Archaeological Finds

When it comes to some later events in the Biblical record, the ruins of Tel Arad offer some interesting support.  For example, archaeologists have  found  a sequence of fortifications. Some of these may  well date from the reign of King Solomon, who was known for his extensive city construction projects.  (1 Kings 9:15-19) One layer of the dig bears evidence of a fiery conflagration and has been dated to the beginning of the tenth century B.C.E. Such findings line up with the time of the invasion of the Egyptian King Shishak, just five years after Solomon's death. At Karnak in southern Egypt, a wall relief commemorates that invasion and lists Arad among the many vanquished cities. -2 Chronicles 12:1-4.  

It is of great interest that many of the about 200 ostraca recovered bear Hebrew names that are also found in the Bible, such as Pashur, Meremoth, and the sons of Korah. Some of these secular documents are of even greater interest because they include God's personal name.  Composed of four Hebrew letters (YHWH)-often called the Tetragammaton-this proper name is unqique to almighty God.  Later, superstition led many to believe that pronouncing or writing God's name is sacrilegious. However, the findings of Tel Arad, like may others, confirm that in Bible times God's name was freely used in daily life, in greetings, and in blessings. For instance, one inscription reads:  "To my lord Elyashib.  May Yahweh  [Jehovah] concern himself with your well-being. . . .He is staying in the temple of Yahweh."

What, though, about that mysterious temple mentioned at the outset? A structure at Tel Arad that has given rise to much  conjecture is a temple complex, complete  with an altar, from the Judean period.  Though much smaller than Solomon's temple in Jerusalem, it bears many resemblances  to that sacred structure.  Why and when was the Arad temple constructed?  How was it used? Archaeologists and historians can only speculate.

Jehovah plainly decreed that the temple in Jerusalem was the only center acceptable to him for celebrating annual festivals and offering sacrifices.  (Deuteronomy 12:5; 2 Chronicles 7:12) So the Arad temple was constructed and used in defiance of God's Law, perhaps during an era when alternative altars and rites were distracting many from pure worship.  (Ezekiel 6:13) In such a case, this center of counterfeit worship was probably abolished during the thorough reforms by Hezekiah or Josiah in the eighth and seventh centuries B.C.E. -2 Chronicles 31: 1; 34:3-5, 33.

Clearly, the little of Arad's past that survived does have important lessons for us. Under the sand of centuries, artifacts have emerged that confirm the accuracy of the Bible, document the rise and fall of a corrupt limitation of pure worship, and provide  examples of the respectful everyday use of Jehovah's name.  

Next time: How Did Life Begin?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2008