"The impact of Professor Finkelstein’s redating is that 'not only do
all of our assumptions about the tenth century have to be re-examined,
but also that Solomon, and perhaps much of the tenth century itself,
essentially disappears from the archaeological and historical record'.
Although on balance David and Solomon most likely did exist, the
biblical accounts may have been concocted several centuries later,
Professor Cline argues.
'Ultimately, biblical archaeology is not about proving or disproving
the Bible: archaeologists are more concerned with reconstructing the
culture and history of the Holy Land.'"
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Comments, please.
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David Christainsen
> http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/court_and_social/article6917740.ece
>
> "The impact of Professor FinkelsteinοΏ½s redating is that 'not only do
> all of our assumptions about the tenth century have to be re-examined,
> but also that Solomon, and perhaps much of the tenth century itself,
> essentially disappears from the archaeological and historical record'.
> Although on balance David and Solomon most likely did exist, the
> biblical accounts may have been concocted several centuries later,
> Professor Cline argues.
>
> 'Ultimately, biblical archaeology is not about proving or disproving
> the Bible: archaeologists are more concerned with reconstructing the
> culture and history of the Holy Land.'"
>
> -----
>
> Comments, please.
>
> -----
>
> David Christainsen
The problem with this argument is that Professor FinkelsteinοΏ½s redating is
probably wrong.
The fascinating find now on this subject is
Also some fascinating pictures here on the writings
http://qeiyafa.huji.ac.il/ostracon.asp
If the site is confirmed as Israelite (which at the moment looks good as no
pig found this would point to urban cities and a centralized Israeli
authority in Judah in the 10th century BCE
Thank-you. The Khirbet Qeiyafa ostracon seems
to be the real deal -
Extract -
According to Prof. Garfinkel, this is the only site in Israel where
one can investigate the historical King David. "The chronology and
geography of Khirbet Qeiyafa create a unique meeting point between the
mythology, history, historiography and archaeology of Kind David."
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David Christainsen