Simon Peter Sutherland writes,

“Biblical archaeology has taken a significant turn over the past few years and today it is not so easy to dismiss the Bible as historically accurate as many modern critical and sceptical scholars have attempted to do. I have highlighted a few of these discoveries below so the reader can research further.

Battle ground of David and Goliath

In 2106 it was announced that archaeologists have found an ancient city where they believe the battle between David and Goliath took place. The site sits in the Elah valley between Sokho and Ezekah, about the border of Philistia and Judah. Western and Southern gates were discovered and olive pits, all perfectly matching to the Biblical account. The city is referenced in 1 Samuel 17: 1-2, 1 Chronicles 4: 31 and Joshua 15: 36.

The City of David found

It has been an archaeological mystery to locate the ancient City of David in Jerusalem. For the last 150 years or so, researchers have been working hard to discover the long lost Biblical city. Recent discoveries however have unveiled important new evidences and brought to light the exact location of the city of David in Jerusalem. But it is highly controversial and politically wrapped up in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

2,700 year old inscription

In 2013, archaeological excavations just outside the Capital of the ancient city of David in Jerusalem discovered a ceramic bowl with a Hebrew inscription. This pottery fragment dates to the first Temple period between the 8th and 7th centuries BC. The name on the 348 inscription is similar to the name of Zechariah, 2 Chronicles 20: 14. Confirming once again the historic reliability of the Biblical texts.

2,700 year old seal of the governor

In 2018, archaeologists revealed an ancient clay seal of the governors of Biblical Jerusalem. 1 Kings 10: 15 and 2 Chronicles 9: 14 refer to the ‘governors of the country’. This find was discovered near the Western wall in Jerusalem and archaeologists have agree these claims back up the Biblical accounts that there were governors of the city of Jerusalem.

Temple sifting project

In 2005 an archaeological program began known as the Temple Sifting Project. The program was dedicated to the recovery of artifacts taken from truck loads of top soil taken from the Temple Mount area in Jerusalem, and dumped into the Kidron Valley. Hundreds of artifacts have been sifted out within this program and have been publicly announced. Some of the finds include a Roman arrowhead from the siege of Jerusalem in AD 70 and a 2,600 year old priestly seal from the first Temple period. There is also the only known floor tile from the second Temple.

Locating the Jerusalem temple

It is a common assumption to accept the Temple mount in Jerusalem as the actual historic location for the first and second Temple’s. Yet Jesus said ‘not one stone would be left standing upon another’ (Matthew 24: 2) Yet the Western wall is connected to the Temple mount. The present discussion claims that the Temple mount area is the site of the Roman Antonia Fortress, a military barracks from the New Testament era. The site would later be used for the Temple of Domini from the Crusaders time, which Muslims under Saladin took it and made it into a Mosque. The majority of the walls overlooking the mount of olives date to the Ottoman Empire (1520-1566) with some earlier foundations. The problem being that the original locations were lost because the Jewish people were gone from Jerusalem for a thousand years, they didn’t know the location for the City of David until around 1900. Locals in Jerusalem often think it is a political claim that Temple mount is the actual location of Solomon and Herod’s Temple. Another location has been proposed, which many claim is better, and more consistent with the historic information. A 10th century BC 20 feet tall and 230 feet long wall has been found between the Temple mount and the ancient City of David. Thus, giving a basis for an actual historical framework to be developed for the quest to locate the actual site of the first and second Temple.

Childhood home of Jesus, Nazareth

In 2006, excavation work began underneath the sisters of Nazareth Convent in Nazareth. These excavations revealed a first-century courtyard, tombs and a cistern. The finds are consistent with claims written about in historical documents and the site is now being discussed and reviewed as the possible childhood home of Jesus.

The Nazareth inscription

One very important archaeological testament not so often presented by the so-called ‘academic elite’ is what is known as ‘The Nazareth Inscription’ or ‘The Nazareth Decree’. The tablet itself dates to the 1st century and was written in Koine Greek (The language of the New Testament) and was acquired in the 19th century from Nazareth, the 350 home town of Jesus. This inscription is made of marble and contains a Greek edict from a Caesar. This is what it says;

Edict of Caesar

“It is my decision [concerning] graves and tombs—whoever has made them for the religious observances of parents, or children, or household members—that these remain undisturbed forever. But if anyone legally charges that another person has destroyed, or has in any manner extracted those who have been buried, or has moved with wicked intent those who have been buried to other places, committing a crime against them, or has moved sepulchre-sealing stones, against such a person, I order that a judicial tribunal be created, just as [is done] concerning the gods in human religious observances, even more so will it be obligatory to treat with honour those who have been entombed. You are absolutely not to allow anyone to move [those who have been entombed]. But if [someone does], I wish that [violator] to suffer capital punishment under the title of tomb-breaker.” 584. When this edict is linked up with Matthew 28: 12-13, they match up perfectly.”

Book excerpt: “The Divine Saviour In The Dark Light Of Modern Critical and Sceptical Scholarship” by Simon Peter Sutherland is available now in paperback from Amazon