Origin of Israel

Gale Brown, Biblical Archaeology; July, 2013 The origin of Israel is fascinating. From the descendants of Abraham and Isaac came Jacob. Several generations were involved in this time frame, but every generation is not detailed, as in the case of these who are very significant in history. Abraham was visited by God (Genesis 17) and was promised that through his seed he would become the father of many nations, “as the sand of the sea.” In his old age, being 100 and Sarah in her 90’s, they had their son Isaac. Later, Jacob was born, who had twelve sons. When he had an encounter with the Angel of the Lord, God changed his name to Israel. (Genesis 35:10-12) One of these sons was Joseph, who wound up in Egypt after his jealous brothers, who initially wanted to kill him, sold him as a slave instead. By the providence of God, many years later, Joseph became a leader in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself. (Genesis 39-47) Through a series of events, including a famine throughout all the land, Joseph schemed to get his father Jacob (who thought Joseph was dead all these years) and his brothers, with their families, into Egypt where they could survive. When the whole story came out, Joseph told his brothers (who at first did not know it was Joseph who was laying out this scheme) not to worry. What they had done to him was meant for evil, but God had meant it for good, to save alive all of Jacob’s household. Later on, just before Israel died, he brought his sons together, spoke his blessing upon each one, and these became the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Much later, when they left Egypt under Moses, estimates are there were at least 1-2 million. (I’m not trying to be exact here). I’ve always thought it amazing to see and follow how through God’s promise to Abraham, and then through one man whom God named Israel, the whole nation was born, and was kept through all of the good, bad, and ugly events of history. This of course created the framework, types and shadows, prophecies, and location for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ! This is the most important purpose in all of history, and God created a nation through which He brought the Christ into the world! NOTHING IS AS AMAZING AS SEEING HISTORY THROUGH SCRIPTURE, as God lays it out through this period of existence called time. What does this have to do with archaeology? Well, there are multitudes of anti-God, evolution-minded scientists and archeologists, who attempt to discredit the true account of Israel, thus discrediting the Bible. (As they also try to do with most anything else in the Bible) Now for those who believe, they don’t need confirmation of archaeological finds. Their world view starts with Scripture, everything else follows. Nevertheless, here are a few of the many references concerning Israel and its existence according to the Scriptural timeline: • The Exodus conquest, Biblically dated at 1446-1406 B.C., (including the 40 yr. wandering in the wilderness) during Late Bronze I period, has historical and chronological support in Scripture. Associates for Biblical Research http://www.biblearchaeology.org/post/2009/03/30/The-Biblical-Date-for-the-Exodus-is-1446-BC-A-Response-to-James-Hoffmeier.aspx The correctness of this date is vital, because looking for references and evidence of the Exodus in the wrong century, as some claim to be 13th-12th century, will obviously produce negative and incorrect results. • The Merneptah Stela (1210 B.C.) mentions Israel as an enemy force of which they boasted “is wasted.” This "wasting" they did not accomplish, but it reveals their acknowledgement of Israel. (Wikipedia; Associates of Biblical Research, www.biblearchaeology) • The Moabite stone (846 B.C.) Moabite record of the revolt of Mesha, king of Moab, recorded in 2 Kings18:3:5. Also mentions Omri, king of Israel, the “House of David”, YAHWEH, God of Israel. Associates for Biblical Research, Mesha, King of Moab. • In archaeological digs of Jericho, evidence of its destruction, such as excavated stone and block rubble appear as walls having “falling down flat”, and ash 3 feet deep shows evidence of being destroyed by fire, as recorded in Joshua 6. http://www.biblearchaeology.org/post/2008/05/01/Did-the-Israelites-Conquer-Jericho-A-New-Look-at-the-Archaeological-Evidence.aspx

Finding Noah's Ark

Gale Brown, Biblical Archaeology, July 4, 2013. How important is it if Noah’s Ark is discovered and reasonably verified? From time to time we hear about those who have searched for Noah’s Ark, and some say they are reasonably certain it is there. Many of those searches had to cease because of local laws and restrictions. I don’t know if anyone is currently active in their search. Noah’s Ark, for the most part, is said possibly to be in modern Turkey, within the mountain ranges of Mt. Ararat, according to some relatively recent archaeological expeditions. Even back when Josephus lived (37-100 A.D.) he said in his writings that some Armenians in that locale claimed to know where it was and were showing it to people! “…the Armenians call this place…The Place of Descent: for the Ark being saved in that place, its remains are shewed by the inhabitants to this day.” Flavius Josephus, “Antiquities of the Jews, Book 1, Ch. 3:5b. How important is it to us? Well, of course it would be great if God allowed that to happen, and there was an actual verifiable find. It would be awesome! However, it doesn’t really mean much in relation to our faith in Christ. Real faith is based on belief in the Scripture, relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit, being born of the Spirit. Jesus told Thomas, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” (John 20:29). By the way, Jesus is The Ark to us, or better yet, the Ark is a type of Christ. He is our safety and protection from eternal destruction. Jesus told the story of the rich man and Lazarus. I should point out here that Jesus told a story, being God in the flesh, it was from real experiences. Whether it was what He saw and learned growing up, or given to Him by revelation of the Spirit, or a combination of both, He told real stories! Anyway, Lazarus had died, and also the rich man died and went to hell. (You can read the entire discourse on your own if you want) Towards the end of the rich man’s talk with Abraham, he said this: “…I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him (Lazarus) to my father’s house, (which Abraham could not do anyway!) 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’” (Luke 16: 19-31 NKJV). Basically, Jesus quoted Abraham as saying, “they have the Law and the prophets, let them believe the Scriptures.” Many times God allows us to see things that will cause us or others to believe. But that is not the basis of faith. It is believing Jesus Christ is who He says He is, the Savior of the world, “especially to those who believe.” Will you believe? You would never be sorry. God bless!

Tale of Three Cities

Gale Brown, Biblical Archaeology June, 2013. The Three Woes is a tale of three cities. There was a popular book written by Charles Dickens, “A Tale of Two Cities”. This is nothing like that! The title and much of the contents are taken from the article “Three Woes!” by Henry B. Smith Jr., MA, Associates of Biblical Research, August 15, 2007. This archaeological and comparative study of three thriving ancient villages has in common their relationship to Jesus Christ and their decisions for their own destiny. In these three “cities”, called the Evangelical Triangle, was where Jesus performed a major portion of His miracles. God in flesh was in their towns. The objective is to relate their stories to our own lives, our present day communities, our own cities, our own nation, and the nations of the world. The three cities are Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. Other things they have in common are: They all existed at the time of Christ on earth, they all are near the north end of the Sea of Galilee, they all had significant purpose and function, they probably were all proud of their greatness, and they all are ancient ruins today. Chorazin on the north side has never been excavated. A major highway runs between the north side and the south side. The south side has had significant excavation, but yet only a small percentage of its 80-100 acres. It sits 2.5 miles from the Sea. Chorazin was known for its grain. There were two synagogues, one a 1st century and another 4th century. The 1st would be in existence when Jesus was there. One item uncovered was the “Seat of Moses” carved from basalt block. The rulers would “sit in Moses seat”, read the Torah, judge the people, and demand strict obedience to the law, but did not obey it themselves. Jesus renounced their hypocrisy in Matthew 23:1-3 while teaching in the Jerusalem temple. Bethsaida dates back to around 10th century B.C. and back to the time of David. It was destroyed 732 B.C. (Tiglath-Pileser). It was once rebuilt since it appears much in the New Testament. It is known as the home of Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 1:44; 12:19). According to Josephus, Bethsaida was involved in the revolt against Rome, 67 A.D. (Smith) It was considered a fishing village, though its location is 1-1/2 miles from the Sea of Galilee. This is generally thought to be because of sediment movement, volcanic or tectonic activity. There are two proposed sites, one closer to the shores; but its exact location is disputed, having faded into history. Both proposed locations have significant reasons and evidence for their claim. (1. Bethsaida Excavation Project; 2.Nun, Mendul) Capernaum’s location is basically undisputed, its archaeological ruins and literary information provide its validation. Traditionally, the name came from it being the birthplace of Nahum the prophet. Peter owned a home in Capernaum. (Mk.1:29-31; Mt.8:14-15) It was Jesus’ home in Galilee (Matt. 4:13-14), though He did not own any property as the Son of Man (Matt.8:20). The central focus of Capernaum was its synagogue. It was built in 1st century A.D. of basalt block. After this structure was destroyed, another synagogue of limestone was built on top of its ruins around 4th century A.D. The 1st century synagogue was in use when Jesus was on the earth, where He cast out a demon (Mark 1:21-28) and spoke the parable of the Bread of Life (John 6:25-59). In Capernaum, He cast out demons, healed the sick, and fulfilled at least two prophecies there concerning Himself (Matt. 8:5-17), and raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead (Luke 8:40-56). However, the religious leaders refused to believe Jesus was the Messiah, and refused to repent of their sin and idolatry. Jesus denounced these three cities for their lack of faith and refusal to receive Him: “Then Jesus began to rebuke the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the Day of Judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the Day of Judgment than for you.” Matthew 11:21-24 The New Testament tells us that Jesus performed many of his miracles in the "evangelical triangle. In Mark 2:1-12, a paralytic was let done through the roof by four of his friends so they could get him in front of Jesus, the room being so crowded. When Jesus “saw their faith”, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven you.” The religious rulers, who were always trying to trip Him up, said “This is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus said, “which is easier, to say ‘your sins are forgiven you’, or to say, rise, take up your bed, and walk?’ But that you may know the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins, He said to the paralytic, ‘Rise, take up your bed, and walk.” The man was healed, and forgiven, but the rulers hated Him still. They failed to see it was God Himself standing before them in the person of Jesus Christ. (Jn. 8:58) Jesus fulfilled prophecy, spoke prophetically, revealed the secrets of people’s hearts, worked miracles, healings, and even raised the dead. Then died and rose from the dead, according to the Scripture, to pay the penalty of the sins of the whole world. Although Scripture was filled with the knowledge of Christ and His coming, they would not believe. Today, there are people, cities, state governments, and leaders of the United States rejecting Jesus Christ. It is to the point where you can say or do most anything, except say that you believe Jesus is the only Way to God, the only means of forgiveness, and the only Way to heaven and eternal life with God the Father. If you do, persecution will usually follow. However, persecution is to be expected as a follower of Christ, and it appears that it will only get worse. Regardless, it is a sad thing to watch your home and country fall, the way so many have cities, nations, and empires have fallen before. In our land we have groups and movements that demand their freedom from the Words of Scripture. We stand on the brink of destruction from a multitude of enemies; other countries are buying up our own land, there is threat of nuclear war, and we have surrendered to a host of voices except to the only One who can halt our demise. Note that Jesus said it would be worse for these cities, which once had great synagogues, who said they believed in God, who said they believed the Scripture, but then denied Him; than for the ones who were known to be just plain wicked. In this United States of America, we were built on the principles, standards, and faith in God and His Christ. Now there are enemies within who want to change history and deny this truth. Did we make some mistakes as a nation? Yes, we all know that. However, our mistakes then and now cannot be a reason to say we were not and are not a Nation under God. We need to seriously heed this lesson. God is not our enemy, He is our friend! “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) But in no way will He allow man to rule over Him! The thought is absurd! It is better to go to God every day and say, “God forgive us, help us!” than to try to justify our wrongs. We do not want our lives, our families, our Churches, our cities, our state and nation, to go the way of Chorazin, Basaida, and Capernaum. We don’t have to let it happen, and we cannot allow anti-Christ voices, groups, special interest movements, and other nation’s belief’s take over and control the USA. This is not a joke. We cannot stick our heads in the sand, and think “everything will be alright.” We don’t want our own to suffer untold miseries. We can turn to Jesus, and fight the fight of faith. That was what He was asking of those three cities, and that is all He is asking of us.