Over 300 inscriptions in four languages have been discovered at the Beit Shearim necropolis this is the first that unequivocally states that a convert is buried there. written by another, which reads, “Aged 60.” Scholars believe Jacob composed his own grave marker prior to death, with the secondary “Aged 60” inscription being added after he died. The inscription, written in red ink, reads, “Jacob (Iokobos) the convert swears upon himself that any who open this grave will be cursed.” This is followed by a thick red line and a second inscription. “Proselyte” Inscription Unearthed in Cemetery at Beit Shearim (June 2022) The grave marker of “Jacob the Proselyte.” Photo: Yevgeny Ostrovsky / Israel Antiquities AuthorityĪn 1800 year-old grave marker from “Jacob the Proselyte” was discovered in the prestigious cemetery at Beit Shearim. With that said, here are the top ten discoveries in Biblical archaeology in 2022. I hope that Gershon Galil will publish his findings in a way that submits them to the checks and balances of peer-review and that I can include it in a future top ten list.įinally, you can read my past top ten lists here: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016, as well as the Top Ten Discoveries of the Decade (2010-2019), and Top Ten Discoveries of All-Time Relating to Both the Old and New Testaments. On the other hand, Gershon Galil’s recent announcement on Facebook that he had deciphered five new monumental inscriptions of King Hezekiah and would be publishing them in a book, does not qualify. In addition, this discovery is currently in the peer-review process with a reputable journal which will hopefully be published early in 2023. Ebal qualifies, as it came from Adam Zertal’s licensed dig and ABR had permission to sift the dump material and the permit to transport the lead tablet from the appropriate authorities. Thus, ABR’s announcement of the translation of the curse tablet from Mt. So, in order to be considered for my year end list, a discovery must have been publicized through an official announcement by a Ministry of Antiquities or from a licensed archaeological dig with the expectation that a peer-reviewed article will follow. Thirdly, I am against scholars skirting the peer-review process by making claims on social media or in interviews. I believe scholars in this situation should be allowed the opportunity to present their work in the arena of peer-review without people “poisoning the minds” (Acts 14:2) of the general public ahead of time and branding the find unfounded and unworthy. Secondly, I recognize that sometimes official announcements are made by a country’s Ministry of Antiquities or by a licensed archaeological dig team, with the peer-reviewed journal article to follow. I believe it is a biblical principle: The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him (Prov. First, I affirm the importance of the peer-review process. This has caused me to reconsider the criteria I use to decide which discoveries I will consider for my list. NEW: Controversy erupted in the archaeological community this year regarding how proposed discoveries are announced, with some scholars calling for findings to be reported on in the popular press after peer-review.They must be discoveries or new studies about discoveries, as opposed to announcements.These discoveries must be directly related to people, places or events mentioned in Scripture, or to the composition of Scripture itself.If you’re new to my annual top ten list, here are my criteria: Each year I choose the ten discoveries I feel were the most significant. In the past 12 months, numerous finds were announced that help us understand the biblical world and affirm details in the biblical text. It’s time to look back at the top ten discoveries in 2022 from the world of biblical archaeology.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |