Archaeology and the Bible: Unveiling Ancient Truths

In an article published by Alexander and Hannah Cohen (a biology professor and a microbiology graduate) in the "Science" magazine by the Weizmann Institute, they discuss the issue of 'Science or Pseudo-science?' They believe that even an educated person outside the exact sciences may struggle to distinguish core truths from nonsense spoken in the name of science.

The article defines false science as one based on hypotheses that can't be refuted or proved experimentally. The authors assert that 'a great scientist expressing an opinion outside their expertise isn't necessarily correct' and that 'practical science can lead to dangerous illusions', further noting that even scientists 'swallow facts' outside their expertise. The article quotes British physicist and philosopher Campbell, saying 'a scientist's expertise in one field can blind them to their ignorance in another.'

As it turns out, even those in the scientific field aren't immune to adopting incorrect views, especially outside their expertise. Therefore, the general public has even less ability to judge these matters, yet we all hold worldviews based in part on our knowledge. Recently, different media have made statements about the historical reliability of the Bible. But what the public sees is only the tip of the iceberg, largely concealed within academic halls.

In universities (including Bar-Ilan), students learn that the Patriarchal narratives are myths, the Exodus never happened, the settlement in the land was an activity of local Canaanites, and that Israel's origin is a mix of small groups infiltrating from outside with local Canaanites expelled from urban systems. In biblical studies, it's suggested that the Bible is a late historiography perhaps edited during Josiah's time or even later in Ezra's era. Students even find that the Documentary Hypothesis is considered too conservative today. Some years back, an incautious journalist wrote in Haaretz about a new book by Professor Nadav Naaman (a proponent of these views), opening with thanks and praise for freeing her from holiday questions from her children, stating that 'it never happened.'

Professor Ze'ev Herzog, an archaeologist at Tel Aviv University, wrote a sensational article in Haaretz stating "The Bible: No Evidence in the Field" [29.10.99], presenting his opinion similar to the above and concluding with his views on the 'injustice' Jews did to Arabs and the need for political compromise.

Professor Herzog doesn't hide the link between his professional conclusions and political opinions. Historically, the documented period is less than 5,000 years. All that predates is defined as prehistory (pre-history). Seemingly, everything is known today, science illuminates every dark corner from kindergartens to universities, confidently teaching human history.

But are these the facts? On what is our historical knowledge truly based? The history of the ancient world was essentially set in modern times. From great civilizations like Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, Persia, and Greece, only ruins remain, relics of material culture. Few partial or fragmentary king lists exist, often exaggerated or imaginary. No chronicles of the empires until their downfall were found.

'Chronicles' like the above existed in royal palace libraries and significant temples (see, for example, the 'Book of Records' in Esther about King Ahasuerus), but the destruction of capitals like Memphis and No-Amon in Egypt, Nineveh in Assyria, Shushan, Persepolis, and Alexandria destroyed these rich libraries along with most of the knowledge of the time. Our current understanding is based on interpretations.

Modern researchers study material remnants from archaeological digs, various artifacts, fragments of written information, and relatively few formal texts in royal inscriptions. Some archives with administrative records (like Mari and Nuzi tablets in Mesopotamia) and various cultic texts were discovered, though these can't be considered comprehensive historical chronicles.

Establishing ancient world chronologies is a patchwork assembly, not reaching complete synthesis as there are too many gaps (see notes 1,2). Initially, Egyptian chronology was set, and all others were aligned to it. Thus, any error in the Egyptian chronology affects the entire ancient Near East. At least one scholar, Professor Immanuel Velikovsky, saw the need for significant revision in Egyptian chronology and identified errors. Velikovsky dedicated decades of research to this, publishing a series 'Ages in Chaos' with detailed scenarios and solutions.

There are many discoveries indicating biblical accuracy unlisted here, yet disparities exist between the biblical text and historical and archaeological research findings. The problem partly arises from comparing established chronologies, leading to non-matching details. All ancient cultures intertwined with clear ritualistic and pagan elements, and today they're 'dead' cultures and religions.

In stark contrast, Israel's tradition uniquely survived. The history of the Jewish people remains uninterrupted unlike others [2]. Despite destruction and likely loss of temple and palace libraries, as mentioned in the Bible, some books didn't survive [3].

Contrary to other ancient nations, Jews didn't assimilate into different cultures, never forgetting their language, preserving their heritage. Attempting to reconstruct ancient historical continuity relies solely on remnants of material culture and modern researchers' interpretations based chiefly in their era. Scientific research has drastically advanced in the last century, yet no diligent scholar denies that significant discoveries often occur by chance. For example, the Tel Dan Stele fragments were accidentally discovered in 1993.

Understanding its significance, consider before its discovery, some believed King David mythical, an invention by 'biblical writers' for political reasons, given no external biblical mention was found. Attributed to Hazael of Aram, describing his victory over 'King of Israel' and 'House of David,' it ended this debate, yet shows the fragility of this research area with high risk conclusions based on transient evidence. Professor Israel Finkelstein from Tel Aviv University excavated Tel Shiloh starting 1981.

In the scientific publication of excavation findings [4], he asserts unmistakable identification of the site, time, and findings with Shiloh, the sacred center of Israelite tribes during the settlement and judges' era. Professor Finkelstein currently claims that neither biblical detail about Israelite settlement character nor biblical historical reliability is accepted (as described above). The question arises whether to accept scientific archaeological findings or the researcher's present view? Separating between 'scientific' declarations and facts is essential regarding Jewish origins.

Interesting facts are confirmed in a recent book [5] about anthropological research in Israel. Author Dr. Yossi Nagar (head of physical anthropology division at the Antiquities Authority) states anthropological findings clearly indicate Jewish ancestors originated from Mesopotamia (Iraq), consistent with names and ancient customs from that ancient world region.

Dr. Nagar reveals a fascinating genetic study proving Jews worldwide resemble each other more than non-Jews from their origin countries, 'This fact conclusively proves shared origins of world Jewish communities from one population group.' He adds 'Genetic-based diseases and variations show changes over years in the genetic pool of global Jewish populations, distinguishing them, also indicating Jewish migration between communities worldwide.'

Research indicates shared origins of Jewish communities today, especially the close connection between Ashkenazi Jews and Iraqi Jews [Source; pp. 168-169]. He concludes stating the current Jewish threat arises from assimilation due to non-Jewish immigration. This doesn't diminish overall scientific research importance, especially historical and archaeological, but underscores the need for proportionate, thoughtful, and cautious consideration of researchers' and scientists' statements.

Notes: 1. See how Egyptian, Babylonian, Assyrian chronologies were set in 'History of the Jewish People', Am Oved Publishing, 1982. Also in Encyclopedia Mikra'it, Bialik Institute, 1978. 2. See 'Seder Olam Rabbah' and 'Seder Olam Zuta' by our Sages. 3. Such as 'Book of Jasher' [2 Samuel 1, Joshua 10] 'Book of Solomon's Deeds' [1 Kings 11] 'Book of the Signing Command, Laws and Revelation' [Jeremiah 32]. 4. New Encyclopedia of Archaeological Excavations in the Holy Land, entry: 'Shiloh'. 5. Dr. Yossi Nagar, 'Who Are We? The Ancient Story of Israel's Populations', Rakia Publishing, 2003.