Biblia

THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM

William Geating Many possibilities have been suggested to explain the astronomical phenomena known as the “Star of Bethlehem” as recorded in Matthew 2:1–12. Is there a scientific explanation for this “Star of Wonder” that remains true to the Scriptural account? To answer this question, we must first establish, accurately, the year when Christ was born, … Continue reading “THE
STAR OF BETHLEHEM”

FOR YOUNG PALEONTOLOGISTS: TO DIG OR NOT TO DIG—THAT IS NEVER THE QUESTION

Gary A. Byers The sciences of archaeology and paleontology are sister fields of study. They do very similar work, and the two words mean almost the same thing. Archaeology comes from two Greek words (archae = old and ology = study) and means the study of old things. Paleontology comes from three Greek words (paleo … Continue reading “FOR
YOUNG PALEONTOLOGISTS: TO DIG OR NOT TO DIG—THAT IS NEVER THE QUESTION”

SEEING THE INVISIBLE

Austin Robbins …since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and Godhead—have been clearly seen… Romans 1:20 What a paradox! Invisible things being clearly seen. How is it that the Scripture states such a contradictory proposition? At first blush one would think such a thing to be impossible. If something … Continue reading “SEEING
THE INVISIBLE”

ANCIENT EGYPTIAN WRITING MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES

Joseph L. Thimes From earliest times, scribes performed important functions in ancient Egypt. An important government official, he produced documents on papyrus, stone walls and columns. In the Old and Middle Kingdoms (2600–1785 BC), scribes also served as painters and draftsmen. They wrote dispatches to foreign governments, provided accounts for administration of both state and … Continue reading “ANCIENT
EGYPTIAN WRITING MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES”

BEN-HADAD III, KING OF ARAM, AND JEHOASH, KING OF ISRAEL

Bryant G. Wood King Jehoash of Israel and King Ben-Hadad III of Aram (Syria) were contemporaries and mentioned together in the Bible. Their appearance together in another ancient inscription demonstrates the historical accuracy of the Biblical references. In the second half of the ninth century BC Israel was subject to Hazael, king of Aram (2 … Continue reading “BEN-HADAD
III, KING OF ARAM, AND JEHOASH, KING OF ISRAEL”

BRONZE AGE CAMEL PETROGLYPHS IN THE WADI NASIB, SINAI

Randall W. Younker The camel’s anatomy led to its value and domestication. Its hump serves for fat storage and probably developed as a body-heater. For water storage, the animal has several sac-shaped extensions in its stomach where liquid can be retained for a long period. Even today camels are bred in the Near East and … Continue reading “BRONZE
AGE CAMEL PETROGLYPHS IN THE WADI NASIB, SINAI”

PATRIARCHAL WEALTH AND EARLY DOMESTICATION OF THE CAMEL

Stephen Caesar A Ninth century BC relief from Tell Halaf, Syria, showing a man riding a camel. Development of the behind-the-hump saddle (see Gn 31:34) bolstered use of the camel for travel as well as for transport. The Genesis account of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob suggests all three were wealthy men. While scholars generally view … Continue reading “PATRIARCHAL
WEALTH AND EARLY DOMESTICATION OF THE CAMEL”