Excavating at hsur or megiddo or that is Excavating at hsur or megiddo or AEK or Safi or goth any of the real AEK or Safi or goth any of the real AEK or Safi or goth any of the real excavations that are ongoing today that excavations that are ongoing today that excavations that are ongoing today that can use time money and commitment and can use time money and commitment and can use time money and commitment and that are not searching for a needle in that are not searching for a needle in that are not searching for a needle in the proverbial hyack so like the search the proverbial hyack so like the search the proverbial hyack so like the search for Noah's Ark I think the search for

for Noah's Ark I think the search for for Noah's Ark I think the search for the Ark of the Covenant is almost always the Ark of the Covenant is almost always the Ark of the Covenant is almost always going to be doomed to failure and I going to be doomed to failure and I going to be doomed to failure and I would much rather see everything be put would much rather see everything be put would much rather see everything be put into real excavations of course if the into real excavations of course if the into real excavations of course if the ark is ever found I'll be content to eat ark is ever found I'll be content to eat ark is ever found I'll be content to eat my words but I don't really think that my words but I don't really think that my words but I don't really think that is going to happen anytime in the near is going to happen anytime in the near is going to happen anytime in the near future this ends lecture six if you future this ends lecture six if you future this ends lecture six if you borrowed this course from a public borrowed this course from a public borrowed this course from a public library and would like your own copy of library and would like your own copy of library and would like your own copy of the course guide for future reference the course guide for future reference the course guide for future reference call recorded books at 1 800 636 3399 call recorded books at 1 800 636 3399 call recorded books at 1 800 636 3399 and we'll send you a free copy a and we'll send you a free copy a and we'll send you a free copy a shipping charge will shipping charge will shipping charge will apply a history of ancient Israel apply a history of ancient Israel apply a history of ancient Israel lecture 7 the Kingdom of Israel and the lecture 7 the Kingdom of Israel and the lecture 7 the Kingdom of Israel and the OMD Dynasty in this lecture we'll take a Dynasty in this lecture we'll take a look at the Kingdom of Israel and the look at the Kingdom of Israel and the look at the Kingdom of Israel and the OMD Dynasty in fact this entire section OMD Dynasty in fact this entire section OMD Dynasty in fact this entire section now we are going to be looking at the now we are going to be looking at the now we are going to be looking at the kingdoms of Israel and Judah because kingdoms of Israel and Judah because kingdoms of Israel and Judah because following the death of King Solomon the following the death of King Solomon the following the death of King Solomon the United monarchy dissolved and split into United monarchy dissolved and split into United monarchy dissolved and split into the divided kingdoms of Israel in the the divided kingdoms of Israel in the the divided kingdoms of Israel in the north and Judah in the South the Omid north and Judah in the South the Omid north and Judah in the South the Omid dynasty was the most infamous family to dynasty was the most infamous family to dynasty was the most infamous family to rule Israel especially in the view of rule Israel especially in the view of rule Israel especially in the view of the biblical writers but then the the biblical writers but then the the biblical writers but then the expansionist Ambitions of the Neo expansionist Ambitions of the Neo expansionist Ambitions of the Neo Assyrians from Mesopotamia in the 8th Assyrians from Mesopotamia in the 8th Assyrians from Mesopotamia in the 8th century B.C spell an end to the Kingdom century B.C spell an end to the Kingdom century B.C spell an end to the Kingdom of Israel and gave rise to the tradition of Israel and gave rise to the tradition of Israel and gave rise to the tradition of the 10 lost tribes it is these topics of the 10 lost tribes it is these topics of the 10 lost tribes it is these topics with which we will be dealing in this

with which we will be dealing in this with which we will be dealing in this lecture when Solomon dies his successor lecture when Solomon dies his successor lecture when Solomon dies his successor comes to the throne his son comes to the throne his son comes to the throne his son reob and in his rule in the rule of reob and in his rule in the rule of reob and in his rule in the rule of rabom the First theme or rather the rabom the First theme or rather the rabom the First theme or rather the first question that he faces is whether first question that he faces is whether first question that he faces is whether or not he can hold the kingdom together or not he can hold the kingdom together or not he can hold the kingdom together that is quickly answered when the north that is quickly answered when the north that is quickly answered when the north breaks away the Israelites in the north breaks away the Israelites in the north breaks away the Israelites in the north declare emphatically your father Solomon declare emphatically your father Solomon declare emphatically your father Solomon made our yoke too made our yoke too made our yoke too hard when the Israelites in the north hard when the Israelites in the north hard when the Israelites in the north asked reabo to lighten the burden or the asked reabo to lighten the burden or the asked reabo to lighten the burden or the load that Solomon had imposed on them load that Solomon had imposed on them load that Solomon had imposed on them reabo asked for three days to think reabo asked for three days to think reabo asked for three days to think about it and then he took counsel with about it and then he took counsel with about it and then he took counsel with his closest advisers rather than his closest advisers rather than his closest advisers rather than decreasing the burden on the North he decreasing the burden on the North he decreasing the burden on the North he increased it and so what happened next increased it and so what happened next increased it and so what happened next is no surprise the northern tribes of is no surprise the northern tribes of is no surprise the northern tribes of Israel break away and we get the Kingdom Israel break away and we get the Kingdom Israel break away and we get the Kingdom of Israel in the North and the kingdom of Israel in the North and the kingdom of Israel in the North and the kingdom of Judah in the South and thus the of Judah in the South and thus the of Judah in the South and thus the Jerusalem based Kingdom which had been Jerusalem based Kingdom which had been Jerusalem based Kingdom which had been established by David and held together established by David and held together established by David and held together by Solomon splits apart following by Solomon splits apart following by Solomon splits apart following Solomon's death in about the year 930 Solomon's death in about the year 930 Solomon's death in about the year 930 BCE in its place we get two small BCE in its place we get two small BCE in its place we get two small kingdoms that are going to exist kingdoms that are going to exist kingdoms that are going to exist alongside each other for approximately alongside each other for approximately alongside each other for approximately 200 200 200 years the northern kingdom reverts to years the northern kingdom reverts to years the northern kingdom reverts to the name Israel is centered in the Hill

the name Israel is centered in the Hill the name Israel is centered in the Hill Country north of Jerusalem the southern Country north of Jerusalem the southern Country north of Jerusalem the southern Kingdom which took the name Judah was Kingdom which took the name Judah was Kingdom which took the name Judah was centered in the Southern Hill Country centered in the Southern Hill Country centered in the Southern Hill Country encompassing Jerusalem and extending encompassing Jerusalem and extending encompassing Jerusalem and extending Southward to the neev so this was the Southward to the neev so this was the Southward to the neev so this was the end of the personal Union that was end of the personal Union that was end of the personal Union that was achieved by David and Solomon the two achieved by David and Solomon the two achieved by David and Solomon the two city states of Judah and Israel broke city states of Judah and Israel broke city states of Judah and Israel broke apart and there is no serious attempt to apart and there is no serious attempt to apart and there is no serious attempt to reestablish their Union in part this is reestablish their Union in part this is reestablish their Union in part this is not too surprising because it was the not too surprising because it was the not too surprising because it was the sheer force of Personality one could sheer force of Personality one could sheer force of Personality one could argue of both David and Solomon that had argue of both David and Solomon that had argue of both David and Solomon that had held them together for so long so the held them together for so long so the held them together for so long so the Golden Age of Israel was less than a Golden Age of Israel was less than a Golden Age of Israel was less than a century and after that after this period century and after that after this period century and after that after this period we have to discuss the Northern Kingdom we have to discuss the Northern Kingdom we have to discuss the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of of Israel and the southern Kingdom of of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah separately in this lecture we will Judah separately in this lecture we will Judah separately in this lecture we will focus in on the Northern Kingdom of focus in on the Northern Kingdom of focus in on the Northern Kingdom of Israel but the two do remain linked Israel but the two do remain linked Israel but the two do remain linked reabo went back to Jerusalem and the reabo went back to Jerusalem and the reabo went back to Jerusalem and the Israelites made jeroboam king of Israel Israelites made jeroboam king of Israel Israelites made jeroboam king of Israel we are then told that the pharaoh of we are then told that the pharaoh of we are then told that the pharaoh of Egypt came up to Egypt came up to Egypt came up to campaign the biblical story tells us campaign the biblical story tells us campaign the biblical story tells us about the Egyptian pharaoh shishak who about the Egyptian pharaoh shishak who about the Egyptian pharaoh shishak who came up and besieged came up and besieged came up and besieged Jerusalem the Egyptian accounts the Jerusalem the Egyptian accounts the Jerusalem the Egyptian accounts the extra biblical accounts talk about a extra biblical accounts talk about a extra biblical accounts talk about a pharaoh named shank note the similarity pharaoh named shank note the similarity pharaoh named shank note the similarity between shishak and shank and these

between shishak and shank and these between shishak and shank and these Egyptian records put up by shosen say Egyptian records put up by shosen say Egyptian records put up by shosen say that he went up and campaigned but not that he went up and campaigned but not that he went up and campaigned but not necessarily against Jerusalem rather necessarily against Jerusalem rather necessarily against Jerusalem rather against the northern kingdom of against the northern kingdom of against the northern kingdom of Israel now we know a lot about Pharaoh Israel now we know a lot about Pharaoh Israel now we know a lot about Pharaoh show shank mostly from his own records show shank mostly from his own records show shank mostly from his own records down in Egypt he was Libyan he was a down in Egypt he was Libyan he was a down in Egypt he was Libyan he was a Libyan mercenary who founded the 22nd Libyan mercenary who founded the 22nd Libyan mercenary who founded the 22nd dynasty of Egypt and ruled from about dynasty of Egypt and ruled from about dynasty of Egypt and ruled from about 945 down to 923 BCE so he comes to the 945 down to 923 BCE so he comes to the 945 down to 923 BCE so he comes to the throne towards the end of Solomon's Rule throne towards the end of Solomon's Rule throne towards the end of Solomon's Rule and at the beginning of the rule of and at the beginning of the rule of and at the beginning of the rule of reabo of Judah and Jobo of Israel those reabo of Judah and Jobo of Israel those reabo of Judah and Jobo of Israel those two both coming to the throne after the two both coming to the throne after the two both coming to the throne after the death of death of death of Solomon shank left behind on the wall of Solomon shank left behind on the wall of Solomon shank left behind on the wall of a temple in carac down in Egypt an a temple in carac down in Egypt an a temple in carac down in Egypt an impressive list of cities that he claims impressive list of cities that he claims impressive list of cities that he claims to have captured in fact the cities are to have captured in fact the cities are to have captured in fact the cities are all located in the region that we would all located in the region that we would all located in the region that we would call Israel and call Israel and call Israel and Judah according to this inscription not Judah according to this inscription not Judah according to this inscription not only the city of megiddo but also tanak only the city of megiddo but also tanak only the city of megiddo but also tanak and shunum and other cities in the and shunum and other cities in the and shunum and other cities in the jezrael valley along with a large number jezrael valley along with a large number jezrael valley along with a large number of additional towns in Israel and the of additional towns in Israel and the of additional towns in Israel and the neg neg neg fall victim one after another to the fall victim one after another to the fall victim one after another to the Victorious Egyptian Army in other words Victorious Egyptian Army in other words Victorious Egyptian Army in other words Shen's campaign to the lands of Israel Shen's campaign to the lands of Israel Shen's campaign to the lands of Israel and Judah hard on the heels of the death and Judah hard on the heels of the death and Judah hard on the heels of the death of Solomon would indicate that he had of Solomon would indicate that he had of Solomon would indicate that he had been waiting for Solomon to die and that

been waiting for Solomon to die and that been waiting for Solomon to die and that the splitting of the kingdoms into the splitting of the kingdoms into the splitting of the kingdoms into Israel and Judah were in fact to his Israel and Judah were in fact to his Israel and Judah were in fact to his benefit his campaign in the lands of benefit his campaign in the lands of benefit his campaign in the lands of Israel and Judah were probably an Israel and Judah were probably an Israel and Judah were probably an attempt to recapture some of the earlier attempt to recapture some of the earlier attempt to recapture some of the earlier Glory Days of Egyptian dominance when Glory Days of Egyptian dominance when Glory Days of Egyptian dominance when Canaan was regarded as belonging to the Canaan was regarded as belonging to the Canaan was regarded as belonging to the Egyptian Egyptian Egyptian Empire however since one cannot always Empire however since one cannot always Empire however since one cannot always believe the evidence put forward by believe the evidence put forward by believe the evidence put forward by Egyptian pharaohs we should ask is there Egyptian pharaohs we should ask is there Egyptian pharaohs we should ask is there any truth to this campaign that shosen any truth to this campaign that shosen any truth to this campaign that shosen records down on his temple in Egypt in records down on his temple in Egypt in records down on his temple in Egypt in particular did he capture megiddo well particular did he capture megiddo well particular did he capture megiddo well at megiddo itself a stone was found part at megiddo itself a stone was found part at megiddo itself a stone was found part of a 10ft tall of a 10ft tall of a 10ft tall inscription and on that stone is carved inscription and on that stone is carved inscription and on that stone is carved the carou of shank moreover this type of the carou of shank moreover this type of the carou of shank moreover this type of a 10-ft tall inscription is the type a 10-ft tall inscription is the type a 10-ft tall inscription is the type that is put up at a city where the that is put up at a city where the that is put up at a city where the Egyptians not only captured it but then Egyptians not only captured it but then Egyptians not only captured it but then occupied it so down in Egypt shosen occupied it so down in Egypt shosen occupied it so down in Egypt shosen claims that he captured megido and up at claims that he captured megido and up at claims that he captured megido and up at megiddo there is a part of an megiddo there is a part of an megiddo there is a part of an inscription indicating that shosen did inscription indicating that shosen did inscription indicating that shosen did in fact capture the city so it looks in fact capture the city so it looks in fact capture the city so it looks like shank is telling the truth however like shank is telling the truth however like shank is telling the truth however if we go a little bit further the next if we go a little bit further the next if we go a little bit further the next question to be asked is whether this question to be asked is whether this question to be asked is whether this Egyptian pharaoh shank who left behind Egyptian pharaoh shank who left behind Egyptian pharaoh shank who left behind the record in Egypt is indeed the same the record in Egypt is indeed the same the record in Egypt is indeed the same person as the Egyptian pharaoh shishak

person as the Egyptian pharaoh shishak person as the Egyptian pharaoh shishak who is mentioned in the book of Kings who is mentioned in the book of Kings who is mentioned in the book of Kings and the Book of 2 Chronicles in the and the Book of 2 Chronicles in the and the Book of 2 Chronicles in the Bible who we are told fought in Judah Bible who we are told fought in Judah Bible who we are told fought in Judah some five years after the death of some five years after the death of some five years after the death of Solomon with 1,00 chariots and 60,000 Solomon with 1,00 chariots and 60,000 Solomon with 1,00 chariots and 60,000 Cavalry we are further told that the Cavalry we are further told that the Cavalry we are further told that the biblical shishak besieged Jerusalem and biblical shishak besieged Jerusalem and biblical shishak besieged Jerusalem and carried away a great carried away a great carried away a great Ransom in First Kings and 2 Chronicles Ransom in First Kings and 2 Chronicles Ransom in First Kings and 2 Chronicles it says in the fifth year of king rabom it says in the fifth year of king rabom it says in the fifth year of king rabom king shishak of Egypt came up against king shishak of Egypt came up against king shishak of Egypt came up against Jerusalem he took away the Treasures of Jerusalem he took away the Treasures of Jerusalem he took away the Treasures of the house of the Lord and the Treasures the house of the Lord and the Treasures the house of the Lord and the Treasures of the King's house he took everything of the King's house he took everything of the King's house he took everything he also took away the shields of gold he also took away the shields of gold he also took away the shields of gold that Solomon had made that Solomon had made that Solomon had made so perhaps this is when the Ark of the so perhaps this is when the Ark of the so perhaps this is when the Ark of the Covenant disappeared are shank and Covenant disappeared are shank and Covenant disappeared are shank and shishak the same person aam's Razer the shishak the same person aam's Razer the shishak the same person aam's Razer the simplest solution is probably the most simplest solution is probably the most simplest solution is probably the most correct would imply yes however one correct would imply yes however one correct would imply yes however one thing that is interesting the cities thing that is interesting the cities thing that is interesting the cities that are named in the Egyptian account that are named in the Egyptian account that are named in the Egyptian account are almost all from the North of Israel are almost all from the North of Israel are almost all from the North of Israel the cities named in the biblical account the cities named in the biblical account the cities named in the biblical account are almost all from the southern portion are almost all from the southern portion are almost all from the southern portion that is from Judah how do we explain that is from Judah how do we explain that is from Judah how do we explain explain this are there in fact two explain this are there in fact two explain this are there in fact two different Egyptian pharaohs one who different Egyptian pharaohs one who different Egyptian pharaohs one who attacked Israel and one who attacked attacked Israel and one who attacked attacked Israel and one who attacked Judah at nearly the same time or do we Judah at nearly the same time or do we Judah at nearly the same time or do we have the same person attacking Twice have the same person attacking Twice have the same person attacking Twice first against Israel and then against first against Israel and then against first against Israel and then against Judah or do we explain it in some other Judah or do we explain it in some other Judah or do we explain it in some other way what I would suggest is that we're way what I would suggest is that we're way what I would suggest is that we're looking at the exact same

looking at the exact same looking at the exact same campaign the biblical record is campaign the biblical record is campaign the biblical record is primarily concerned with events in Judah primarily concerned with events in Judah primarily concerned with events in Judah that is down south but they didn't put that is down south but they didn't put that is down south but they didn't put up much of a fight the Egyptian account up much of a fight the Egyptian account up much of a fight the Egyptian account emphasizes the major military events emphasizes the major military events emphasizes the major military events that took place that is up in the north that took place that is up in the north that took place that is up in the north since Judah offered only minimal since Judah offered only minimal since Judah offered only minimal resistance I think it's highly unlikely resistance I think it's highly unlikely resistance I think it's highly unlikely that these are records of two different that these are records of two different that these are records of two different campaigns and so I think that what we've campaigns and so I think that what we've campaigns and so I think that what we've got is two different versions of the got is two different versions of the got is two different versions of the same set of military conquest and what same set of military conquest and what same set of military conquest and what this means is that immediately after this means is that immediately after this means is that immediately after Solomon dies and immediately after rabo Solomon dies and immediately after rabo Solomon dies and immediately after rabo seized the split of his kingdom into the seized the split of his kingdom into the seized the split of his kingdom into the separate smaller entities of Israel and separate smaller entities of Israel and separate smaller entities of Israel and Judah that shishak or shosen comes up Judah that shishak or shosen comes up Judah that shishak or shosen comes up and wages a decisive campaign against and wages a decisive campaign against and wages a decisive campaign against both both both polities needless to say this is not a polities needless to say this is not a polities needless to say this is not a good way for either smaller Kingdom to good way for either smaller Kingdom to good way for either smaller Kingdom to begin its rise now if we move begin its rise now if we move begin its rise now if we move specifically up to the Northern Kingdom specifically up to the Northern Kingdom specifically up to the Northern Kingdom of Israel we come across a man by the of Israel we come across a man by the of Israel we come across a man by the name of name of name of omry om's accession to the throne of omry om's accession to the throne of omry om's accession to the throne of Israel in 885 BCE introduces a new era Israel in 885 BCE introduces a new era Israel in 885 BCE introduces a new era for both kingdoms both Northern Israel for both kingdoms both Northern Israel for both kingdoms both Northern Israel and Southern Judah which is going to and Southern Judah which is going to and Southern Judah which is going to last for about 40 years even though last for about 40 years even though last for about 40 years even though these remain separate entities Israel these remain separate entities Israel these remain separate entities Israel and Judah enter into a close Alliance and Judah enter into a close Alliance and Judah enter into a close Alliance and together enter a time of

and together enter a time of and together enter a time of prosperity and it has been recently prosperity and it has been recently prosperity and it has been recently suggested that this time of prosperity suggested that this time of prosperity suggested that this time of prosperity may have even surpassed the earlier days may have even surpassed the earlier days may have even surpassed the earlier days of David and Solomon in other words the of David and Solomon in other words the of David and Solomon in other words the wonderful times of ancient Israel may wonderful times of ancient Israel may wonderful times of ancient Israel may have been under the reign of the omds have been under the reign of the omds have been under the reign of the omds and all of their family omry himself is and all of their family omry himself is and all of their family omry himself is the Chief Architect of the policies that the Chief Architect of the policies that the Chief Architect of the policies that characterize the era and it's under his characterize the era and it's under his characterize the era and it's under his son Ahab who comes into power in son Ahab who comes into power in son Ahab who comes into power in 875 that the new policies come to 875 that the new policies come to 875 that the new policies come to fruition and the two kingdoms enjoy fruition and the two kingdoms enjoy fruition and the two kingdoms enjoy their best years after the death of Ahab their best years after the death of Ahab their best years after the death of Ahab the situation declines rapidly and this the situation declines rapidly and this the situation declines rapidly and this little Eric comes to an abrupt end about little Eric comes to an abrupt end about little Eric comes to an abrupt end about 8:42 or 841 BCE with the massacre of 8:42 or 841 BCE with the massacre of 8:42 or 841 BCE with the massacre of both the royal family up in Israel and both the royal family up in Israel and both the royal family up in Israel and down in Judah at the hands of jeu the down in Judah at the hands of jeu the down in Judah at the hands of jeu the usurper we have referred to the story usurper we have referred to the story usurper we have referred to the story already when talking about the T Don already when talking about the T Don already when talking about the T Don Steely but we'll come back to it again Steely but we'll come back to it again Steely but we'll come back to it again in a little bit in a little bit in a little bit of interest to us are the figures of of interest to us are the figures of of interest to us are the figures of omry and Ahab from the Northern Kingdom omry and Ahab from the Northern Kingdom omry and Ahab from the Northern Kingdom of Israel because they are the first of Israel because they are the first of Israel because they are the first individuals in Israelite or Judean individuals in Israelite or Judean individuals in Israelite or Judean history to be mentioned in non-biblical history to be mentioned in non-biblical history to be mentioned in non-biblical documents from the ancient near East documents from the ancient near East documents from the ancient near East that is they are mentioned by other that is they are mentioned by other that is they are mentioned by other peoples and in other places outside of peoples and in other places outside of peoples and in other places outside of Israel and Judah and so we can here

Israel and Judah and so we can here Israel and Judah and so we can here finally begin to corroborate or attempt finally begin to corroborate or attempt finally begin to corroborate or attempt to corroborate the episodes and peoples to corroborate the episodes and peoples to corroborate the episodes and peoples mentioned in the Hebrew mentioned in the Hebrew mentioned in the Hebrew Bible moreover the arids were the first Bible moreover the arids were the first Bible moreover the arids were the first Northern Kings to accomplish a dynastic Northern Kings to accomplish a dynastic Northern Kings to accomplish a dynastic succession and they did this for three succession and they did this for three succession and they did this for three succeeding Generations long after they succeeding Generations long after they succeeding Generations long after they had passed from the scene Israel is had passed from the scene Israel is had passed from the scene Israel is still referred to by the Assyrian still referred to by the Assyrian still referred to by the Assyrian monarchs as the land of monarchs as the land of monarchs as the land of omry now our information about the omry now our information about the omry now our information about the Kingdom of Israel and about the OMD era Kingdom of Israel and about the OMD era Kingdom of Israel and about the OMD era in particular is derived from four in particular is derived from four in particular is derived from four different sources different sources different sources one of these sources is the Hebrew Bible one of these sources is the Hebrew Bible one of these sources is the Hebrew Bible that is the Genesis to 2 Kings account that is the Genesis to 2 Kings account that is the Genesis to 2 Kings account the Second Source is actually also in the Second Source is actually also in the Second Source is actually also in the Bible this is the chroniclers the Bible this is the chroniclers the Bible this is the chroniclers account in the Hebrew Bible but then we account in the Hebrew Bible but then we account in the Hebrew Bible but then we have extra biblical evidence the Royal have extra biblical evidence the Royal have extra biblical evidence the Royal inscriptions from King mesha of Moab and inscriptions from King mesha of Moab and inscriptions from King mesha of Moab and King Shaman III of King Shaman III of King Shaman III of Assyria and then fourthly we have Assyria and then fourthly we have Assyria and then fourthly we have archaeology archaeology can come into archaeology archaeology can come into archaeology archaeology can come into play at this point in time we've already play at this point in time we've already play at this point in time we've already noted that the name Israel appears in noted that the name Israel appears in noted that the name Israel appears in the mpus the at the end of the 13th the mpus the at the end of the 13th the mpus the at the end of the 13th century BC there are no further century BC there are no further century BC there are no further references in extra biblical documents references in extra biblical documents references in extra biblical documents to either Israel or Judah until the to either Israel or Judah until the to either Israel or Judah until the period where we are now that is until period where we are now that is until period where we are now that is until the time of omry and Ahab now at this the time of omry and Ahab now at this the time of omry and Ahab now at this time we begin to get inscriptions such

time we begin to get inscriptions such time we begin to get inscriptions such as the one known as the Mesa inscription as the one known as the Mesa inscription as the one known as the Mesa inscription or the moabit stone this is a or the moabit stone this is a or the moabit stone this is a commemorative inscription written in commemorative inscription written in commemorative inscription written in moabit which was discovered in moabit which was discovered in moabit which was discovered in 1868 on the east side of the Dead Sea 1868 on the east side of the Dead Sea 1868 on the east side of the Dead Sea near the ruins of ancient near the ruins of ancient near the ruins of ancient Debon unfortunately the inscription was Debon unfortunately the inscription was Debon unfortunately the inscription was broken into pieces very soon after its broken into pieces very soon after its broken into pieces very soon after its Discovery but later was reconstructed Discovery but later was reconstructed Discovery but later was reconstructed almost completely we learn from the almost completely we learn from the almost completely we learn from the inscription that it was commissioned by inscription that it was commissioned by inscription that it was commissioned by King Mesa of Moab apparently late in his King Mesa of Moab apparently late in his King Mesa of Moab apparently late in his Reign and in connection with the Reign and in connection with the Reign and in connection with the dedication of a sanctuary to the moabit dedication of a sanctuary to the moabit dedication of a sanctuary to the moabit god god god chos the inscription recounts the Deeds chos the inscription recounts the Deeds chos the inscription recounts the Deeds of this King mesha who ruled Moab during of this King mesha who ruled Moab during of this King mesha who ruled Moab during the 9th century and who is in fact the 9th century and who is in fact the 9th century and who is in fact mentioned in the book of Second Kings mentioned in the book of Second Kings mentioned in the book of Second Kings the text looks back over Misha's career the text looks back over Misha's career the text looks back over Misha's career and reports what he thought were the and reports what he thought were the and reports what he thought were the main accomplishments of his reign in main accomplishments of his reign in main accomplishments of his reign in particular he mentions omry king of particular he mentions omry king of particular he mentions omry king of Israel it seems that Mesa was especially Israel it seems that Mesa was especially Israel it seems that Mesa was especially proud of having brought Israelite proud of having brought Israelite proud of having brought Israelite dominance over Moab to an end and that dominance over Moab to an end and that dominance over Moab to an end and that he was additionally proud of having he was additionally proud of having he was additionally proud of having recovered from Israel all of the moabit recovered from Israel all of the moabit recovered from Israel all of the moabit territory north of the ancient city of territory north of the ancient city of territory north of the ancient city of mataba in this mataba in this mataba in this inscription it is written as follows I inscription it is written as follows I inscription it is written as follows I am mesha son of chos yati King of Moab am mesha son of chos yati King of Moab am mesha son of chos yati King of Moab the dianite my father reigned over Moab

the dianite my father reigned over Moab the dianite my father reigned over Moab 30 years and I reigned after my father 30 years and I reigned after my father 30 years and I reigned after my father and I built this high place to chos at and I built this high place to chos at and I built this high place to chos at quaro because he saved me from all the quaro because he saved me from all the quaro because he saved me from all the kings and caused me to triumph over all kings and caused me to triumph over all kings and caused me to triumph over all my adversaries omry king of Israel my adversaries omry king of Israel my adversaries omry king of Israel humbled Moab many days because chos was humbled Moab many days because chos was humbled Moab many days because chos was angry at his land and his son succeeded angry at his land and his son succeeded angry at his land and his son succeeded him and he also said I too will humble him and he also said I too will humble him and he also said I too will humble Moab during my days he said this but I Moab during my days he said this but I Moab during my days he said this but I have triumphed over him and over his have triumphed over him and over his have triumphed over him and over his house and Israel has perished forever house and Israel has perished forever house and Israel has perished forever omry had occupied the whole land of omry had occupied the whole land of omry had occupied the whole land of mataba and he dwelt in it during his mataba and he dwelt in it during his mataba and he dwelt in it during his days and half the days of his son 40 days and half the days of his son 40 days and half the days of his son 40 years but chos dwelt there in my days so years but chos dwelt there in my days so years but chos dwelt there in my days so mesha mentions Omri claims the land of mesha mentions Omri claims the land of mesha mentions Omri claims the land of Israel has perished forever that may Israel has perished forever that may Israel has perished forever that may have been a little optimistic but have been a little optimistic but have been a little optimistic but nevertheless we have here one of the nevertheless we have here one of the nevertheless we have here one of the first mentions of an individual from first mentions of an individual from first mentions of an individual from outside the Bible outside the Bible outside the Bible we also have other inscriptions such as we also have other inscriptions such as we also have other inscriptions such as the so-called monolith inscription of the so-called monolith inscription of the so-called monolith inscription of Shaner III uh which dates back to 853 Shaner III uh which dates back to 853 Shaner III uh which dates back to 853 BCE these inscriptions uh report BCE these inscriptions uh report BCE these inscriptions uh report Assyrian activities the Assyrians being Assyrian activities the Assyrians being Assyrian activities the Assyrians being in the what is now the modern country of in the what is now the modern country of in the what is now the modern country of Iraq and here Shaman III who rules from Iraq and here Shaman III who rules from Iraq and here Shaman III who rules from 858 to 824 BCE in the sixth year of his 858 to 824 BCE in the sixth year of his 858 to 824 BCE in the sixth year of his rule he is going to campaign down into

rule he is going to campaign down into rule he is going to campaign down into Israel in fact he not only campaigns Israel in fact he not only campaigns Israel in fact he not only campaigns there in his sixth year but again in the there in his sixth year but again in the there in his sixth year but again in the 10th 11th 14th 18th and 21st years of 10th 11th 14th 18th and 21st years of 10th 11th 14th 18th and 21st years of his his his Reign we can date these and we know that Reign we can date these and we know that Reign we can date these and we know that his invasions into Israel date from 853 his invasions into Israel date from 853 his invasions into Israel date from 853 BC on the first campaign is described in BC on the first campaign is described in BC on the first campaign is described in some detail and it is this campaign that some detail and it is this campaign that some detail and it is this campaign that appears in the so-called monolith appears in the so-called monolith appears in the so-called monolith inscription it appears uh along with a inscription it appears uh along with a inscription it appears uh along with a figure of Shaner himself in relief and figure of Shaner himself in relief and figure of Shaner himself in relief and it was discovered way back in the mid it was discovered way back in the mid it was discovered way back in the mid 1800s in present day 1800s in present day 1800s in present day Iraq we learn from this monolith Iraq we learn from this monolith Iraq we learn from this monolith inscription that a coalition of Kings inscription that a coalition of Kings inscription that a coalition of Kings from Israel and surrounding areas fought from Israel and surrounding areas fought from Israel and surrounding areas fought against Shaner and that they apparently against Shaner and that they apparently against Shaner and that they apparently halted his March in the vicinity of a halted his March in the vicinity of a halted his March in the vicinity of a place called carar which is a city on place called carar which is a city on place called carar which is a city on the Arantes River listed among the the Arantes River listed among the the Arantes River listed among the defending Kings defending Kings defending Kings is Ahab the Israelite that is the Son Of is Ahab the Israelite that is the Son Of is Ahab the Israelite that is the Son Of omry Who is credited with deploying omry Who is credited with deploying omry Who is credited with deploying 2,000 chariots in the battle listen now 2,000 chariots in the battle listen now 2,000 chariots in the battle listen now to the words of Shaman eer III I to the words of Shaman eer III I to the words of Shaman eer III I approached the city of carar I raised approached the city of carar I raised approached the city of carar I raised destroyed and burned the city of carar destroyed and burned the city of carar destroyed and burned the city of carar his Royal City 1,200 chariots 1,00 his Royal City 1,200 chariots 1,00 his Royal City 1,200 chariots 1,00 Cavalry and 20,000 troops of Hadad ezar Cavalry and 20,000 troops of Hadad ezar Cavalry and 20,000 troops of Hadad ezar of Damascus 700 chariots 700 calry of Damascus 700 chariots 700 calry of Damascus 700 chariots 700 calry 10,000 troops of Ulin the hamite 2,000

10,000 troops of Ulin the hamite 2,000 10,000 troops of Ulin the hamite 2,000 chariots and 10,000 troops of Ahab the chariots and 10,000 troops of Ahab the chariots and 10,000 troops of Ahab the Israelite and he goes on to name a Israelite and he goes on to name a Israelite and he goes on to name a number of other people and all of their number of other people and all of their number of other people and all of their troops and then he continues I troops and then he continues I troops and then he continues I decisively defeated them from the city decisively defeated them from the city decisively defeated them from the city of carar to the city of gilu I filed of carar to the city of gilu I filed of carar to the city of gilu I filed with the sword 14,000 troops their with the sword 14,000 troops their with the sword 14,000 troops their fighting men like adad I rained down fighting men like adad I rained down fighting men like adad I rained down upon them a devastating flood I spread upon them a devastating flood I spread upon them a devastating flood I spread out their corpse and I filled the plane out their corpse and I filled the plane out their corpse and I filled the plane I fed with the sword their extensive I fed with the sword their extensive I fed with the sword their extensive troops I made their blood flow in the troops I made their blood flow in the troops I made their blood flow in the watties the field was too small for watties the field was too small for watties the field was too small for laying flat their bodies the broad laying flat their bodies the broad laying flat their bodies the broad Countryside had been consumed in burying Countryside had been consumed in burying Countryside had been consumed in burying them I blocked the orantes river with them I blocked the orantes river with them I blocked the orantes river with their corpses as with a Causeway in the their corpses as with a Causeway in the their corpses as with a Causeway in the midst of this battle I took away from midst of this battle I took away from midst of this battle I took away from them chariots Cavalry and teams of them chariots Cavalry and teams of them chariots Cavalry and teams of horses now the monolith inscription was horses now the monolith inscription was horses now the monolith inscription was composed fairly early in in shaner's composed fairly early in in shaner's composed fairly early in in shaner's reign and it doesn't cover his later reign and it doesn't cover his later reign and it doesn't cover his later campaigns for these we must turn to campaigns for these we must turn to campaigns for these we must turn to other inscriptions which record his other inscriptions which record his other inscriptions which record his deeds later in his Reign for deeds later in his Reign for deeds later in his Reign for example in something called the black example in something called the black example in something called the black Obelisk which dates to 838 BCE we are Obelisk which dates to 838 BCE we are Obelisk which dates to 838 BCE we are told that Shamano III marched all the told that Shamano III marched all the told that Shamano III marched all the way to Damascus in Syria with no serious way to Damascus in Syria with no serious way to Damascus in Syria with no serious opposition at this time and that he opposition at this time and that he opposition at this time and that he besieged the city but doesn't actually besieged the city but doesn't actually besieged the city but doesn't actually take it then he marches into Israel take it then he marches into Israel take it then he marches into Israel where he collects tribute from jeu the

where he collects tribute from jeu the where he collects tribute from jeu the general who usurped the Throne of Israel general who usurped the Throne of Israel general who usurped the Throne of Israel from the omds in about 841 BC and here from the omds in about 841 BC and here from the omds in about 841 BC and here he says and I quote tribute of jeu son he says and I quote tribute of jeu son he says and I quote tribute of jeu son of omry silver gold a golden Sappo bowl of omry silver gold a golden Sappo bowl of omry silver gold a golden Sappo bowl a golden vase with pointed bottom golden a golden vase with pointed bottom golden a golden vase with pointed bottom golden goblets pictures of gold tin staffs for goblets pictures of gold tin staffs for goblets pictures of gold tin staffs for the hand of the king javelins I received the hand of the king javelins I received the hand of the king javelins I received from him now jeu is not actually the son from him now jeu is not actually the son from him now jeu is not actually the son of Armory jeo is the usurper who does of Armory jeo is the usurper who does of Armory jeo is the usurper who does away with the house of omry and yet look away with the house of omry and yet look away with the house of omry and yet look what's happening already the omds are so what's happening already the omds are so what's happening already the omds are so famous that they are referred to even famous that they are referred to even famous that they are referred to even though they're not in existence anymore though they're not in existence anymore though they're not in existence anymore and the land of Israel is going to be and the land of Israel is going to be and the land of Israel is going to be referred to as the land of omry it is referred to as the land of omry it is referred to as the land of omry it is into this context then that we can place into this context then that we can place into this context then that we can place the T da inscription that we talked the T da inscription that we talked the T da inscription that we talked about in an earlier lecture this is the about in an earlier lecture this is the about in an earlier lecture this is the fragment that dates to 841 BCE and was fragment that dates to 841 BCE and was fragment that dates to 841 BCE and was probably put up by King Hazel of Haram probably put up by King Hazel of Haram probably put up by King Hazel of Haram when he came through and destroyed this when he came through and destroyed this when he came through and destroyed this area these are the fragments that were area these are the fragments that were area these are the fragments that were found in found in found in 1993 and 1994 at the site of ton in 1993 and 1994 at the site of ton in 1993 and 1994 at the site of ton in Northern Israel the ones that mentioned Northern Israel the ones that mentioned Northern Israel the ones that mentioned the House of David the bit the House of David the bit the House of David the bit David now in the other inscript that we David now in the other inscript that we David now in the other inscript that we just talked about they mention just talked about they mention just talked about they mention individuals omry Ahab jeu now we have individuals omry Ahab jeu now we have individuals omry Ahab jeu now we have bit David the House of David so what we

bit David the House of David so what we bit David the House of David so what we now have for the first time is a series now have for the first time is a series now have for the first time is a series of external references to people from of external references to people from of external references to people from sources outside the Bible that mention sources outside the Bible that mention sources outside the Bible that mention not only individual Kings but also the not only individual Kings but also the not only individual Kings but also the House of David so we are now finally in House of David so we are now finally in House of David so we are now finally in the early years of the first millennium the early years of the first millennium the early years of the first millennium BCE in a position where we use the BCE in a position where we use the BCE in a position where we use the biblical account and extra biblical biblical account and extra biblical biblical account and extra biblical account as well as archaeology to account as well as archaeology to account as well as archaeology to corroborate some of the events and this corroborate some of the events and this corroborate some of the events and this is where I for one start feeling more is where I for one start feeling more is where I for one start feeling more comfortable because we now have at least comfortable because we now have at least comfortable because we now have at least three independent sources that we can three independent sources that we can three independent sources that we can work with speaking of archaeological work with speaking of archaeological work with speaking of archaeological evidence the archaeology that has been evidence the archaeology that has been evidence the archaeology that has been on Earth to date reveals that the omeds on Earth to date reveals that the omeds on Earth to date reveals that the omeds far surpassed any other kings in either far surpassed any other kings in either far surpassed any other kings in either Israel or Judah as both Builders and Israel or Judah as both Builders and Israel or Judah as both Builders and administrators in a sense there's really administrators in a sense there's really administrators in a sense there's really is the first golden age of the Israelite is the first golden age of the Israelite is the first golden age of the Israelite Kings at least the golden age that we Kings at least the golden age that we Kings at least the golden age that we can identify through archaeology and yet can identify through archaeology and yet can identify through archaeology and yet in the Bible the description of the OMD in the Bible the description of the OMD in the Bible the description of the OMD kingdom is quite sketchy there's mention kingdom is quite sketchy there's mention kingdom is quite sketchy there's mention of elaborate palaces at Samaria and of elaborate palaces at Samaria and of elaborate palaces at Samaria and jezrael but there's almost no reference jezrael but there's almost no reference jezrael but there's almost no reference to the size or the scale or even the to the size or the scale or even the to the size or the scale or even the opulence of their opulence of their opulence of their Kingdom indeed these Northern kings are Kingdom indeed these Northern kings are Kingdom indeed these Northern kings are hated by the authors of the Bible they hated by the authors of the Bible they hated by the authors of the Bible they are uh referred to in derogatory terms are uh referred to in derogatory terms are uh referred to in derogatory terms and it seems that the writers of the and it seems that the writers of the and it seems that the writers of the Hebrew Bible are consistently trying to Hebrew Bible are consistently trying to Hebrew Bible are consistently trying to uphold the kings of Judah in the South

uphold the kings of Judah in the South uphold the kings of Judah in the South rather than the evil Kings of Israel in rather than the evil Kings of Israel in rather than the evil Kings of Israel in the north and yet the Kings to the north the north and yet the Kings to the north the north and yet the Kings to the north that is the omds seem to be rather that is the omds seem to be rather that is the omds seem to be rather amazing there is no doubt that Samaria amazing there is no doubt that Samaria amazing there is no doubt that Samaria the city of Samaria is built by omry and the city of Samaria is built by omry and the city of Samaria is built by omry and that this becomes the capital city of that this becomes the capital city of that this becomes the capital city of the north and when the site of Samaria the north and when the site of Samaria the north and when the site of Samaria was first excavated back in 1908 by was first excavated back in 1908 by was first excavated back in 1908 by Harvard University it revealed the Harvard University it revealed the Harvard University it revealed the Splendor of om's buildings it was Splendor of om's buildings it was Splendor of om's buildings it was further explored in the 1930s by a joint further explored in the 1930s by a joint further explored in the 1930s by a joint team and there we got additional ideas team and there we got additional ideas team and there we got additional ideas of just how Splendid this site was even of just how Splendid this site was even of just how Splendid this site was even today the site of Samaria is rather today the site of Samaria is rather today the site of Samaria is rather impressive it's in a rich agricultural impressive it's in a rich agricultural impressive it's in a rich agricultural region and from here we've got numerous region and from here we've got numerous region and from here we've got numerous buildings and other architectural buildings and other architectural buildings and other architectural remains it was apparently conceived from remains it was apparently conceived from remains it was apparently conceived from the start as the personal capital city the start as the personal capital city the start as the personal capital city of the OMD Dynasty and as such reveals of the OMD Dynasty and as such reveals of the OMD Dynasty and as such reveals grandiose architecture from the time of grandiose architecture from the time of grandiose architecture from the time of omry and omry and omry and Ahab we also have other instances of the Ahab we also have other instances of the Ahab we also have other instances of the architecture of the armads but some of architecture of the armads but some of architecture of the armads but some of these are a little bit harder to these are a little bit harder to these are a little bit harder to identify indeed the gates the chambered identify indeed the gates the chambered identify indeed the gates the chambered Gates built at hotor and gizer and Gates built at hotor and gizer and Gates built at hotor and gizer and megido to which we referred in a megido to which we referred in a megido to which we referred in a previous lecture as solomonic and which previous lecture as solomonic and which previous lecture as solomonic and which for the longest time were identified as for the longest time were identified as for the longest time were identified as part of Solomon's Grand building plan

part of Solomon's Grand building plan part of Solomon's Grand building plan have now been redated by some have now been redated by some have now been redated by some archaeologists to the time of omry and archaeologists to the time of omry and archaeologists to the time of omry and Ahab that is the time of the Kingdom of Ahab that is the time of the Kingdom of Ahab that is the time of the Kingdom of Israel this is still open to debate but Israel this is still open to debate but Israel this is still open to debate but everything that we see the 16 chambered everything that we see the 16 chambered everything that we see the 16 chambered gates at each of these cities as well as gates at each of these cities as well as gates at each of these cities as well as some of the Palaces at megido for some of the Palaces at megido for some of the Palaces at megido for instance and perhaps even the so-called instance and perhaps even the so-called instance and perhaps even the so-called stables at megiddo might have to be stables at megiddo might have to be stables at megiddo might have to be redated from the time of Solomon in the redated from the time of Solomon in the redated from the time of Solomon in the 10th Century to the time of Ahab and 10th Century to the time of Ahab and 10th Century to the time of Ahab and omry in the 9th and perhaps even into omry in the 9th and perhaps even into omry in the 9th and perhaps even into the 8th centuries the 8th centuries the 8th centuries BCE perhaps the most impressive BCE perhaps the most impressive BCE perhaps the most impressive engineering achievements linked to the engineering achievements linked to the engineering achievements linked to the omds are the enormous underground water omds are the enormous underground water omds are the enormous underground water tunnels cut through the Bedrock beneath tunnels cut through the Bedrock beneath tunnels cut through the Bedrock beneath the cities of megiddo and hsur these the cities of megiddo and hsur these the cities of megiddo and hsur these tunnels provide the city's inhabitants tunnels provide the city's inhabitants tunnels provide the city's inhabitants with secure access to drinking water with secure access to drinking water with secure access to drinking water even in times of Siege and this in the even in times of Siege and this in the even in times of Siege and this in the ancient near East especially was a ancient near East especially was a ancient near East especially was a critical challenge because while critical challenge because while critical challenge because while important cities are surrounded by important cities are surrounded by important cities are surrounded by elaborate fortifications that allowed elaborate fortifications that allowed elaborate fortifications that allowed them to withstand an attack or a Siege them to withstand an attack or a Siege them to withstand an attack or a Siege they seldom had a source of fresh water they seldom had a source of fresh water they seldom had a source of fresh water within their City Walls by creating within their City Walls by creating within their City Walls by creating these ancient tunnels the inhabitants these ancient tunnels the inhabitants these ancient tunnels the inhabitants could climb down and then out could climb down and then out could climb down and then out and reach the water underground while and reach the water underground while and reach the water underground while safe from an attacking safe from an attacking safe from an attacking enemy so it seems in the light of fairly enemy so it seems in the light of fairly enemy so it seems in the light of fairly recent evidence that we might have to recent evidence that we might have to recent evidence that we might have to rethink some of our basic hypothesis and rethink some of our basic hypothesis and rethink some of our basic hypothesis and many of the building activities that

many of the building activities that many of the building activities that were previously attributed to King were previously attributed to King were previously attributed to King Solomon May in fact have to be Solomon May in fact have to be Solomon May in fact have to be reassigned to the omds that is Ahab and reassigned to the omds that is Ahab and reassigned to the omds that is Ahab and omry of the Northern Kingdom of omry of the Northern Kingdom of omry of the Northern Kingdom of Israel at hot sore for example some of Israel at hot sore for example some of Israel at hot sore for example some of the architecture may actually date to the architecture may actually date to the architecture may actually date to these later Kings again at megiddo these later Kings again at megiddo these later Kings again at megiddo others as well so this is currently an others as well so this is currently an others as well so this is currently an ongoing controversy which perhaps only ongoing controversy which perhaps only ongoing controversy which perhaps only future excavation may future excavation may future excavation may solve both archaeologically and solve both archaeologically and solve both archaeologically and historically the redating of the historically the redating of the historically the redating of the architecture at sites like hsur and architecture at sites like hsur and architecture at sites like hsur and megiddo and gizer from Solomon's time to megiddo and gizer from Solomon's time to megiddo and gizer from Solomon's time to the period of the arm RDS has enormous the period of the arm RDS has enormous the period of the arm RDS has enormous implications it removes the only implications it removes the only implications it removes the only archaeological evidence that the really archaeological evidence that the really archaeological evidence that the really was a United monarchy and suggests that was a United monarchy and suggests that was a United monarchy and suggests that David and Solomon may have been little David and Solomon may have been little David and Solomon may have been little more than Hill Country Chieftain on the more than Hill Country Chieftain on the more than Hill Country Chieftain on the other hand it shows that despite the other hand it shows that despite the other hand it shows that despite the biblical emphasis on the evil Kings of biblical emphasis on the evil Kings of biblical emphasis on the evil Kings of Israel that they may have in fact been Israel that they may have in fact been Israel that they may have in fact been ruling over a golden age in other words ruling over a golden age in other words ruling over a golden age in other words archaeology at the moment may be showing archaeology at the moment may be showing archaeology at the moment may be showing that our idea of David Solomon and the that our idea of David Solomon and the that our idea of David Solomon and the kingdoms of Israel and Judah following kingdoms of Israel and Judah following kingdoms of Israel and Judah following them may have in fact been Topsy Turvy them may have in fact been Topsy Turvy them may have in fact been Topsy Turvy we don't know what the final solution is we don't know what the final solution is we don't know what the final solution is going to be we have to do more going to be we have to do more going to be we have to do more investigation more archaeology and more investigation more archaeology and more investigation more archaeology and more research one thing however is clear the research one thing however is clear the research one thing however is clear the Kingdom of Israel and then the kingdom Kingdom of Israel and then the kingdom Kingdom of Israel and then the kingdom of Judah after it are going to be at the of Judah after it are going to be at the of Judah after it are going to be at the mercy of a new set of Empires that are

mercy of a new set of Empires that are mercy of a new set of Empires that are emerging elsewhere in the ancient near emerging elsewhere in the ancient near emerging elsewhere in the ancient near East the first of these large Empires is East the first of these large Empires is East the first of these large Empires is the Assyrians the Neo Assyrians to be the Assyrians the Neo Assyrians to be the Assyrians the Neo Assyrians to be specific we've already met them in the specific we've already met them in the specific we've already met them in the form of Shaman eer III but now they come form of Shaman eer III but now they come form of Shaman eer III but now they come back more Fierce and more determined back more Fierce and more determined back more Fierce and more determined than ever particularly in the form of than ever particularly in the form of than ever particularly in the form of tigl pesar III whom the Bible calls pool tigl pesar III whom the Bible calls pool tigl pesar III whom the Bible calls pool p and who ruled 744 to 727 BCE for a p and who ruled 744 to 727 BCE for a p and who ruled 744 to 727 BCE for a little over a century the Assyrians are little over a century the Assyrians are little over a century the Assyrians are going to dominate life in the Middle going to dominate life in the Middle going to dominate life in the Middle East and Israel as an independent East and Israel as an independent East and Israel as an independent kingdom is going to cease quite early in kingdom is going to cease quite early in kingdom is going to cease quite early in the period perod of Assyrian the period perod of Assyrian the period perod of Assyrian domination the capital city of Israel domination the capital city of Israel domination the capital city of Israel the capital city at Samaria is captured the capital city at Samaria is captured the capital city at Samaria is captured in the year 722 BCE and Israelite in the year 722 BCE and Israelite in the year 722 BCE and Israelite territory is subsequently incorporated territory is subsequently incorporated territory is subsequently incorporated into the Assyrian provincial system into the Assyrian provincial system into the Assyrian provincial system indeed at megiddo one of the Cities indeed at megiddo one of the Cities indeed at megiddo one of the Cities looks like it was simply lifted up from looks like it was simply lifted up from looks like it was simply lifted up from Mesopotamia and placed on top of the Mesopotamia and placed on top of the Mesopotamia and placed on top of the mound at mound at mound at megiddo the inscriptions of Neo Assyrian megiddo the inscriptions of Neo Assyrian megiddo the inscriptions of Neo Assyrian Kings like tiglath pozar mention again Kings like tiglath pozar mention again Kings like tiglath pozar mention again rulers from our region for example one rulers from our region for example one rulers from our region for example one inscription of tth pesar says I received inscription of tth pesar says I received inscription of tth pesar says I received tribute from menahem of Samaria like a tribute from menahem of Samaria like a tribute from menahem of Samaria like a bird alone he fled and submitted to

bird alone he fled and submitted to bird alone he fled and submitted to me now we get such extra biblical me now we get such extra biblical me now we get such extra biblical inscriptions and we are able then to inscriptions and we are able then to inscriptions and we are able then to hold them up against the story as told hold them up against the story as told hold them up against the story as told in the Hebrew Bible for example Second in the Hebrew Bible for example Second in the Hebrew Bible for example Second Kings and 2 Chronicles are the primary Kings and 2 Chronicles are the primary Kings and 2 Chronicles are the primary biblical sources we've got for this biblical sources we've got for this biblical sources we've got for this period of Israelite period of Israelite period of Israelite history we learn from the narrative in history we learn from the narrative in history we learn from the narrative in Second Kings that four of Israel's final Second Kings that four of Israel's final Second Kings that four of Israel's final six rulers were assassinated and that six rulers were assassinated and that six rulers were assassinated and that the fifth died from nonviolent causes the fifth died from nonviolent causes the fifth died from nonviolent causes while the sixth apparently ended life in while the sixth apparently ended life in while the sixth apparently ended life in ass Syrian Exile in other words it was ass Syrian Exile in other words it was ass Syrian Exile in other words it was not good to be a king of Israel during not good to be a king of Israel during not good to be a king of Israel during its final years we are able to look at its final years we are able to look at its final years we are able to look at other other other inscriptions one example where we can inscriptions one example where we can inscriptions one example where we can corroborate the account in the Hebrew corroborate the account in the Hebrew corroborate the account in the Hebrew Bible with the inscription of tiglath Bible with the inscription of tiglath Bible with the inscription of tiglath pesar II for example can be found in the pesar II for example can be found in the pesar II for example can be found in the book of 2 Kings book of 2 Kings book of 2 Kings 15 where it says in the 39th year of 15 where it says in the 39th year of 15 where it says in the 39th year of aaria king of Judah menahem the son of aaria king of Judah menahem the son of aaria king of Judah menahem the son of gadii began to Reign Over Israel and he gadii began to Reign Over Israel and he gadii began to Reign Over Israel and he reigned 10 years in Samaria and he did reigned 10 years in Samaria and he did reigned 10 years in Samaria and he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord what was evil in the sight of the Lord what was evil in the sight of the Lord he did not depart all his days from all he did not depart all his days from all he did not depart all his days from all the sins of Jobo the son of nebot which the sins of Jobo the son of nebot which the sins of Jobo the son of nebot which he made Israel to sin P the king of he made Israel to sin P the king of he made Israel to sin P the king of Assyria came against the land and manum Assyria came against the land and manum Assyria came against the land and manum gave p a thousand talents of silver that gave p a thousand talents of silver that gave p a thousand talents of silver that he might help him to confirm his hold of

he might help him to confirm his hold of he might help him to confirm his hold of the royal power now you'll remember that the royal power now you'll remember that the royal power now you'll remember that P is the biblical name for tigth pesar P is the biblical name for tigth pesar P is the biblical name for tigth pesar III so tigth Lesar III in his own III so tigth Lesar III in his own III so tigth Lesar III in his own inscriptions says I received tribute inscriptions says I received tribute inscriptions says I received tribute from among other people menahem of from among other people menahem of from among other people menahem of Samaria and here now we have the Samaria and here now we have the Samaria and here now we have the confirmation in the biblical account and confirmation in the biblical account and confirmation in the biblical account and tigth pesar mentions other people as tigth pesar mentions other people as tigth pesar mentions other people as well in fact he says that he took well in fact he says that he took well in fact he says that he took tribute from jehoahaz of Judah so not tribute from jehoahaz of Judah so not tribute from jehoahaz of Judah so not content with going up against the content with going up against the content with going up against the northern kingdom of Israel the Neo northern kingdom of Israel the Neo northern kingdom of Israel the Neo Assyrians under tiglath pesar III Assyrians under tiglath pesar III Assyrians under tiglath pesar III actually campaigned against the southern actually campaigned against the southern actually campaigned against the southern Kingdom of Judah as Kingdom of Judah as Kingdom of Judah as well now we are further told in the well now we are further told in the well now we are further told in the Hebrew account in the days of pah king Hebrew account in the days of pah king Hebrew account in the days of pah king of Israel tigth pesar king of Assyria of Israel tigth pesar king of Assyria of Israel tigth pesar king of Assyria came and captured and then it names a came and captured and then it names a came and captured and then it names a number of cities and ends saying and he number of cities and ends saying and he number of cities and ends saying and he carried the people captive to Assyria carried the people captive to Assyria carried the people captive to Assyria what are we talking about here we are what are we talking about here we are what are we talking about here we are looking at the beginnings of the looking at the beginnings of the looking at the beginnings of the deportations the Neo Assyrians loved deportations the Neo Assyrians loved deportations the Neo Assyrians loved when they captured a new country to when they captured a new country to when they captured a new country to deport its people carry them off deport its people carry them off deport its people carry them off somewhere else and place them elsewhere somewhere else and place them elsewhere somewhere else and place them elsewhere in their empire and in their stad place in their empire and in their stad place in their empire and in their stad place different peoples the idea being that different peoples the idea being that different peoples the idea being that people are less likely to Rebel if they people are less likely to Rebel if they people are less likely to Rebel if they are living far far far from their native are living far far far from their native are living far far far from their native land and that one can control them more

land and that one can control them more land and that one can control them more easily so beginning already in the days easily so beginning already in the days easily so beginning already in the days of tigas pesar III in about 7:34 B.C we of tigas pesar III in about 7:34 B.C we of tigas pesar III in about 7:34 B.C we get the beginnings of the Neo Assyrian get the beginnings of the Neo Assyrian get the beginnings of the Neo Assyrian deportations these are going to continue deportations these are going to continue deportations these are going to continue these deportations through the reign of these deportations through the reign of these deportations through the reign of Shaner I from 727 to 722 BCE and even Shaner I from 727 to 722 BCE and even Shaner I from 727 to 722 BCE and even down into the reign of his successor so down into the reign of his successor so down into the reign of his successor so we get a series of we get a series of we get a series of deportations during the reign of Shaner deportations during the reign of Shaner deportations during the reign of Shaner V and his successor Sargon II and in the V and his successor Sargon II and in the V and his successor Sargon II and in the Years 722 and 721 BCE the Northern Years 722 and 721 BCE the Northern Years 722 and 721 BCE the Northern Kingdom of Israel as we know it Kingdom of Israel as we know it Kingdom of Israel as we know it essentially ceases to exist we have the essentially ceases to exist we have the essentially ceases to exist we have the description from Sargon II dated to 722 description from Sargon II dated to 722 description from Sargon II dated to 722 721 720 BCE which says I besieged and 721 720 BCE which says I besieged and 721 720 BCE which says I besieged and conquered Samaria I led away as booty conquered Samaria I led away as booty conquered Samaria I led away as booty 27,29 inhabitants of it I formed from 27,29 inhabitants of it I formed from 27,29 inhabitants of it I formed from among them a contingent of 50 ch and among them a contingent of 50 ch and among them a contingent of 50 ch and made the remaining population assume made the remaining population assume made the remaining population assume their social positions I installed over their social positions I installed over their social positions I installed over them an officer of mine and I imposed them an officer of mine and I imposed them an officer of mine and I imposed upon them the tribute of the former upon them the tribute of the former upon them the tribute of the former King this goes well with the account King this goes well with the account King this goes well with the account found in Second Kings in the book of found in Second Kings in the book of found in Second Kings in the book of Second Kings and what we get in essence Second Kings and what we get in essence Second Kings and what we get in essence is by the year 720 BCE the Northern

is by the year 720 BCE the Northern is by the year 720 BCE the Northern Kingdom of Israel has ceased to exist Kingdom of Israel has ceased to exist Kingdom of Israel has ceased to exist and it has been incorporated into the and it has been incorporated into the and it has been incorporated into the Neo Assyrian Empire what happened to the Neo Assyrian Empire what happened to the Neo Assyrian Empire what happened to the people that were living in the Northern people that were living in the Northern people that were living in the Northern Kingdom of Israel they are carried off Kingdom of Israel they are carried off Kingdom of Israel they are carried off into Exile they are deported how many into Exile they are deported how many into Exile they are deported how many people well we've seen at the very least people well we've seen at the very least people well we've seen at the very least more than 27,000 people in one Fell more than 27,000 people in one Fell more than 27,000 people in one Fell Swoop and in the larger scheme of things Swoop and in the larger scheme of things Swoop and in the larger scheme of things we're talking about 10 of the 12 tribes we're talking about 10 of the 12 tribes we're talking about 10 of the 12 tribes that we've got in Israelite history that we've got in Israelite history that we've got in Israelite history these are the famous 10 lost tribes they these are the famous 10 lost tribes they these are the famous 10 lost tribes they are carried off into Exile never to be are carried off into Exile never to be are carried off into Exile never to be seen again where are the 10 lost tribes seen again where are the 10 lost tribes seen again where are the 10 lost tribes today who knows they have been located today who knows they have been located today who knows they have been located in North America in England in India and in North America in England in India and in North America in England in India and every place in between like the Ark of every place in between like the Ark of every place in between like the Ark of the Covenant and like Noah's Ark I think the Covenant and like Noah's Ark I think the Covenant and like Noah's Ark I think that we are going to be hardpressed to that we are going to be hardpressed to that we are going to be hardpressed to ever find the 10 lost tribes and yet the ever find the 10 lost tribes and yet the ever find the 10 lost tribes and yet the quest to locate the 10 lost tribes is quest to locate the 10 lost tribes is quest to locate the 10 lost tribes is still ongoing today today and numerous still ongoing today today and numerous still ongoing today today and numerous books are published every decade books are published every decade books are published every decade claiming that they have found the Lost claiming that they have found the Lost claiming that they have found the Lost tribes or nowhere to look for our tribes or nowhere to look for our tribes or nowhere to look for our purposes though what we're interested in purposes though what we're interested in purposes though what we're interested in is the fact that the Northern Kingdom of is the fact that the Northern Kingdom of is the fact that the Northern Kingdom of Israel ceased to exist only about 200 Israel ceased to exist only about 200 Israel ceased to exist only about 200 years after it had been born and that years after it had been born and that years after it had been born and that after it ceased to exist it is the after it ceased to exist it is the after it ceased to exist it is the southern Kingdom of Judah that will rise southern Kingdom of Judah that will rise southern Kingdom of Judah that will rise to prominence it is this rise to

to prominence it is this rise to to prominence it is this rise to prominence of Judah that we will look at prominence of Judah that we will look at prominence of Judah that we will look at in the next