THE LORD SPOKE (September 26)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Isaiah 21-23

Does archaeology prove the Bible? There have been many articles and even whole books written on that subject in the last century. This chapter actually touches on several points addressed by modern archaeology but here are two of them of recent interest:

Hezekiah’s Defenses of Jerusalem
Is. 22:10 - “you counted the houses in Jerusalem and tore down houses to strengthen the wall”

Several other details of Hezekiah’s Jerusalem are also given in this passage but one interesting archaeological find was a house from the 8th century BC which was torn down in order to build “The Broad Wall” right over the top of it - a direct illustration of Isaiah 22:10!

Shevna, the Royal Steward
Is. 22:16 - “hewing your grave on the height and chiseling your resting place in the rock”

This tomb was first discovered in 1870 but its inscription was only deciphered a hundred years later. It’s located on the Mount of Olives (“the height” of Is. 22:16) but the inscription itself is today found in the British Museum. It refers to a palace administrator from the days of Hezekiah, probably named “[Shevna]yahu”. The tomb was found empty, no doubt because the inscription announced, “There is no silver and no gold here...cursed be the man who will open this!” Nothing like inviting the thieves to take a look!

So, does archaeology prove the Bible? In the first place, the Bible doesn’t need to be proven. Being God’s Word it is true [period]. However, it may be said, and amply illustrated, that archaeology...

1. illustrates and illuminates the Bible (e.g. in determining biblical dates, aiding in the interpretation of obscure texts, providing information concerning customs and cultures of Bible times, etc.)
2. supplements the information given in the Bible (e.g. by supplying details missing in the biblical account, providing information not found in the Bible at all, etc.)
3. regularly authenticates the Bible (e.g. it has destroyed false theories and many times demonstrated the accuracy of the Bible)

The famous quote from archaeologist Nelson Glueck (Rivers in the Desert, p. 31) is now half a century old but nothing has turned up in the meantime to change the truth of his words:

It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or in exact detail historical statements in the Bible.

In spite of all the recent and greatly multiplied archaeological explorations of the past fifty years, that statement is still true.


Psalm 19-20

To please God is the highest of aspirations. David closes Psalm 19 with that prayer. He longs that the words of his mouth and the meditation of his heart would put a smile on the face of God. When God thinks of you, what is His response? Is He pleased with what He sees? Does He smile?

David’s request comes at the end (and is the result) of an extended declaration of God’s means of revealing Himself. The two halves of the psalm speak to the two types of divine revelation. General revelation is that which is known to all men by means of the creation (Ps. 19:1-6). Special revelation is the written content of Scripture in which He has spoken to us in words (Ps. 19:7-11).

General revelation cannot be hidden for “there is no speech or language where [its] voice is not heard” (Ps. 19:3). All men everywhere may see and hear that word from God and are therefore held accountable. All of creation declares that there is a God and that He is its powerful Maker (see Rom. 1:20). Any man who says otherwise is a liar and falls under just condemnation. (Kinda puts our educational system in a bad light, doesn’t it?)

As clear and as valuable as it is, general revelation has its limitations. Its vocabulary is colorful, awe-inspiring, and has over-powering weight on ontological and teleological questions. But it is limited; it can’t give all the necessary details.

That’s where special revelation comes in. God has spoken through recorded laws, statutes, precepts, commands, and ordinances to give us a clear and sufficient understanding of Himself. His plan and His requirements for us are revealed in words that revive the soul, give joy to the heart, and bring light to the eyes. They are more precious than gold and sweeter than honey.

When heard and obeyed, those words bring forgiveness, wisdom, and direction in life. They give life itself. Does it not bring you also to your knees, whispering...

May the words of my mouth
And the meditations of my heart
Be pleasing in your sight
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.