Biblical Archaeology

Prior to his recent death, Yohona Aharoni, the distinguished Israeli archaeologist, compiled an account of his 13 years of digging in the Negub desert. This account appeared in the "Biblical Archaeologist", published by the University of Michigan. According to the London Daily Telegraph Professor Aharoni uncovered the Great Well of Abraham which is mentioned in Genesis chapter 21. To reach the well it was necessary to cut through 20 metres of rock. The well shaft was found to be two metres in diameter and was strategically placed among the substantial buildings of the 'city' of Beersheba. Its construction gave evidence of considerable expertise in building. Aharoni had plans for another 20 metres of excavation to reach the subterranean water level. His death was a serious loss to Biblical archaeology. It is hoped that the further research he had planned will be undertaken by others. Professor Aharoni's digging in the Negub desert confirms the importance of Beersheba as a cultural centre of the Patriarchs during their Canaan wanderings.

In November last we commented on the other important archaeological discovery at Ebla in Syria - the remains of an ancient city-state which goes back to 2,500 B.C. The large collection of inscribed clay tablets found there, about 15,000 in number, are still being studied by scholars. In the collection was found an account of the creation of the world which corresponds very closely to the Genesis narrative. There is also an account of a great deluge. Professor R. K. Harrison when reporting on the finding of this material described it as "probably the most important of its kind ever to be recovered". Further results of the study of these tablets are awaited with much interest.

The discovery by Professor Aharoni of the Great Well of Abraham is yet another powerful testimony to the accuracy of the Genesis record.

The historical accuracy of the Old Testament narrative has been called in question by the recent series of television programmes entitled, BC:

the Archaeology of the Bible Lands, presented by Magnus Magnusson. These caused widespread comment. To many the impression was given that what had formerly been accepted as historical fact should now be dismissed as mere legend. The substance of the 12-part television series has now appeared in book form (�6.50, Bodley Press and BBC). This beautifully produced volume has fifty-one colour plates and numerous photographs and drawings. But the text follows very closely the script used in the TV film.

Some archaeologists, well equipped for the task, have taken issue with Magnusson on his treatment of Biblical archaeology. Among these are Dr K. A. Kitchen, Reader, School of Archaeology and Oriental Studies, University of Liverpool; and A. R. Millard, MA, MPhil, FSA, Senior Lecturer in Hebrew and Semitic Languages at the same University. The latter, who is a practising archaeologist, was provoked by the Magnusson TV series to write a booklet on some of the issues in question. This is published by Inter-Varsity Press at 5Op, and is entitled, "The Bible BC, What can Archaeology prove?" It contains a brief scholarly survey of Biblical archaeology and its present relevance.

The Christian who accepts without question the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ to the historical accuracy of the Old Testament narrative requires no further proof. But it is useful, when meeting with any whose views on Old Testament history have been influenced by the Magnusson television series, to be armed with authentic information on Biblical archaeology from those qualified to give it. For this reason we warmly commend to readers the booklet referred to above.

In two important papers published in The Life of Faith (May 21 and 28), Dr Kitchen exposes some of the errors of fact in Magnusson's treatment of his subject. He concludes with this comment on Millard's booklet: "... there is the matter-of-fact, quietly-assured tone of the specialist who knows his material, and at first hand. No journalistic jibes or mud-slinging; no personality-cult - just a straight, cool professionalism. The work was completed in a fortnight... The contrast between the judicious product of twenty years' experience and the flippant offspring of two years' second-hand journalism and romping round sites is all too clear.... In final conclusion, one may say that Mr Magnusson's work is ... in content heavily underpowered, its arrogance exceeded only by its ignorance.

unknown | Aug 1977
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