Archaeologists Find Evidence Of Bethlehem

Archaeologists find earliest evidence of Bethlehem
AFP
A hanout picture released by Israeli Antiquities Authority website shows a tiny clay seal inscribed with the word "Bethlehem" in what is believed to be the earliest evidence for the existence of the ancient biblical city. The artifact -- a piece of clay used for sealing a document or other object, known as a 'bulla' -- was uncovered during excavations at the City of David. (AFP Photo/Clara Amit)
Archaeologists have uncovered a tiny clay seal inscribed with the word "Bethlehem" in what is believed to be the earliest evidence for the existence of the ancient biblical city.
"The first ancient artifact constituting tangible evidence of the existence of the city of Bethlehem, which is mentioned in the Bible, was recently discovered in Jerusalem," a statement Wednesday from the Israel Antiquities Authority said.
The artifact -- a piece of clay used for sealing a document or other object, known as a 'bulla' -- was uncovered during excavations at the City of David, a site just outside the southern wall of Jerusalem's Old City.
On the seal, which measures around 1.5 centimeters (about half an inch), was the name of the city written in ancient Hebrew script, it said.
"This is the first time the name Bethlehem appears outside the Bible, in an inscription from the First Temple period, which proves that Bethlehem was indeed a city in the Kingdom of Judah, and possibly also in earlier periods," said Eli Shukron, who led the dig.
He said the bulla belonged to a shipment of tax documents which were sent from Bethlehem to the king in Jerusalem, as part of a taxation system used in the Kingdom of Judah in the late eighth and seventh centuries BC.
Bethlehem is first mentioned in Genesis, the first book of the Bible, as the burial place of Rachel, wife of the patriarch Jacob. According to the New Testament, the West Bank city of Bethlehem, which lies just south of Jerusalem, was also the birthplace of Jesus.
MTW- Is this proof that the city in which Christ was born in existed; and are the Israeli Archaeologists going to acknowledge said remark? No, it is alright, I do not expect that. However, for Christians, it is good to know that the city of Jesus’ birth was indeed a real place. Does that lend more credence to the writings of the New Testament? As a Christian, I respect Judaism, and their beliefs, as I expect to have their respect in return. Israel is the center of the Holy Land. We all need to remember that- even the Muslims. Why else would the Dome of the Rock have been put where it is? I think that God himself will take care of that eyesore.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Posted by Michael T. Wayne- A Little Crazy