Of the utmost archeological importance however is the offering of evidence relative to existence of King David as a real figure, as stated by Jesus, and not just a mythical character, as initially believed by some researchers. The inscriptions found in Tel-Dan mention the House of David and are written in ancient Aramaic. Most of these inscriptions were found in front of the gate complex and the largest of them reveal a size of 32 by 22 centimeters. The stele found was broken by time and past conflicts, but it represents a great value as it is the first laic evidence to suggest the existence of King David. "Although the broken stele raises serious historical problems, it is one of the most important written finds in Israel and the first non-biblical text which mentions the House of David by name."
Other archeological sites in Tel-Dan which have captured the interest of researchers include the Israelite gates, the remains of the Palace at Tel Dan, or various smaller pieces, such as Cananite painted face, altars or small figurines and other elements incurved in stone.
4. Understanding of the Site
The religious and archeological values of the site in Tel-Dan offer insight into the importance of the location. Emerged as a small community to then become a cultural center to finally perish, the analysis of Tel-Dan plays a crucial part in the discovery and "recovery of ancient Israel."
A first glance at it might not offer sufficient information to understating...
" Further, as previously stated, in the Jewish tradition, it is believed that the Messiah (whom Christians believe is Jesus), must be a descendent of David's line. The New Testament in fact introduces Jesus as the son of David and of Abraham (Mt. 1:1). Further, in the Gospel of Luke, he describes how Mary, the mother of Jesus, was descended from King David through one of his sons, Nathan. This leads
Article : Niels Peter Lemche and Thomas L Thompson, �Did Biran Kill David? The Bible in the Light of Archaeology� Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 64 (1994) pp 3-22.Lemche and Thompson establish themselves as minimalsts, and offer a harsh critique of the methods used by Israeli archaeologist Avraham Biran upon presenting his findings of the Tel Dan �bytdwd� inscription. According to Lemche and Thompson, Biran leapt to
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