VIA Biblical Archaeological Review - Possible Discovery Regarding Elisha the Prophet

Tel Rehov House Associated with the Biblical Prophet Elisha

Bible and archaeology news

Noah Wiener   •  07/23/2013

For over a decade, excavations at Tel Rehov have revealed destruction layers from the ninth century B.C.E., the period in which the prophet Elisha lived, according to the Bible. Photo: John Camp.

The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) reported the discovery of a building that “might have been the house of Elisha the prophet” at Tel Rehov in Israel. The sixteen-year-long excavations at Tel Rehov, directed by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem archaeologist Amihai Mazar, investigate the largest Canaanite and Israelite sites in the Beth-Shean Valley, located in one of the largest tells in the nation. The team was able to reconstruct the name Elisha in a red ink inscription on a broken piece of pottery. According to the Bible, the prophet Elisha grew up in nearby Avel Mehola and would have prophesied in the second half of the ninth century B.C., the era of the stratum in which the sherd was found.

 

A storage jar from Building F at Tel Rehov bears the inscription nmsh, or Nimshi, the same name as the father or grandfather of the Biblical King Jehu, founder of the house that ousted the Omride dynasty in the ninth century B.C.E. Photo: Amihai Mazar and Nava Panitz-Cohen.

During the 2013 field season, the team investigated a unique two-wing house with clay figurines and incense altars, an artifact type well-known from earlier investigations at Tel Rehov.* In addition to finds at the house, references to the family of Nimshi have been uncovered at and near Tel Rehov. In the Bible, Elisha sends a disciple to anoint Jehu, a member of the family of Nimshi, as the king of Israel.

The CBN report associates a particular room in the house—where archaeologists uncovered the sherd naming Elisha, a table and bench—with that of the Biblical prophet Elisha. 2 Kings 4:8-9 includes the narrative:

One day Elisha was passing through Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived,** who urged him to have a meal. So whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for a meal. She said to her husband, ‘Look, I am sure that this man who regularly passes our way is a holy man of God. Let us make a small roof chamber with walls, and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that he can stay there whenever he comes to us.’

Amihai Mazar told CBN, “I cannot say for sure this particular Elisha that we found is the Biblical Elisha. You know it’s very difficult to say, but it is very tempting because it is exactly the period when Elisha acted – the second half of the ninth century B.C.” In the CBN article, archaeologist Stephen Pfann notes that Elisha was not a common name in ancient Israel, supporting his conviction that the Elisha named on the pottery fragment is the prophet Elisha.

While there are reasons to connect Tel Rehov with the prophet Elisha, the evidence is far from conclusive. On the BiblePlaces blog, Biblical studies professor Todd Bolen lists six important considerations related to the Tel Rehov discoveries, including the incomplete/reconstructed nature of the inscription, the association of commonplace finds with a specific Biblical character and the dissociation between Biblical prophets and incense altars, which have been found in the house in question and across the site of Tel Rehov.

Listening To God

Elihu (meaning “He is (my) God”) is one of the disputants in the Book of Job; a young man who, having listened in silence to the arguments of Job and his friends, is moved to prolong the discussion and from his more just views of truth set both parties right. He is of the tribe of Buz (compare Gen.22:21), a brother-tribe to that of Uz, and of the family of Ram, or Aram, that is, an Aramean. He is not mentioned as one of the characters of the story until chapter 32; and then, as the friends are silenced and Job's words are ended.  Consider the situation at the end of Job's words (Job 31:40). Job has vindicated his integrity and stands ready to present his cause to God (Job 31:35-37).  It is at this point, then, that Elihu is introduced, essentially at one with the other friends in condemning Job (Job 34:34-37). His only quarrel with them is on the score of the inconclusiveness of their arguments (Job 32:1,3). He adds materially to what the friends have said, but in a more rationalistic vein; speaks edifyingly, as the friends have not done. While grouped with the friends in God's rebuttal to them all, Elihu does make one very truthful statement, "Although God speaks again and again, no one pays attention to what he says." (Job 33:14)  

God has designed us to hear his voice. The predominant way that God speaks is through the Bible. This is why we need to read the it every day, because God’s will is found in God’s Word. In that vein, God also speaks through godly Bible teachers and people that have been brought into your life. In that moment, God is speaking directly to you. Sometimes God will use you to say things to people that He wants to say to them. Not that there is any special inspiration involved, it is just God bringing people together in circumstances and time, to hear or to speak things that one or the other need to hear. And, at times God will even speaks through circumstances and pain. A good biblical example of this is Job and Joseph. Both experienced tremendous loss, suffering, pain, anguish, yet both perceived that through it all - God spoke. 

God speaks all the time and it is we that must learn to listen.  1 Kings 19:11-13, even Elijah the mighty man of God who withstood the false prophets on Mt. Carmel - had to listen to hear God. Often, it is not in the loud bangs, crashes, the brilliant flashes that God will speak.  As with Elijah, it is often in the "still small voice" that God will speak. The question is not how God talks, but, are you listening for God's voice?  What do you need to change about you so that you can be more in tune with God and hear his voice? How might God be using your circumstances to speak to you?  Maybe it is time to start listening.

Jim

David's Palace Found?

Archaeological digs in Israel are winding down and the maximalists are having a great time. Today’s report comes from the excavation of Khirbet Qeiyafa which is conducted jointly by Professor Yossi Garfinkel of the Hebrew University and Saar Ganor of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Aerial photo of Khirbet Qeiyafa. Photo: Sky View, courtesy of the Hebrew University and the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Here is today’s Press Release from the Israel Antiquities Authority.

“

King David’s Palace was Uncovered in the Judean Shephelah

Royal storerooms were also revealed in the joint archaeological excavation of the Hebrew University and the Israel Antiquities Authority at Khirbet Qeiyafa *** These are the two largest buildings known to have existed in the tenth century BCE in the Kingdom of Judah

Two royal public buildings, the likes of which have not previously been found in the Kingdom of Judah of the tenth century BCE, were uncovered this past year by researchers of the Hebrew University and the Israel Antiquities Authority at Khirbet Qeiyafa – a fortified city in Judah dating to the time of King David and identified with the biblical city of Shaarayim.

One of the buildings is identified by the researchers, Professor Yossi Garfinkel of the Hebrew University and Saar Ganor of the Israel Antiquities Authority, as David’s palace, and the other structure served as an enormous royal storeroom.

Today (Thursday) the excavation, which was conducted over the past seven years, is drawing to a close. According to Professor Yossi Garfinkel and Sa’ar Ganor, “Khirbet Qeiyafa is the best example exposed to date of a fortified city from the time of King David. The southern part of a large palace that extended across an area of c. 1,000 sq m was revealed at the top of the city. The wall enclosing the palace is c. 30 m long and an impressive entrance is fixed it through which one descended to the southern gate of the city, opposite the Valley of Elah. Around the palace’s perimeter were rooms in which various installations were found – evidence of a metal industry, special pottery vessels and fragments of alabaster vessels that were imported from Egypt. The palace is located in the center of the site and controls all of the houses lower than it in the city. From here one has an excellent vantage looking out into the distance, from as far as the Mediterranean Sea in the west to the Hebron Mountains and Jerusalem in the east. This is an ideal location from which to send messages by means of fire signals. Unfortunately, much of this palace was destroyed c. 1,400 years later when a fortified farmhouse was built there in the Byzantine period”.

A pillared building c. 15 m long by 6 m wide was exposed in the north of the city, which was used as an administrative storeroom. According to the researchers, “It was in this building the kingdom stored taxes it received in the form of agricultural produce collected from the residents of the different villages in the Judean Shephelah. Hundreds of large store jars were found at the site whose handles were stamped with an official seal as was customary in the Kingdom of Judah for centuries”.

An aerial picture of the “palace” and the Byzantine farmhouse. Photograph: Sky View, courtesy of the Hebrew University and the Israel Antiquities Authority.

The palace and storerooms are evidence of state sponsored construction and an administrative organization during King David’s reign. “This is unequivocal evidence of a kingdom’s existence, which knew to establish administrative centers at strategic points”, the archaeologists say. “To date no palaces have been found that can clearly be ascribed to the early tenth century BCE as we can do now. Khirbet Qeiyafa was probably destroyed in one of the battles that were fought against the Philistines circa 980 BCE. The palace that is now being revealed and the fortified city that was uncovered in recent years are another tier in understanding the beginning of the Kingdom of Judah”.

Finds from the site. Photo: Clara Amit, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

The exposure of the biblical city at Khirbet Qeiyafa and the importance of the finds discovered there have led the Israel Antiquities Authority to act together with the Nature and Parks Authority and the planning agencies to cancel the intended construction of a new neighborhood nearby and to promote declaring the area around the site a national park. This plan stems from the belief that the site will quickly become a place that will attract large numbers of visitors who will be greatly interested in it, and from it one will be able to learn about the culture of the country at the time of King David.

“

Comments: It is often true in the media that the headlines say more than the article. This seems to be the case here. I understand this Press Release to be saying that a large structure, called a palace (don’t think Buckingham!) has been found. There is evidence of “a metal industry, special pottery vessels and fragments of alabaster vessels that were imported from Egypt.” Whether these things are to be associated directly with the David (1010–970 B.C.) we read about in the Bible is a matter of interpretation.

I note that the aerial photo of the site is an older one; it does not show the structures we see in the recent closeup of the “palace” and Byzantine farmhouse.

Todd Bolen’s comment this morning is worth heeding.



Ferrell's Travel Blog

ferrelljenkins Jul 18, 2013 Has “King David’s Palace” been uncovered in the Judean Shephelah

posted from Bloggeroid

Has God Given You a NEW Heart?

I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts. 

Ecc 3:18

Mayhem dominates our news most nights. If its not war or killing, it's crime, scandalous affairs, immorality, fraud, and much more.  We look at the news and often in disgust think of how horrible people must be. Yet, I have to remember, I am a "people!"  My own sin is not any better than any one of these, and how much of what I have done myself, has caused untold pain, anguish, heartache and misery in the lives of others?  And people ask, "If God is all-powerful, why doesn't he just stop our sin before it gets ugly?"

God doesn't keep us from sinning (besides wanting to give us a free choice) is that he wants us to realize how much we need Him. Animals don’t have a conscience, they do whatever feels good at the time. If they want to kill another animal, they do so. If they want to take another animal’s lunch, they’ll do so without regard for the life or feelings of the other. They don’t have a conscience. But we do! Humans have the capacity to make decisions based on what’s right and wrong. That ability is a gift from God. Without God, we behave just like the animals. Without God, life is a disaster.

When we were created by God, God didn't want us to be subject to animalistic desires and behaviors. God created us to live above those desires, so God breathed into us and we became a "soul."  Yes, we all have areas of our lives where we still live out those animalistic, carnal desires. Everyone does.  However, God provided Jesus to us, to teach us that we don’t have to stay like that or behave like that. You may think you can’t change on your own. You’re right! - You can’t.  If you could have, you would have, but you haven't, so you won’t. And we will not until we recognize that change comes from within.  Psa 51:10 states, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."  

We are admonished in Pro 4:23  "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." The truth is, we need God in our life and we need a Savior. Psa 32:9-11 states, "Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.  Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" 

In what areas of your life do you deal the most with the carnal, animal desires of life? Have you given these to God? Have you asked God to create a new heart in you?  If not, start today!

Where did Joy Go?

Joy is an easy thing to lose, but it’s also an easy thing to get back. The problem is a lot of times, we let it go and then don't try to find it again, because we don't think that we have anything to be joyful about.  What is robbing you of your joy?”

The Bible tells us many times, to search the truth and examine the scripture in our lives. This subject is no exception.  We should always remember as is said in  Lamentations 3:40  “Let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the Lord” 

We all know the passage that states James 4:17, “It is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”  So, the first question should be what do you know you need to be doing but you’re not?  What has God told you to do but you haven’t started doing yet?  Many either forget, or do not see (or sometimes choose to see) that the secret to continual, abundant, and overflowing joy is obedience. Every time you do what God tells you to do, you will find joy in life because God will be there to take the place of what is robbing you of it.  When God is preeminent in your life, everything else is secondary. The peace you find in God makes it so that no one or no thing can rob you of the joy of knowing that even if the world around you crumbles, your relationship with God is the happiest thing of all. 

Joy can be found when you think about what’s good in your life instead of what is miserable. Psalm 126:3, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy”. The more you focus on what God has done for you, the more joy you’re going to have in your life. Why? Because it produces gratitude and gratitude is the healthiest of human emotion. It helps us to appreciate the important things.  There are hundreds of killjoys in life. Some of the most common are an unbalanced schedules, unbalanced perspectives, and unused talent. You have to have a balance between rest and work, input and output. That is why SPIRITUAL rest is just as important if not more so than physical rest. Remembering to be in God's house on the Lord's day rests and nourishes your spirit.  Find outlets where you can use your unique, God-given talents to remove frustrations and become productive. All of these have to be balanced, and that balance starts with "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," Mt.6:33 (God's words, not mine).

If you want to get your joy back, first you admit it’s gone, then you analyze the cause. Then, correct what’s wrong, and learn gratitude. What do you need to do to balance your life and schedule so that it does not steal your joy?  What has God told you to do but you haven’t started doing yet?  His joy awaits you,  and it is so close you can reach out for it today!

Jim

FRUIT

John 15:2

Saturday, July 6, 2013
Psa 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Joh 15:8 ISV This is how my Father is glorified, when you produce a lot of fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

FRUIT = Lifestyle, thoughts, attitudes, actions

Gal 5:22 ISV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

2Co 9:8 ISV Besides, God is able to make every blessing of yours overflow for you, so that in every situation you will always have all you need for any good work.

How would you describe your level of fruit bearing in God's house and vineyard?

- Sent from MySword

posted from Bloggeroid

Tabernacle Evidence at Shiloh?

Ferrell's Travel Blog

Do we have archaeological evidence the tabernacle was at Shiloh?



ferrelljenkins

During the midst of the allocation of the land to the various tribes of Israel, all of them gathered at Shiloh (Shilo) and set up the tent of meeting or tabernacle (Hebrew mishkan) (Joshua 18:1), which is also called the house of God in Joshua 18:31. Here they made the final division of the land (Joshua 18:8-10).

Then the whole congregation of the people of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting there. The land lay subdued before them. (Joshua 18:1 ESV)

Several Israeli newspapers are reporting a brief notice that archaeologists have discovered holes in the ground at Shiloh which could have held the beams of the Tabernacle. The account in Israel Hayom (Tuesday July 2) is found here.

The findings, which will be presented at a conference of the Shiloh Association scheduled to take place this week in ancient Shiloh, include the discovery of holes carved into the ground which could have held the beams of a temporary structure.

I have visited Tel Shiloh three times in the past five years. The area where the tabernacle is thought to have stood looked this way in May of this year. It was difficult to see what archaeological work was being done. Some of the area looked more like reconstruction.

Area where the tabernacle is thought to have stood. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins, May 2013.
Ferrell's Travel Blog

Do we have archaeological evidence the tabernacle was at Shiloh?



ferrelljenkins

During the midst of the allocation of the land to the various tribes of Israel, all of them gathered at Shiloh (Shilo) and set up the tent of meeting or tabernacle (Hebrew mishkan) (Joshua 18:1), which is also called the house of God in Joshua 18:31. Here they made the final division of the land (Joshua 18:8-10).

Then the whole congregation of the people of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting there. The land lay subdued before them. (Joshua 18:1 ESV)

Several Israeli newspapers are reporting a brief notice that archaeologists have discovered holes in the ground at Shiloh which could have held the beams of the Tabernacle. The account in Israel Hayom (Tuesday July 2) is found here.

The findings, which will be presented at a conference of the Shiloh Association scheduled to take place this week in ancient Shiloh, include the discovery of holes carved into the ground which could have held the beams of a temporary structure.

I have visited Tel Shiloh three times in the past five years. The area where the tabernacle is thought to have stood looked this way in May of this year. It was difficult to see what archaeological work was being done. Some of the area looked more like reconstruction.

We await more information.

posted from Bloggeroid

What We Believe and Why We Believe it Matters!

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. 

Proverbs 4:23      

I have spoken on this proverb and quoted it several times. It is very poignant and gives some very wise and pertinent wisdom. The Bible tells us that what we believe determines our behavior. If there are things in your life you want to change, you don’t change them from the outside in. You change them from the inside out. Thus, Paul reminds us,  "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Rom 12:2 ).  Transformation begins in the spirit, and forms the foundation of what we do in body.  This is why we must learn the process of not seeking our own will and desires, or what the world wants.  For the spiritually minded person, it is when God's will is sought and God's glory seen in our hearts and lives that we truly live. God's mind becomes our mind. 

Pro 29:18 states, "Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he who keeps the law, he is blessed."  When you don’t have God’s view in your spirit, you stumble all over yourself. The proverb states and teaches that when you pay attention to God’s revelation, that you are blessed. And God expects us to not only know what we believe and why you believe it but also to be able to explain it to other people. Peter teaches,  “Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you. But do it courteously and respectfully” (1 Pet.3:15).  Our world needs people who can explain effectively to others what they believe, because most of the people in the world don’t have a clue what they really believe, much less why they believe it.Whether they show it or not, the world is desperate to hear about something they can believe in, because everything that is in the world involves lust of flesh, eyes, or egotistical pride.  Sometimes, it just takes you being obedient and telling others about God's peace in your own life for them to hear truth.

 

In the beginning, God told man   "And Jehovah God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. (Gen 2:15).  He expected them to take care of and manage what He had given them. He held them responsible for it, and he expects us to do the same with our spirits. 

  

What about you? What do the causes and pursuits you care about most reflect about how well God's word resides in you? What do you tell others when they ask what is different about you and why?

Jim