The Bible For Normal People [Bible] Episode 322: Cynthia Shafer-Elliott - Where Archaeology Intersects with the Bible
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Mar 30, 2026 Cynthia Shafer-Elliott, an archaeologist who studies Iron Age Israel and everyday material culture, joins to explain how digs and artifacts illuminate the ancient world. She highlights finds like the Tel Dan stele, Lachish reliefs, Tel Rehov beehives, inscriptions about Yahweh and Asherah, and what household objects reveal about daily life in Israel and Judah.
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Tel Dan Stele Names House of David
- The Tel Dan Stele, a broken 9th-century Aramean victory monument, mentions "Beit David," providing extra-biblical reference to David's dynasty.
- It was reused in secondary context at Tel Dan and shifted scholarly debates about Israel's history.
Black Obelisk Shows Israelite Tribute
- The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser depicts Israelite tribute, likely Jehu bowing to the Assyrian king, offering rare iconographic representation of northern Israelites.
- It's a monumental Assyrian political image housed at the British Museum and useful for comparing external portrayals to biblical narratives.
Mesha Stele Tells Moab's Side
- The Mesha Stele is a Moabite victory inscription that mentions Omri and Israel, narrating King Mesha's revolt and Chemosh's aid.
- Unlike typical royal propaganda, it includes self-critique to frame Mesha's victory favorably.