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Tag: 2 Kings

Pomegranates —

The rich symbolism of the humble pomegranate.

Pomegranates —

The rich symbolism of the humble pomegranate.

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In the ancient Near East, the pomegranate was a widely accepted symbol of fertility. This was due to the many seeds contained in each fruit; the pomegranate’s potential for reproducing seems nearly unlimited. So, standing as a symbol for fruitful potential, productivity, and abundance was quite appropriate. It’s red, blood-like
War Horses & Chariots —

How powerful was ancient Israel's calvary and chariotry?

War Horses & Chariots —

How powerful was ancient Israel's calvary and chariotry?

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Beginning in Exodus, the second book of the Bible, horses are mentioned frequently in the context of war. At first, horses and chariots are the terrifying tools of the enemies of Israel, Pharaoh’s chariot forces, and the deadly iron chariotry of the Philistines for example. In these early days of
Lions & Kings —

What did it mean to slay a lion? Why ancient kings used the lion symbol.

Lions & Kings —

What did it mean to slay a lion? Why ancient kings used the lion symbol.

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The lion was one of the main predators of ancient Israel and as such, it’s mentioned often in the Bible. Today, the wild Asiatic lion is extinct in the middle east. A modern cousin lives in captivity in small numbers, thanks to conservation efforts, but as such is inherently different
Royal Burials of Judah —

Mysteries surrounding the tombs of the Jerusalem Kings

Royal Burials of Judah —

Mysteries surrounding the tombs of the Jerusalem Kings

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The royal tombs and burials of ancient Judah present us with several mysteries. On the one hand, the Bible provides us with brief descriptions of the general location of each of Jerusalem’s kingly resting places. On the other hand, some of the Bible’s finer details leave many questions. First, there
The Temple of Tel Arad —

Archaeologists identify cannabis residue in a Judean temple with possible evidence of Hezekiah’s reforms.

The Temple of Tel Arad —

Archaeologists identify cannabis residue in a Judean temple with possible evidence of Hezekiah’s reforms.

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Located on the very edge of the Judean desert, approximately 80 kilometers south of Jerusalem, lie the ruins of an ancient Biblical city known today as Tel Arad. So named because it is situated on a mound (or “Tel” in Arabic) and is located only 10 kilometers west of the
Abel Beth Maacah —

When war, wisdom, and a wealth of archaeological evidence prove the Biblical account

Abel Beth Maacah —

When war, wisdom, and a wealth of archaeological evidence prove the Biblical account

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In 2 Samuel 20, we’re introduced to a city named Abel Beth Maacah. This city is brought to the forefront of Israel’s national drama after the end of Absalom’s rebellion against his father King David–––the tribes decided to invite David back to Jerusalem as their king, but peace was fragile.
Ancient Board Games —

What kind of games did people play in the ancient world?

Ancient Board Games —

What kind of games did people play in the ancient world?

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Games and board games are sometimes seen as a modern luxury, but history shows that humans everywhere and in every-time have invented and played games. As far back into human history as modern man can see, there is evidence of gameplay. The earliest examples come from the Neolithic time period