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KING DAVID. He never existed, except in legends, poems, and wishful thinking. That’s what many secular scholars used to say. Until his name started showing up in archaeological discoveries, like the Tel Dan Stela, top, and the Stela of Mesha. But even now, some doubt he existed. Painting by Frederick Arthur Bridgman; stone fragments by Wikimedia.
ATHEISTS have been visiting my YouTube channel lately. They want everyone to know that there’s no evidence that Jesus or King David ever existed.
I recently had one conversation with a man who said he knew about the recent archaeological discoveries that refer to King David. But he insisted they were not authentic.
If you find yourself talking about this kind of stuff with people outside the faith, I thought you might enjoy reading a short note about what archaeologists say they know for a fact about King David.
I’m pulling this info from the current issue of Biblical Archaeology Review. The article is “Whom do you believe—The Bible or archaeology?” It’s written by William G. Dever, a scholar who specializes in archaeology in and around what is now Israel.
Here’s what Dr. Dever says archaeologists know about King David.
- He did exist as a king in the 10th century BC. Evidence: Tel Dan Stela. That’s a stone found in Galilee engraved with the phrase “House of David.” It was found by archaeologists excavating a mound known as Tel Dan.
- He started a dynasty that neighboring countries know about. Evidence: Tel Dan Stela and possibly an engraved stone known as the Mesha Stela, which also seems to mention the “House of David.”
- He expanded his capital in Jerusalem. Evidence: excavations by Eilat Mazar, which include the Citadel and the Stepped Stone Structure.
- His kingdom grew in population and in the number of cities. Evidence: settlement patterns observed by archaeologists.
- He strengthened the borders of his kingdom. Evidence: Khirbet Qeiyafa, which was a fort city on Israel’s border with the coastal Philistine nation.
- He won battles against the Philistines. Evidence: pattern of Jewish and Philistine sites, which showed the Philistines losing ground.
- His dynasty of Israel lasted four centuries, from the tenth to the sixth century BC. Evidence: continuity of unique objects (such as a style of pottery) reflecting the Jewish culture.
When I read that in Biblical Archaeology Review, that was the first time I’ve come across a list like that. I thought many of you might find the information encouraging.
I released a new video over the weekend. It’s a lighthearted touch to what might seem like a heavy-duty topic: fallen angels.
The Bible says mysterious “sons of God” came down to earth and married gorgeous human women: “any women they wanted” (Genesis 6:2, Casual English Bible).
Who were these “sons of God”?
- Angels?
- Fallen-angel demons?
- Kings gone wild?
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Was King David a myth, like King Arthur? by Stephen M. Miller for Tuesday, 6 June 2017 - Stephen M. Miller - Bible blog of award-winning bestselling Christian author, Stephen M. Miller. . 
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