SYNOPSIS: The existence of a strong centralized kingdom at the time of Solomon as described in the Bible is something that is disputed by many scholars. A recent discovery of fortification walls at the important biblical city of Lachish now challenges that view, in more ways than you might think. The Lachish city wall discovery lends support to the biblical account. Read More

Then Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you what shall happen to you in days to come. – Genesis 49:1 (ESV) Steve Law | Patterns of Evidence Last week’s Thinker Update showed how archaeological evidence for worship of foreign gods and idols among ancient Israelites actually fits the picture painted by the Bible. This week’s update will apply that reality to cover an intriguing interpretation of an impression made by a cylinder seal found at Avaris. Could the symbols found on this seal be evidence that it belonged to Joseph’s family during their time in Egypt Read More

The Golden Calf by James Tissot. (public domain – from Wikimedia Commons) Steve Law | Patterns of Evidence The people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth, the gods of Syria, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites, and the gods of the Philistines. And they forsook the LORD and did not serve him. – Judges 10:6 (ESV) Archaeological evidence of idol worship from the area of ancient Israel in recent years continues to give us better understandings of folk religion during Israel’s early history. In some circles, these finds are being used for claims that the biblical account is unreliable and does not fit real history.But this begs the question, does this evidence really contradict what the Bible says about idol worship among the Israelites Read More

Steve Law | Patterns of Evidence The city gate at Bethsaida/Zer, Israel. Courtesy of The International Studies and Programs | Bethsaida Excavations Project And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. – Mark 8:22 (ESV) Local authorities in Israel’s northern Golan Heights region reported a major find by archaeologists in recent weeks. The entrance gate of a large fortified city just north of the Sea of Galilee has been excavated, leading some to claim it is additional evidence supporting the site being Bethsaida, the city of three of Jesus’ disciples and associated with his famous miracle of the loaves and fishes. The early phase of the city may also have an intriguing connection to the Bible’s King David, who reigned around 1000 BC. Read More