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Tag: 2 Kings

An Israelite House —

The religious architecture of an ancient Israelite house.

An Israelite House —

The religious architecture of an ancient Israelite house.

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In the field of Biblical archaeology there is an interesting peculiarity that helps define the cities and lands where Israelites lived: a type of house. From the 12th to the 6th centuries BC, called the Iron Age, there was a common floorplan used in most homes throughout the land. Biblically
Nebuchadnezzar II —

Brief bio on the most famous king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire

Nebuchadnezzar II —

Brief bio on the most famous king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire

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The Bible’s portrayal of the Neo-Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar is an interesting one. From the perspective of the people living in Judah and Jerusalem, he was a fearsome and war-savvy enemy to whom the prophets of God said they must bow, one way or the other. To the first wave of
Temple as Eden —

How the Temple was designed to look like the Garden of Eden.

Temple as Eden —

How the Temple was designed to look like the Garden of Eden.

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As meeting places for God and men, ancient temples were created to reflect the ideal environment for such an event: the Garden of Eden, also called the “Garden of Plenty” or “Paradise” in surrounding cultures. The Jerusalem Temple, built by Solomon was no exception. The Bible gives a detailed description
Siege Warfare —

Offensive and defensive strategies in the ancient Near East.

Siege Warfare —

Offensive and defensive strategies in the ancient Near East.

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From very early times, people have found it necessary to build walls around their living spaces. For cities, these protective fortifications could be quite elaborate, including double walls systems with steep space between that provided a defensive advantage, moats, towers, complex gate structures, and thick wooden, metal covered doors. But
Birds & Fowling —

Archaeological evidence of ancient Israelites hunting and farming birds.

Birds & Fowling —

Archaeological evidence of ancient Israelites hunting and farming birds.

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Birds were both a source of food and sacrifice in ancient Israel. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 13 preserve for us the list of fowl that were ritually impure and, therefore, not to be eaten or offered to God as sacrifice by the Israelites. As a general rule, birds of prey
Seafaring in Ancient Israel —

How did seafaring develop in the ancient Near East?

Seafaring in Ancient Israel —

How did seafaring develop in the ancient Near East?

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While not a major seafaring nation, the land of Israel did have reasons and opportunities to develop seafaring technology. There were select pockets, or areas, where this was necessary: Along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea (though Israel proper did not often control much of that territory), the area surrounding
Shebnayahu, Servant of the King —

Archaeological evidence for Hezekiah’s royal steward Shebna.

Shebnayahu, Servant of the King —

Archaeological evidence for Hezekiah’s royal steward Shebna.

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In 1870, French archaeologist Charles Clermont-Ganneau, while surveying ancient tombs in the Kidron Valley (modern day Silwan) noticed a partially destroyed tomb high up in the cliff. As with other tombs in the area, this one had been assimilated and repurposed into a residence, though it did still retain part