AP: Handwriting study finds clues on when biblical texts written

Among biblical critics is the view that the Bible could not have been written when believers say it was because they claim that the children of Israel did not have the ability to write certain words, etc. that early. The Associated Press (AP) reports that there is another archeological discovery which supports the view that parts of the Hebrew scriptures were written earlier than many critics claim:

Handwriting study finds clues on when biblical texts written

April 12, 2016

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli mathematicians and archaeologists say they have found evidence to suggest that key biblical texts may have been composed earlier than what some scholars think.

Using handwriting analysis technology similar to that employed by intelligence agencies and banks to analyze signatures, a Tel Aviv University team determined that a famous hoard of ancient Hebrew inscriptions, dated to around 600 BC, were written by at least six different authors. Although the inscriptions are not from the Hebrew Bible, their discovery suggests there was widespread literacy in ancient Judah at the time that would support the composition of biblical works. …

In recent years, many scholars have attributed the composition of a group of biblical texts, from the Book of Joshua to the second Book of Kings, to the period after the siege, according to Israeli archaeologist Israel Finkelstein, who participated in the study. That theory holds that the biblical texts were written as a result of the exile to Babylon, when the composers began to think about their past and put their history to parchment.

Finkelstein, however, said he has long believed those texts were written in the late 7th century BC in Jerusalem, before the siege. He said the study offers support for that theory.

“It’s the first time we have something empirical in our hands,” said Finkelstein. …

The inscriptions themselves are not biblical texts. Instead, they detail troop movements and expenses for provisions, indicating that people throughout the military chain of command down to the fort’s deputy quartermaster were able to write. The tone of the inscriptions, which suggest they were not written by professional scribes, combined with the fortress’ remote location, indicate a wide spread of literacy at the time, according to the study.

A high level of literacy would support the idea that some biblical texts had already been authored by this time. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_ISRAEL_BIBLE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-04-12-08-15-28

There has been a campaign by some that claim that much of what the Bible records around the time of Joshua was a myth. But archeological evidence keeps being found which verifies the biblical account.

I would add that much of the Hebrew Bible was written even earlier than those that are involved in the ‘handwriting’ study believe as well.

Anyway, getting back to the archeological announcement, it provides further evidence that critics of the Bible are in error. The Bible is trustworthy, despite claims of unbelievers.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading. Here is a link in Mandarin Chinese: 读圣经 Here is a link in the Spanish language: Lea la Biblia.
Bible: Superstition or Authority? Should you rely on the Bible? Is it reliable? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
How to Study the Bible David Jon Hill wrote this initially and Dr. Thiel added scriptures, tips, and suggestions to it. A 2015 sermon is available and is also titled How to Study the Bible.
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
The Old Testament Canon This article shows from Catholic accepted writings, that the Old Testament used by non-Roman Catholics and non-Orthodox churches is the correct version.
The New Testament Canon – From the Bible and History This article, shows from the Bible and supporting historical sources, why the early Church knew which books were part of the Bible and which ones were not.