Bible Archeology Discoveries

Tell al-Rimah Stele
Discovered: Tell al-Rimah, Iraq
From: (c. 796 BC)

This is a victory stele belonging to Assyrian King Adad-nirari iii. It proves the existence of “Jehoash the Samarian” and provides strong evidence of the “deliverer” God sent to save Israel “from under the hand of the Arameans (Syrians)” found in 2 Kings 13:5.

The stele is dated to circa 796 BC and contains an image of the Assyrian king. The text inscription says, in part:

"I received 2,000 talents of silver, 1,000 talents of copper, 2,000 talents of iron, 3,000 linen garments with multicolored trim—the tribute of Mari—of the land of Damascus. I received the tribute of Jehoash the Samarian, of the Tyrian ruler and of the Sidonian ruler."

Through Jehoash, God provided Israel with temporary peace and an opportunity for repentance. However, the repentance did not come. Jehoash “did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord As a result, Israel wasn’t completely free at this time, but was still required to pay tribute to the Assyrian king, as evidenced by the Tell al-Rimah Stele. The stele thus proves the existence of King Jehoash, attests to the general downfall of Syria, and illustrates the continuing vassal status of the northern kingdom of Israel.

"And Jehoahaz besought Jehovah, and Jehovah hearkened unto him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how that the king of Syria oppressed them.
And Jehovah gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians; and the children of Israel dwelt in their tents as beforetime.
Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, wherewith he made Israel to sin, but walked therein: and there remained the Asherah also in Samaria."
2 Kings 13:4-6

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Notable Finds

Much of what is described in Bible text is lost to history, requiring readers to assume the historicity of the scriptures.

However, many of the places and events described in the Old and New Testaments are periodically corroborated by archeological finds.

Some finds simply help us to better understand things from the ancient world. However, others provide important evidence as to the truth of scripture regarding things about which there had previously been skepticism.

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