Church of God News

Two of Ten Aramaic Lines That Were Found

COGwriter

Former WCG member and current UNC Professor James Tabor made the news related to a Temple find in Jerusalem:

Rare 2nd Temple inscription found

Jerusalem Post – July 29, 2009

A unique ten-line Aramaic inscription on the side of a stone cup commonly used for ritual purity during Second Temple times was recently uncovered during archaeological excavations on Jerusalem’s Mount Zion, it was announced Wednesday.

Inscriptions of this kind are extremely rare and only a handful have been found in scientific excavations made within the city.

The archaeological excavations are being carried out within the Gan Sovev Homot Yerushalayim national park, close to the Zion Gate. The work is directed by Professors Shimon Gibson and James Tabor of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, with the co-ordination of Evyatar Cohen and Dr Tsvika Tsuk of the Israel Parks Authority.

The excavations follow work carred out at the site in the 1970s by Magen Broshi, when a monumental Arabic inscription from the thirteenth century was found. The inscription is due be exhibited in the new archaeological wing to be opened next year at the Israel Museum.

The new Aramaic inscription from the first century CE is currently being deciphered by a team of epigraphic experts in an effort to determine the meaning of the text, which is clear but cryptic. The dig also produced a sequence of building remains dating back to the First and Second Temple periods through to Byzantine and Early Islamic periods.http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1248277923672&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Of course, until it is translated, the impact of this Temple-related find is hard to determine.  It may give insight into biblical practices or provide historical information to better understand the culture of the time or ?

And speaking of the Temple, an apparently Arabic source reported that 200 Jews visited the Temple yesterday and caused some concern:

GAZA, July 29 (KUNA) — A number of Jewish extremists on Wednesday stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque and preformed religious rituals, Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said.

The foundation said in a statement that more than 200 Jewish extremists entered the Mosque within 30 minutes only and were positioned all over its vicinity, noting that the intrusion was “significance” in terms of timing and size, especially as it coincided with eve where the Jewish people celebrate the anniversary of temple ruins at Temple Mount.

However, the Foundation sent an urgent appeal to the Muslims and Arabs, as well as Palestinians of 1948 to rescue and support the Mosque.  http://www.khabrein.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24278&Itemid=57

Readers of the COGwriter page may recall that last week, some Jews announced plans to try to visit the Temple area on either late Wednesday or today (Planned Temple Mount Ascent).

However, I have not seen reports of an actual ascent yet from other sources (including the website of the group that planned an ascent).   But if it is true, it suggest that nothing really happened other than some Jews are willing to take risks to accomplish their religious goals.

Depiction of Levites Carrying the Ark of the Covenant

COGwriter

In my post yesterday I referred to an item as a “surprise move” that “If WND is correct, this may happen tomorrow”.

Well, as far as I have been able to determine, there was no major announcement today by any in Ethiopia to display the “Ark of the Covenant”.

Some sources I checked with today indicated that World News Daily (WND) apparently relied on a mistranslation of an interview with a religious leader from Ethiopia.  Supposedly what was said was that the Ark of the Covenant is in Ethiopia (a common claim in Ethiopia) and that it could be revealed to the world today if the Ethiopians wanted it to be.

Perhaps someday, Ethiopia will reveal what many there believe is the Ark of the Covenant.  But for now, this simply did not happen as the WND article reported that it would.

LATE UPDATE:  WND posted the following update:

Hark! Where’s the Bible Ark?
Ethiopia’s Orthodox patriarch cops out on revealing plan for public viewing

Posted: June 26, 2009 4:16 pm Eastern © 2009 WorldNetDaily

The leader of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church today backed off on a much-anticipated announcement about the Ark of the Covenant — the ancient container holding the Ten Commandment — which he claims to have seen.

But no other evidence or, indeed, even any announcement, was made public today when word had been expected.

Ark hunters and Bible enthusiasts have been buzzing for two days on the report from the Italian news agency Adnkronos that Patriarch Abuna Pauolos, in Italy for a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI this week, said, “Soon the world will be able to admire the Ark of the Covenant described in the Bible as the container of the tablets of the law that God delivered to Moses and the center of searches and studies for centuries.”

He had suggested the possibility the artifact might be viewable in a planned museum.

“I repeat (the Ark of the Covenant) is in Ethiopia and nobody … knows for how much time. Only God knows,” he said in the Adnkronos report available online.

The report said Pauolos reported the artifact “is described perfectly in the Bible” and is in good condition…

But according to a statement delivered to WND by the webmaster for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, there is no chance that the religious leaders and people in the nation will give up their custody of what they believe is the Ark.

“I think Abba Pauolos must be out of his mind. … An (artifact) should not be shown or touched other than the clergies but to put it on display is a reckless comment let alone doing it,” the statement said. “Not only the local clergies but the people of Ethiopia won’t allow it and it is not going to happen.”…

“The Ethiopian royal chronicles suggest that for 3,000 years, they had been guarding the ark, knowing that it had to go back to Israel eventually,” Jeffrey said.   http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=102274

Anyway, due to some type of miscommunication, the Ark was not shown.  The Ethiopians do claim to have the Ark and perhaps some day they will show it.

Some articles of possible interest may include:

Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? What does the Bible teach about the temple in the end-times?
Solomon’s TempleThis is a a 5 minute animated film that shows one artist’s understanding of the details about Solomon’s temple.
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Were there Sabbath-keepers in Ethiopia? Will God call all the Africans?

Depiction of Levites Carrying the Ark of the Covenant

COGwriter

In a surprise move, the patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ethiopia announced that he will unveil what he claims is the actual Ark of the Covenant:

‘Ark of the Covenant’ about to be unveiled?
Ethiopian patriarch tells pope he will show artifact to world

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Posted: June 24, 2009 9:35 pm Eastern   © 2009 WorldNetDaily

The patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ethiopia says he will announce to the world Friday the unveiling of the Ark of the Covenant, perhaps the world’s most prized archaeological and spiritual artifact, which he says has been hidden away in a church in his country for millennia, according to the Italian news agency Adnkronos.

Abuna Pauolos, in Italy for a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI this week, told the news agency, “Soon the world will be able to admire the Ark of the Covenant described in the Bible as the container of the tablets of the law that God delivered to Moses and the center of searches and studies for centuries.”

The announcement is expected to be made at 2 p.m. Italian time from the Hotel Aldrovandi in Rome. Pauolos will reportedly be accompanied by Prince Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Sellassie and Duke Amedeo D’Acosta.

“The Ark of the Covenant is in Ethiopia for many centuries,” said Pauolos. “As a patriarch I have seen it with my own eyes and only few highly qualified persons could do the same, until now.”

According to Pauolos, the actual Ark has been kept in one church, but to defend the treasure, a copy was placed in every single church in Ethiopia.

He said a museum is being built in Axum, Ethiopia, where the Ark will be displayed. A foundation of D’Acosta will fund the project.

The Ark of the Covenant is the sacred container of the Ten Commandments as well as Aaron’s rod and a sample of manna, the mysterious food that kept the Israelites alive while wandering in the wilderness during their journey to the promised land…

The Book of Revelation says the Ark is in the temple of God in heaven (Rev. 11:19). Muslim scholars say it will be found near the end of times by the Mahdi – a messianic figure in Islam. http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=102119

I have read various older reports that the Ethiopians have long claimed to have the original Ark of the Covenant and had wondered if they would ever make this a public matter.  If WND is correct, this may happen tomorrow.

Here is something I read from an account in 1710 (and yes, the English is hard to read as the source is difficult and some words clearly are spelled incorrectly as far as we in the 21st century are concerned as it has an “f” often where we would have an “s”):

Then the aforesaid Book proceeds to give an Account how the first begotten, at the Initi’gation of Azariah the Son of Sadoc the fable about Prieft, took an Oath to one another to carry away with them the Ark. Ark of the Covenant, which they call’d the Heavenly Sion and that going by Night to the Temple, Providence fo ordering it, they found the Gates open, and put the Ark upon a Cart, and being attended by abundance of People, with much Wealth, and great Acclamations, they travell’d to fwiftly, that Solomon, who went to recover the Ark, could not overtake them, and with the fame Expedition they crofs’d the ‘Red Sea as joyfully as the Children of Ifrael had done, with only this Difference, that the Ifraelites pafs’d it on Foot without being wet, and they flying in their Chariots ; fo that the Sea obey’d the “former, and the Air was fubfervient to the latter.

This Book farther tells us, that when Queen Maqueda underfood that her Son already made King was coming, and brought along with him all the firft begotten, as alfo the Ark of the Heavemly God of Sion, (he went out with great Solemnity to meet them, and plac’d the Ark in the Temp!e of the Laud of Maqueda, all the People of Ethiopia receiving the Knowledge of the true God (Balthazar Telles, John Stevens. The Travels of the Jesuits in Ethiopia. J Knapton, 1710, University of Lausanne, p. 69).

The above would not seem biblically likely, but the Ethiopians have long believed that the Ark is in their country and that a son of Solomon who is not mentioned in the Bible brought it there.

However, the Bible shows that well after Solomon’s sons would have died, that the Ark was still in Jerusalem:

35:1 Now Josiah kept a Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and they slaughtered the Passover lambs on the fourteenth day of the first month. 2 And he set the priests in their duties and encouraged them for the service of the house of the LORD. 3 Then he said to the Levites who taught all Israel, who were holy to the LORD: “Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David, king of Israel, built. It shall no longer be a burden on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel (2 Chronicles 35:1-3).

Thus, if the Ark of the Covenant possibly made it to Ethiopia it was not until well AFTER the Ethiopians normally claim it first came there.

It is interesting, however, that many of the Muslims believe that there Mahdi will rise up after the finding of the Ark (the Mahdi of Islamic prophecy seems to be the same one that the Bible indicates will be the final King of the South).

I perhaps should add that certain Catholic prophecies indicate that the two witnesses (which they often consider will be Enoch and Elijah) will rise up after the Ark is found:

Bl. Dionysus of Luetzenberg…prophecies:

“After the discovery of the Ark of the Covenant, Enoch and Elias will restore the Holy Sacrament of the Altar; Because of the fact that the Ark of the Covenant will be in the possession of the two holy prophets and not in Antichrist’s hands, the Jews will recognize that Jesus is the true Messias…”

( Luetzenberg, Antichristus Chapter 29 as cited in Birch D.A. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph. Queenship Publishing, Goleta (CA), 1996, p. 509)

Now the Bible is clear that the Ark of the Covenant will be in heaven:

Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. (Revelation 11:19)

And it probably is there now.  But since both Islamic and Catholic prophecies suggest that it will be found, it is possible that some of them will point to the Ark in Ethiopia as proof that their prophecies are to be fulfilled.

I presume that if the Ethiopians want most people to take this possible announcement seriously that they will allow archaeologists and others to more thoroughly examine it.  However, if it is the actual Ark of the Covenant, this would seem to be quite dangerous from a biblical point of view:

1 Again David gathered all the choice men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, whose name is called by the Name, the LORD of Hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. 3 So they set the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart. 4 And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill, accompanying the ark of God; and Ahio went before the ark. 5 Then David and all the house of Israel played music before the LORD on all kinds of instruments of fir wood, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on sistrums, and on cymbals.

6 And when they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 Then the anger of the LORD was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God. (2 Samuel 6:1-7)

Only Levites were supposed to move the Ark, and that is what David finally realized.  Non-Levites, like Uzzah were never supposed to touch it.

While it may be remotely possible that the Ark could be in Ethiopia (as I think the Bible more strongly indicates that it is in heaven and not on the earth), I remain highly skeptical that what is expected to be shown tomorrow will actually be it.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament?  What does the Bible teach about the temple in the end-times?
Solomon’s TempleThis is a a 5 minute animated film that shows one artist’s understanding of the details about Solomon’s temple.
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Were there Sabbath-keepers in Ethiopia? Will God call all the Africans?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?

Depiction of Levites Carrying the Ark of the Covenant

COGwriter

The Temple Institute, an Israeli-based group hoping “to build the Holy Temple of G-d on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem” and also to resume sacrifices, recently reported (http://www.templeinstitute.org/bezichin.htm) that it has completed another instrument that it feels its priest(s) will need:

” …and you shall make for it a golden crown all around. And you shall make for it a frame a handbreadth [wide] all around, and you shall make a golden crown for its frame all around. And you shall make for it four golden rings, and you shall place the rings on the four corners that are on its four legs. The rings shall be opposite the frame as holders for the poles [with which] to carry the table. And you shall make the poles of acacia wood, and you shall overlay them with gold, and the table shall be carried with them. And you shall make its forms, its spoons, its half pipes, and its supports with which it will be covered; of pure gold you shall make them. And you shall place on the table showbread before Me at all times.” Exodus 25:23-30

The two golden bezichin – frankincense vessels, referred to in the above passage from Exodus, as “spoons,” are an essential element of the golden show bread table and the service of the showbread. These two bezichin were used to contain the two handfuls of frankincense that the priests were instructed to place upon the showbread table beneath the twelves loaves of lechem hapanim – showbread. The twelve loaves were replaced every Shabbat and the loaves that were removed were eaten by the outgoing shift of priests in the Chamber of the Hearth, located along the Temple Courtyard. New loaves were set in their place simultaneously, and with them the two bezichin of fresh frankincense. Our sages tell us that the showbread never grew stale, that it remained hot and fresh, and that even a morsel of the bread was filling and satisfying the priests that ate it…

The Temple Institute has just completed the creation of two new golden bezichin – frankincense vessels. Each vessel, made of 150 grams of 14 carat gold is the result of intensive research, planning and painstaking craftsmanship. The bezichin, like all the vessels created by the Temple Institute, are made in strict accordance to the word of Torah, as it has been handed down from generation to generation since its revelation on Mount Sinai. The bezichin, like all the vessels created by the Temple Institute, are intended for use in the Divine service of the Holy Temple, may we merit to rebuild it soon.

The two bezichin were made from gold generously donated by individuals around the world who seek to play a part in the rebuilding of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem…

The Temple Institute (as well as many Protestants) believe that a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem is needed to fulfill certain biblical requirements.

However, both the Temple Institute and the Bible (Ezra 3:6) teach that Jewish sacrifices can take place without a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem.

Thus, while the end cannot come before 2012 (cf. Daniel 9:27), Protestants (and others) should not insist that a Jewish Temple is necessary prior to the rise (or shortly after the rise) of the Beast (the King of the North).

While a physical Jewish Temple in Jerusalem may be rebuilt, those who understand their Bibles realize that such a temple is NOT needed for sacrifices to resume nor for end-time prophecies to be fulfilled.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament?  What does the Bible teach about the temple in the end-times?
The Temple and the Work This article discusses the two temples of the Old Testament and gives insight as to their possible relevance to the situation which has impacted the Church during this past decade or so.
Solomon’s TempleThis is a a 5 minute animated film that shows one artist’s understanding of the details about Solomon’s temple.
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans and others (who were not even on the same continent). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might any of this tie into Daniel 9:26-27?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?

COGwriter

A 2,900 year old handle that appears to bear the name Menachem was recently discovered and announced:

Ancient handle with Hebrew text found in Jerusalem

Associated Press – May 20, 2009

by JOSEPH MARKS

JERUSALEM – Archaeologists digging on Jerusalem‘s Mount of Olives have discovered a nearly 3,000-year-old jar handle bearing ancient Hebrew script, a find significantly older than most inscribed artifacts unearthed in the ancient city, an archaeologist said.

The Iron Age handle is inscribed with the Hebrew name Menachem, which was the name of an Israelite king and is still common among Jews.

The inscription also includes a partly intact letter, the Hebrew character “lamed,” meaning “to.” That suggests the jar was a gift to someone named Menachem, said Ron Beeri, who directed the excavation for the Israel Antiquities Authority. There is no indication the inscription refers to the king himself.

The name and similar variants have been found on Egyptian pottery dating back 3,500 years, and the Bible lists Menachem Ben Gadi as an ancient king of Israel. But this is the first time an artifact bearing the name has been unearthed in Jerusalem, Beeri said.

“It’s important because it shows that they actually used the name Menachem during that period,” Beeri said. “It’s not just from the Bible, but it’s also in the archaeological record.”

Based on the style of the inscription, he dated the handle to around 900 B.C., the time of the first Jewish Temple in Jerusalem as recounted in the Bible. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090520/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_ancient_inscription

Menachem is normally spelled as “Menahem” in English versions of the Bible, such as the NKJV.

Menahem is mentioned in in II Kings 15:14-23.  Here is some of what the Hebrew scripture recorded about him:

17 In the thirty-ninth year of Azariah king of Judah, Menahem the son of Gadi became king over Israel, and reigned ten years in Samaria. 18 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD; he did not depart all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin (2 Kings 15:17-18).

But even though he was evil, Menahem is now being used to provide additional confirmation of the Old Testament.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article by Wallace Smith which answers what many really wonder about it.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.

Some Proposed Routes of the Exodus

COGwriter

While many Jews and Jehovah’s Witnesses will celebrate the Passover tonight, it was actually last night (see Passover on the 14th or 15th?).  Tonight, however, is a biblical celebration and it does resemble the Jewish celebration in that the emphasis is on a meal and the departure from Egypt (representing the sinning world for Christians).

Anyway, notice what the Bible calls tonight’s celebration:

42 It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations (Exodus 12:42, KJV).

And it is a time to reflect on Christ’s Passover sacrifice and that Christians are to come out of the world and not be part of it.  Here is some of what Jesus taught about that:

19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you (John 15:19, NKJV).

Now notice that the children of Israel left Egypt on the 15th according to the Bible:

They departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the day after the Passover the children of Israel went out with boldness in the sight of all the Egyptians. For the Egyptians were burying all their firstborn, whom the LORD had killed among them. Also on their gods the LORD had executed judgments. (Numbers 33:3-4)

Passover teaches us our need for the sacrificial Lamb, Jesus Christ, but this is only the beginning of God’s plan of salvation.

The Night to be Much Observed reminds us that we have our part in our ultimate salvation. We must repent of sin and walk out of spiritual Egypt.

This night pictures the beginning of that journey. We learn from this Feast that we cannot stay in Egypt. We are not to be part of this present evil world. Even as God separated His people from Egypt, we must be separated from modern day Egypt with all of its lures and attractions. Just as ancient Israel had to put forth effort to get out of bondage, so we too must put forth effort to remove ourselves from the bondage of this world.

The next day continues the official first day of unleavened bread, and is observed by faithful Christians as it has been for centuries (Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread?).

An article of related interest may be The Night to be Observed.

Jordan Valley site the first built after the Exodus?

COGwriter

The following was of interest today:

Have the first Israelite sites built after Exodus been found?

Haaretz – April 6, 2009

A Haifa University archaeologist on Monday said he has unearthed structures in the shape of human feet believed to have been erected by the Israelites upon their initial entry to the Land of Canaan.Prof. Adam Zertal said that the large compounds discovered in the Jordan Valley were “the first sites to have been built by the Israelites upon entering Canaan and manifest the biblical notion of claiming ownership of the land by setting feet on it.”

Prof. Zertal’s excavation team uncovered five large foot-shaped compounds that he identifies as the biblical site of Gilgal.Most contemporary archaeologists do not consider the Israelite Exodus from Egypt and the conquest of Israel to be verifiable historical events. Zertal is one of the few Israeli archaeologists who claim to have found archaeological evidence supporting the Israelite entrance to Canaan.

Zertal’s most famous discovery is a compound on Mount Ebal near Nablus, which he identified as the site of the Covenant ceremony depicted in the biblical Book of Joshua. Other archaeologists have identified that site as a watchtower.

Zertal has also recently claimed to have found clay markings unique to early Israelites, around the time of the conquest of Canaan described in the Bible.

According to the Book of Joshua, the Israelites arrived at Gilgal after having crossed the Jordan River. Some researchers have claimed that Gilgal is named after the collection of stones at the site that were used during various rituals, but no archaeological evidence has been discovered to support that claim.

Since 1990, five sites shaped like human feet have been excavated in the Jordan Valley. All five date back to the early Iron Age (12th to 13th centuries B.C.E.), and their shapes indicate that they were used as communal gathering places.

Zertal said that the foot-shaped sites were used during ceremonies following the Israelites’ entry into the Land of Canaan. He added that the concept of the Jewish pilgrimage to Jerusalem on three major holidays (known as “aliya la’regel” or ascending on foot) also originates from the foot-shaped sites in the Jordan Valley and Mount Ebal. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1076836.html

This is exciting, presuming that it is true.  The fact is that the Bible is reliable whether or not “most contemporary archaeologists” accept it to be or not.  Throughout the past couple of centuries, archeologists that disputed biblical accounts on many matters have often proven to have been in error.

The exodus did happen, and over time, more archeological evidence is likely to be uncovered.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article by Wallace Smith which answers what many really wonder about it.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.

A Shofar made from the horn of a Greater kudu.
New months were historically brought in with a blast from a trumpet (Psalm 81:3-4 ).

COGwriter

Carl Franklin (a long-time COG member, an independent researcher,  who has had a close working relationship at times with  CBCG, but now is more distant) just put out a Theological Research Report (which he dated March 31, 2009, though the final version did not come out until today) which is devoted to an article based upon the fact that the calendar that God uses is essentially a calculated one with postponements.  Here is some of what he said about it:

…this issue presents conclusive Biblical evidence of the calculation of the Hebrew Calendar in the days of Noah. This evidence is presented in an article by Don Roth which analyzes the scriptural chronology of the Noachian Flood and demonstrates in a straightforward and factual manner that the year of the Flood was 385 days in length. This year length is the maximum number of days that the Hebrew Calendar allows and occurs only when an intercalary month is added and the rules of postponement are applied. Scriptural and historical evidence that has previously been published demonstrates that the Hebrew Calendar of today was in use at the time of Christ (See The Calendar of Christ and the Apostles, Parts I & 2). The evidence that Don Roth presents demonstrates that this calendar has been in use from the time of Noah. This span of time covers nearly the entire history of mankind.

While I have not attempted to verify Don Roth’s calculations, I do believe that by the time of Christ, the Jews used a calculated calendar.

The old Global Church of God had an article by the late Raymond McNair in which he basically proved that Jesus observed the holy day calender that included postponements–and I do believe that.

While people outside the COGs might think that this is not a big deal, there are several groups with their own differing ways of calculating the holy days. I have never seen any group, however, that taught against the postponements ever reaching the world with the gospel message (their focus and priorities always seem to be elsewhere).

We in the Living Church of God accept the calculated calendar (as do most Jews).

The Holy Days themselves start very soon.  Next week actually.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
Melito’s Homily on the Passover This is one of the earliest Christian writings about the Passover. This also includes what Apollinaris wrote on the Passover as well.
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers.
New Moons Some observe them, some do not; here are scriptures and comments.
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2012, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂

Tomb in Hamadan, Iran

COGwriter

Iran made a possible location of the supposed tomb of Esther and Mordecai a national location:

Where is the Tomb of Mordechai and Esther?

Israel National News – March 10, 2009

A few months ago, the normally hostile Iranian regime took the rather unusual step of adding a Jewish holy site to its National Heritage List.

On December 9, 2008, Iranian news outlets reported that the tomb of Mordechai and Esther, heroes of the Purim saga, would now be under official government protection and responsibility.

The move cast a brief spotlight on the site, which is well-known to Iranian Jews but largely unfamiliar to those outside the country. And with Purim being celebrated this week, it is worth taking a moment to ponder this relic of our ancient past.

The mausoleum housing the shrine of Mordechai and Esther consists of a simple brick structure crowned with a dome which was built some five to seven centuries ago over the underground gravesites. It is located in the northwestern Iranian city of Hamadan, which is about 335 kilometers west of the capital, Tehran. According to tradition, Hamadan is believed to be the site of the city of Shushan, which played such a central role in the events described in the Book of Esther.

Various travelers down through the ages took note of the site, with the first having been Benjamin of Tudela, the famed 12th century Jewish explorer…

Interestingly, there is a competing tradition which identifies the traditional burial place of Queen Esther and Mordechai as being on the outskirts of the village of Baram, in the upper Galilee, near Safed.

As early as 1215, Rabbi Menachem Ha-Hevroni wrote that while visiting the Galilee, he came across the tomb of Queen Esther, “who, during her lifetime, had instructed her son Cyrus to bring her there [for burial]”. Later pilgrims mentioned the site, and noted that special celebrations were held there on Shushan Purim.

Currently, the tomb is believed to be located in the ruins of a building found in the Baram National Park.

After the area was liberated in Israel’s War of Independence, a group of Safed Jews went up to the tomb on Purim in 1949 and read the Megillah there to revive the long-standing custom of previous generations.

Hence, we have two conflicting traditions as to where the protagonists of the Purim story are buried, with one placing them in Persia and the other right here in Israel, much closer to home.

And while we can not say with any certainty which of the two traditions is more authentic or correct, of one thing we can all be sure: the deeds of these two great Jewish heroes will never fade from our collective memory. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/130362

Furthermore, here is another Jewish report on the location:

Is there any historical evidence of the story of Purim and Queen Esther?  Answer: In the high mountains of Iran is a city called Hamadan. Notice that if you remove a “da” from Hamadan, you get “Haman.” I don’t know when Hamadan was renamed, but at one time it was called “Shushan,” and that is where the Queen Esther story takes place. There is a tomb for Queen Esther, and that tomb was built right in the middle of what is now known as Hamadan. http://www.jewishanswers.org/ask-the-rabbi-category/the-jewish-calendar-and-holidays/purim/?p=890

Having not been to either location, it is certainly not clear to me which is correct.  However, because the Book of Esther took place outside of Israel, a non-Israeli location seems to make some sense.  Haman, by the way was the one who tried to get Mordecai hung, but instead was hanged on the gallows that he had built for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10).

Wheat

COGwriter

What did people eat in biblical times?  There have been a lot of claims, but the following article seems to have a lot correct:

Biblical Diet?

There are many today who advocate specific diets — more organic food, no pork, no shrimp, etc — on the basis of the Bible. One can go back to the Bible for such things…

Nathan MacDonald, a professor in Scotland, has just published a book that challenges many claims being made today and this book can be read with profit by anyone who:

1. Makes claims about a “biblical diet.”
2. Wants to know what the Bible does and does not say about food and diets.
3. Simply is curious about what folks ate in biblical times.

His book is called What Did the Ancient Israelites Eat?: Diet in Biblical Times … a “just the facts” approach that is more than willing to admit it when we can’t be sure. He sketches both historical changes and fluctuation between different villages and different social strata.

He overturns some of the older views that meat consumption was rare (this does not refer to the way it was cooked); Jews evidently did consume meat more than an older generation thought. This book combines use of the Bible, use of archaeology, and a wide-ranging interaction with evidence throughout the Middle East in the ancient world.

The staples were grains, wine (1 liter per day), and olive oil. Ancient Israelites drank milk but often converted it into cheese since it was easier to preserve in that form. Veggies, legumes, fruits (grapes and figs) were eaten; so too were birds and fish.

This might be a wonderful addition to any Old Testament course…http://blog.beliefnet.com/jesuscreed/2009/02/biblical-diet.html

While I have not read Professor MacDonald’s book, common-sense tells us that since there were no synthetic fertilizers nor pesticides that all food in biblical times was “organic”.

Because of the general lack of refrigeration in those days, most things were eaten fresh (though some were sometimes dried or otherwised preserved).

People ate natural foods.

Because of the lack of relatively recent technologies, no refined sugars or grains would have been in their diets, nor any of the artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives that are now found in processed 21st century “foods”.

I, however, would like to add that I do not believe that the biblical diet is simply a subject for an Old Testament course as the same diet was basically also consumed by every believer in the New Testament as well.

For more information on that, please read The New Testament Church and Unclean Meats (this article also has a list of biblically clean and unclean meats as well).