Was the Bible Right? Inscription May Confirm Ancient Israel’s Borders

How far north did the biblical kingdom of Israel extend?

A newly-discovered Hebrew-language inscription might confirm that the border of ancient Israel reached areas that some archaeologists were previously skeptical about, thus confirming the Bible’s account.

The inscription was discovered at the site of Abel Beth-Maacah, archaeologists Dr. Naama Yahalom-Mack and Dr. Nava Panitz-Cohen from the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem told The Jerusalem Post.

Abel Beth-Maacah is mentioned in the Bible several times.

Later, in II Kings 15:29, the city is listed among those conquered by the king of Assyria. As explained by the researchers, the prominent tell was discovered in the 19th century and identified with the city mentioned in the Bible because of its location and the resemblance between the name of the Arab village Abil al-Qameh that was located on top of it and the ancient biblical name. It is located on the border with Lebanon, not far from the border with Syria.

The inscription was discovered at the site of Abel Beth-Maacah, archaeologists Dr. Naama Yahalom-Mack and Dr. Nava Panitz-Cohen from the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem told The Jerusalem Post. Abel Beth-Maacah is mentioned in the Bible several times.

“Ben-hadad responded to King Asa’s request; he sent his army commanders against the towns of Israel and captured Ljon, Dan, Abel-Beth-Maacah and all Chinneroth, as well as all the land of Naphtali,” reads the first reference in I Kings 15:20 (translation by Sefaria.org). Later, in II Kings 15:29, the city is listed among those conquered by the king of Assyria.

As explained by the researchers, the prominent tell was discovered in the 19th century and identified with the city mentioned in the Bible because of its location and the resemblance between the name of the Arab village Abil al-Qameh that was located on top of it and the ancient biblical name. It is located on the border with Lebanon, not far from the border with Syria.

https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Was-the-Bible-right-Inscription-may-confirm-ancient-Israels-borders-616861?utm_source=spotim&utm_medium=spotim_recirculation