An extraordinary exhibit featuring the legendary Tel Dan Stele, a cornerstone artifact of biblical archaeology, is now open to the public at Herbert W. Armstrong College in Edmond, Oklahoma. From September 22 to November 25, visitors have the rare opportunity to witness a piece of history that has redefined our understanding of the ancient world and solidified the historical presence of the biblical King David.
The Tel Dan Stele: A Monumental Discovery
The Tel Dan Stele, often hailed as one of the most groundbreaking archaeological finds of the 20th century, is currently on loan from the prestigious Israel Museum, thanks to a collaboration between the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation and the Israel Antiquities Authority. This remarkable fragment, dating back to the 9th century BCE, will be the centerpiece of the "Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered" exhibit at the Armstrong Auditorium, located on the Armstrong College campus.
This 3,000 year old Tel Dan Steele found in northern Israel references the House of David.
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) December 21, 2023
Israel is the ancient home of the Jewish people and nothing will change that. pic.twitter.com/756McIJjny
Brad Macdonald, the exhibit’s curator, expressed the profound significance of the Tel Dan Stele, stating, "This is a colossal honor for Oklahoma and the Armstrong Foundation. This artifact provides an extraordinary snapshot of biblical history and possibly Israel's most important archaeological discovery ever. This is only the second time the stele has been to America."
The Stele's Historical Impact: Vindicating King David
The Tel Dan Stele, discovered in 1993 by renowned archaeologist Avraham Biran, is a basalt victory stele originally commissioned by the Syrian king Hazael following his victory over King Jehoram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah. What makes this artifact truly monumental is the inscription it bears, which clearly references a “king of the House of David,” offering the first extrabiblical evidence of King David as a historical figure. This discovery has had far-reaching implications, not just for archaeology but also for the validation of biblical narratives.
2. The Tel Dan Stele:
— Ancient Masculinity ⚔️ (@Ancient_Masc) August 21, 2024
Found in 1993 in northern Israel, this basalt stele bears an Aramaic inscription referencing the “House of David.” It provides the first extrabiblical evidence of King David’s existence, affirming the historical reality of one of the Bible’s most… pic.twitter.com/YunrMbQLS3
"The discovery of this stele caused an earthquake in the archaeological community," emphasized Macdonald. "It vanquished the common belief that King David was a fictional character and bolstered the credibility of the Bible as a valuable historical source. This is just one reason that it is one of the most important archaeological discoveries ever found."
An Exhibit of Biblical Proportions
The "Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered" exhibit does not stop at the Tel Dan Stele. It showcases over 50 artifacts from the United Monarchy period, a time before the ancient kingdom split into Israel and Judah. Among the highlights is the world premiere of the Ophel Pithos inscription, linked to the legendary visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon, offering further insights into the rich and complex history of the region.
Another star of the exhibit is the Phoenician artifact known as the Ophel Electrum Basket Pendant, which is believed to be the oldest piece of gold jewelry ever discovered in Jerusalem. This exquisite piece is a testament to the cultural exchanges between the ancient Jewish and Phoenician civilizations, further enriching our understanding of the historical context of the era.
Now at Armstrong Auditorium: The Tel Dan Stele | https://t.co/5L8kkjzRNd https://t.co/t2gtbu6hag
— Ruthyann Miracle Woods 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇮🇱🗝️🌷🪻🌦️ (@sweetpeax77) September 21, 2024
A Unique Opportunity
This exhibit is more than just a display of ancient artifacts; it is a bridge connecting the past to the present, providing tangible evidence of the historical figures and events that have shaped our world. The presence of the Tel Dan Stele in Edmond, Oklahoma, is a rare and invaluable opportunity for scholars, historians, and the general public alike to engage with a piece of history that continues to influence our understanding of the ancient world.
The exhibit will be open to the public until November 25. Don’t miss this chance to witness the artifact that rewrote history and confirmed the existence of one of the Bible’s most iconic figures.
