The present building of this mausoleum (Hamadan), which is visited by Jewish pilgrims from all over the world, has nothing to speak about from the architectural point of view. Under its simple brick dome there are two graves with some Hebrew inscription up on the plasterwork of the wall. Two exquisite wooden tomb-boxes are also to be seen, one of which is of an earlier date and bears an inscription in Hebrew.

The original structure dates to the 7th Century A. H. [13th Century A.D.] and it might have been erected over other and more ancient tombs. The exterior form of this mausoleum, built of brick and stone, resembles Islamic constructions, and the monument consists of an entrance, a vestibule, a sanctuary and a Shah-ni-shin (King’s sitting place). Some believe that the mausoleum is the resting-place of Esther, the Achaemenian Queen and wife of Xerxes (Khashayarshah) and the second tomb belongs to her uncle, Mordecai.

Read more:

Jewish shrine in Iran registered as national work

http://www.payvand.com/news/08/dec/1098.html

Archaeologists excavating in the biblical town of Magdala, on the Northwestern shores of Galilee, have unearthed vials of perfumed ointments.  The vials (known as Unguentarium) had been preserved intact at the bottom of a 1^st century pool. The contents are been chemically analyzed and perhaps will give us an insight into 1^st century perfumes, ointments and cosmetics.

News reports are linking the perfume vials with the New Testament story of the anointing of the feet of Jesus by a woman named as Mary (John 11:2, 12:3).

 

The name Mary is used 54 times in the New Testament and there are several different Mary’s mentioned; Mary, the mother of Jesus (19 times), Mary Magdalene (13 times), Mary, sister of Martha (11 times), Mary, mother of James (9 times), and Mary, mother of John Mark (1 time).

 

The anointing of the feet of Jesus as recorded in the gospels may be two accounts of the same event or two reports of separate events. But, what is clear is Mary Magdalene is not to be identified as the Mary in the gospel passages.

 

There is every possibility that Mary of Magdala may have had perfumed ointments. Perhaps even stored them in similar vials but that’s the extent of the connection to this remarkable discovery.

 

I have driven by the sparse remains of Magdala many times and just wondered when someone would launch more excavations at the site. I am thrilled that the Italians are at the site, on the job and on the ball (or on the vial).

 

Read more:

http://www.terrasanta.net/terrasanta/att_det.jsp?wi_number=1403&wi_codseq=

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/3702883/Vase-discovery-linked-to-Mary-Magdalene.html 

 

 

Italians find Jesus’ foot salve

http://www.ansa.it/site/notizie/awnplus/english/news/2008-12-10_110304839.html

 

Photo - G. Caffulli – Terrasanta.net

 

 

 

Ostacon of Kh Qeiyafa

KHIRBET QEIYAFA, Israel— “Overlooking the verdant Valley of Elah, where the Bible says David toppled Goliath, archaeologists are unearthing a 3,000-year-old fortified city that could reshape views of the period when David ruled over the Israelites. Five lines on pottery uncovered here appear to be the oldest Hebrew text ever found and are likely to have a major impact on knowledge about the history of literacy and alphabet development.

The five-acre site, with its fortifications, dwellings and multi-chambered entry gate, will also be a weapon in the contentious and often politicized debate over whether David and his capital, Jerusalem, were an important kingdom or a minor tribe, an issue that divides not only scholars but those seeking to support or delegitimize Zionism.”

Comment:

Without going into a long arduous discussion of the two major positions (minimalist and maximalist) archaeologists take regarding the historical reliability of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Scriptures, let me simply state that the former is the dominant view in the lands of the Bible.

Therefore, on a regular basis when discoveries, interpretations, and analyses of archaeological materials run countercultural to the majority view they are met with denial, forced re-analysis, and loud public statements of just how wrong the “other guys” are. Perhaps the majority view isn’t right after all. Who stands to lose the most when evidence compatible with the Biblical record is laid on the table?

Again, the long search for collaborative evidence for King David’s magisterial reign, as outlined in the Bible, has taken another possible step forward with the discovery of these ostraca.

Finally, this note to remember: the absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence.

Learn more:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/30/world/middleeast/30david.html?_r=2&ref=world&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

http://www.nyjtimes.com/cover/11-04-08/EarliestHebrewTextUncovered.htm

http://www.afhu.org/site/davidcity_pressrelease.htm

http://www.elahfortress.com.

 

 

 

http://www.zenit.org/article-24250?l=english

http://www.zenit.org/article-24107?l=english

Comment:

These articles reflect a fascinating and refreshing development within Catholicism. I have had countless discussion with my Catholic friends and colleagues about the role of Scripture in the lives of practising, good, faithful Catholics. They assured me  there was a vital movement within the church to reemphasize the Bible in the daily lives of the church’s members. It seems they were in the know.

I have observed that Pope Benedict XVI, as a more conservative theologian with  pragmatic bent, seems to nudge the faithful towards a more personal connection with  the Scriptures.

Biblical illiteracy is a bane to Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant life. Long live the Scripture! 

Wycliffe USA, a Bible translating organization, received an anonymous gift of $50 million this week, marking the largest donation in the ministry’s history. According to a press release, the funds will be used to accelerate the rate of scripture translation and bring language development and – in most cases – first-time literacy to more than 200 million people by 2025. Using cutting-edge translation techniques developed by Wycliffe personnel, the Last Languages Campaign will accelerate the pace of language development and Bible translation for the world’s remaining language groups from 125 years to 17 years. According to Wycliffe, one in five adults worldwide is illiterate, and more than one-third of the world’s language groups have no Bible translation program underway.

Comment:

Imagine! In the midst of one of the worst recessions in American history, with US and global markets continuing to decline, unemployment at staggering levels, financial institutions crumbling almost daily, someone(s) step forward and donated $50 million dollars. Not to their alma maters, not to some ridiculous cause but to Wycliffe USA.

$50 million dollars to see the Scriptures translated into the last languages on earth without any portion of the precious Word of God. $50 million dollars to see illiteracy erased on the planet; while using the Bible as a primary text in teaching reading skills.

What glorious and generous ‘good news’ at a time when media is so saturated with bad news. My heart was so encouraged. This grand act made my day and will likely make the eternal days of countless millions of unreached peoples as well. The gift accelerated a major translation project scheduled to take 125 years to 17 years. Now, that’s redeeming the time.

To whoever made this wonderful donation I say “Bless you sir, bless you madam. May the wondrous riches of His grace abound toward you. Thank you for being so selfless in giving such a needed gift.”

Note:

Wycliffe USA takes its name from the 14^th century Bible translator John Wycliffe.

To learn more:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wycliffe

 http://www.tlogical.net/biowycliffe.htm

 http://wycliffe.org/

 

 

The National Geographic Channel will premier Herod’s Lost Tomb, Sunday November 23, 9 PM ET. Check local listing.

Herod’s bloody reputation has always hidden another side of one of the Bible’s greatest villains – an architectural mastermind of breathtaking proportions. An Israeli archaeologist claims to have found Herod’s most intimate creation of all – his tomb.

I recommend watching this program but remember just because something is on  TV , even a well-crafted NG documentary, does not mean 100% accuracy or truth. For every archaeological announcement, there are often a slue of alternative interpretations.

I visited the Herodium in 2007 and saw first-hand the excavation site on the steep slopes under the direction of Ehud Netzer.

For more info:

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/episode/herod-s-lost-tomb-3571/Overview

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/856784.html

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/12/herod/mueller-text  Herod, National Geographic Magazine

http://hunews.huji.ac.il/articles.asp?cat=6&artID=935  More on Herod from Hebrew University News

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/20/king-herod-tomb-print.html  Herod may have been buried among paintings, Discovery News

Archaeologists have discovered a new pyramid under the sands of Saqqara. The discovery is part of the sprawling necropolis and burial site of the rulers of ancient Memphis, the capital of Egypt’s Old Kingdom, about 12 miles south of Giza.

The 4,300-year-old monument most likely belonged to the queen mother, Sesheshet, who is thought to have played a significant role in establishing the 6th Dynasty and uniting two branches of the feuding royal family. Her son, Teti, ruled for about a dozen years

The find is important because it adds to the understanding of the 6th Dynasty, which reigned from 2,322 B.C. to 2,151 B.C. It was the last dynasty of the Old Kingdom, which spanned the third millennium B.C. and whose achievements are considered the first peak of pharaonic civilization.

Saqqara is most famous for the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, built in the 27th century B.C.

Excavations have been going on here for about 150 years, uncovering a vast Old Kingdom necropolis of pyramids, tombs and funerary complexes, as well as tombs dating from the New Kingdom about 1,000 years later.

So what do I think about this recent discovery?

Here are just a few tidal thoughts that washed ashore in my mind:

·        Much more needs to be done; at Saqqara alone, only 1/3^rd of the necropolis has been excavated, over all, only 5-8% of identified Egyptian sites have had excavations,

·        Shrinking budgets and waning interest for mounting excavations, not only in Egypt but also in Israel, the entire ancient Near East, and the Eastern Mediterranean is alarming. Sadly, there is little “taste” or enthusiasm for archaeology (biblical archaeology) even within the believing faith communities,

·        After discovery comes the hard work (often taking years) of analysis and interpretation, too few young people are considering fields of study that could aid the ever-improving science of archeology.

·        Our current picture of the life and times of the peoples, cultures, nations and empires (about which we read in the Scriptures) is informed by such a very small percentage of the artifacts that are no doubt buried just beneath the sands. We need to continue to support the exploration and discovery of ancient sites as part of our duty to be truth-seekers. We ought to support biblical archaeologist, their excavation projects and on-going research, analysis and publication of findings by both our money and muscle.

 

 

 

Roman era earring

Massive excavations at Giv

I couldn’t be more thrilled for anyone.  I recall my first meeting with Doron, it was on the acropolis at Tel Hazor, northern Galilee, where he faithfully served as an associate of Dr. Amnon Ben Tor.

He wore many hats, and wore them well, yet he was accessible as an human being to enthusiastic neophytes. He was so patient with my sophomoric questions, with which I bombarded him periodically over several dig seasons at Hazor. He soon became more than a square supervisor; he became a friend.

His assignment as the chief archaeologist on one of the most important digs in Jerusalem( Giv’ati Car Park at the city of David, in the “Walls around Jerusalem National Park”) is well deserved and his faithfulness to work for others is now being rewarded.

It was an honor to spend one day working at his site in July 2007. My colleague, Dennis Malone, joined Doron’s volunteer dig team for several weeks in 2007; his wife Mary and Patti Stenger also spent a day “washing pottery” from the site.

The articles below highlight just one example of exciting discoveries at this impressive site.

 Jerusalem of Gold. http://www.antiquities.org.il/about_eng.asp?Modul_id=1

2,000-year-old gold earring found in Jerusalem http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081110/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_ancient_jewelry

Credits: “Skyview”, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority. Picture of the earring,  Clara Amit, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

March 19-22, 2008

I have been having trouble getting computer time at the hotels we are staying in. There are too few computers in the business centers and because it is Holy Week there are tens of thousands of Pilgrims in the country and they all want access to the computers; even WiFi isn’t reliable. But it looks like I got a strong signal tonight so I better get at it.

We have travelled from Caesarea Maritima on the coast, north to Mt. Carmel (Elijah’s stomping grounds), eastward to Meggido (possible stage for yet another great battle), northward again to Nazareth (home town of Jesus, with a population of approximately 150-200 people in his day), and eastward again to the Sea of Galilee (really a fresh water Lake 15 x 9 miles).

The Sea of Galilee is struggling to survive as a serene and commercially viable source for fish and drinking water. This is so evident when you have been able to visit the Galilee over the past several years. I was shocked. The entire region is struggling with what will become a serious crisis if measures are not taken to correct it.

The waters are not as clear, fresh  & colorful as before. Pollution and algae are to blame. The natural flow has been interrupted , the Jordan has virtually been halted; little water flows southward. The government allows enough to keep water flowing into an area where there are Christian Baptismal service going on regularly. This may bring in the shekels but its  bad move for the vitality of the Jordan.

We traveled north from Galilee into the Upper Galilee and got a first hand look at the fertile lands created after the draining of Lake Hulah in the 1950’s. Between the Jezreel Valley and this region we have a large section of the “bread -basket of Israel. This is a war scarred region too. In the recent war with Lebanon small communities in the north (Metulah and Kiryat Shmona) were repeatedly shelled. The greatest damage was from Forrest fires caused by the rocket salvos.

We travelled up snow capped Mt. Hermon , down the Golan Heights and back to the north end of the Sea of Galilee (Capernaum, Tabgha, Bethsaida, and Magdala) where Jesus conducted nearly 70% of his public ministry.

This is the time of climatic transition, from the wet to dry seasons. The temperatures have been very warm, actually hot (96) at Masada. Speaking of climate and wet/dry seasons I must say I am completely amazed at just how green everything is during the rainy season. Those regions in the Jordan rift valley and the Wilderness of Judah which are usually bleak, brown and lifeless to the eye are now green and look fertile. What a difference water makes!

New digs at Jericho by the Palestinian Archaeology Authority were rather interesting. They have exposed a massive “outer wall” defense structure in an area that no one thought possible. It is certainly adding a new wrinkle to the great story of Jericho.

Going up to Jerusalem has for many of the team members a fresh meaning. We travel from the lowest point on earth (approximately -1400 feet below sea level) to an elevation of +2500 feet in the City of God. The change in atmospheric pressure from the Dead Sea to Jerusalem effected a few.

We have been soaking in as many biblical passages as we can, often reading aloud significant segments to highlight biblical background.

Now we await for Easter! What an honor to be in Jerusalem at this time. We will join with tens of thousands tomorrow to celebrate the sine qua non of the Christian faith- The Resurrection- without that historical event we are done for! Thank God for the power of the Resurrection.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

 

Arrived safely in Israel with a team of fifteen (15) ranging in age from eleven (11) to eighty-one (81). The group is so excited to get started on the study tour.

 

I did notice several differences on this trip to Israel. For the first time in any flight I’ve ever taken to Israel the pilot announced a new security requirement for in-bound flights to Tel Aviv. Every passenger was required to be in their seats and buckled in by the time the plane was thirty minutes (30) from landing in Israel. I guess this was an effort to monitor the rather free-about souls that would be wandering all over the aircraft in the past!

 

There were no Visa forms or entry cards to fill out on the plane either. We just landed, went through customs, claimed our baggage and out the door to the awaiting bus. One hour later we were walking on the Med.

 

I must report that it didn’t take long to realize that the American economy is in serious trouble. Israel’s base economy is keyed to the dollar. The rate of exchange last July 2007 when I was here on a dig was 4.2 shekels per dollar, now its 3.1. This is causing great concerns for everyone here in Israel. I hadn’t realized that our economy had this type of impact globally. I know we are paying nearly $3.25 per gallon for gas but that is nothing like what we may see in the months ahead. May God give us all the wisdom and grace to begin doing what we ought to have been doing- living all along… within our means.