The City of David (Earth, Jerusalem, bible, Israel, Biblical)

[Jayhawker Soule]

From today's Jerusalem Post

The once and future city

he first major archeological digs in Jerusalem since the 1980s have uncovered some of the most significant - and the most highly controversial - finds ever discovered in the area known by most, and revered by many, as Ir David - "The City of David."

For decades, archeologists had assumed that there was little new to uncover at the site, already one of the most visited archeological sites in Israel. Yet in the past year, two archeological teams, each with a different vision and each supported by private institutions, have made discoveries that have surpassed even their own expectations. ...

It is a long article worth reading.

[Aqualung]

Well, I kind of have to if I want to know what they found, now don't I?

[eric]

Thanks for the article. Have you had a chance to read Finkelstein's Bible Unearthed yet?

[BUDDY]

As Yair Zakovitch, professor of biblical studies at the Hebrew University, observes, "Everyone uses the Bible for their own agenda. Jerusalem is a sensitive place, and everyone uses the digs to prove what it is they want to prove.

"Which is why objectivity is so critical," he says, "although it is perhaps impossible under the circumstances."

Put simply, Mazar seems to contend that King David most definitely had a palace, based on the fact "that the Bible tells us so."

Two different archaeologists and two different trains of thought concerning research. Although I believe in the Bible, I find my comfort level improved when researchers adopt the first line of reason. Let the research and findings tell you what happened, don't make up yourmind and then select pieces of the puzzle to fit preconceived ideas. Good article though, so thanks for that.

[Jayhawker Soule]

Originally Posted by eric

Thanks for the article. Have you had a chance to read Finkelstein's Bible Unearthed yet?

Yes - when it first came out.

[eric]

Is it a book that's accessible to the layman? I find the subject quite interesting and would be interested in reading up on it more.

[Jayhawker Soule]

Originally Posted by eric

Is it a book that's accessible to the layman? I find the subject quite interesting and would be interested in reading up on it more.

Very, though be aware that Finklestein is controversial. Another very readable though less controversial text is Laughlin's Archaeology and the Bible.

[eric]

Originally Posted by Jayhawker Soule

Very, though be aware that Finklestein is controversial. Another very readable though less controversial text is Laughlin's Archaeology and the Bible.

Yeah, I gathered that from the article you posted. Thanks for the Laughlin recommendation.