Earlier this year, the Journal reported on the uncovering of an ossuary that may have contained the bones of James the brother of Jesus [see January, pp. 28-30]. Since then, a new, unrelated archaeological object that may have roots in the Hebrew Bible has been made public.
Ancient Civilizations and their artifacts are the stuff of everyday life in the Middle East, and Jerusalem and its environs are no exception. In a city that has existed for literally thousands of years, it's only logical that the signs of civilization, even from the early days, should linger.
Another example of those early days — possibly as early as 835-793 BC — was recently reported on by Ha'aretz and other Israeli newspapers. The black sandstone tablet (see right), with an ancient Phoenician inscription, details the completion of repairs to the First Temple in Jerusalem, which were ordered by King Joash, or Jehoash (ca. 837-800 BC). The ten lines on the tablet are similar to the ones found in ll Kings 12:5-17.
