What is the Tel Dan stele and why is it important?
The Tel Dan Stele was a black basalt stele erected by an Aramaean (Syrian) king in northernmost Israel, containing an Aramaic inscription to commemorate his victory over the ancient Hebrews. Fragments of the stele, which has been dated to the ninth or eighth century B.C.E., were discovered at Tel Dan in 1993 and 1994.
What is written on the Tel Dan stele?
In 1993, archaeologists working at Tel Dan in the upper Galilee discovered a stele telling of the stunning victory of Hazael, King of the Arameans, over “70 kings,” including the king of the House of David. This was a major find: the oldest mention outside the Bible of the Davidic dynasty.
Where is the Mesha Stele now?
Louvre
The stele itself is regarded as genuine and historical by the vast majority of biblical archaeologists today. The stele has been part of the collection of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, since 1873….
| Mesha Stele | |
|---|---|
| Present location | Louvre |
| Identification | AP 5066 |
What is the Mesha Stele and why is it significant to our understanding of Israel’s history?
The Moabite Stone, otherwise known as the Mesha Stele, contains an ancient inscription by Mesha, King of Moab during the late 9th century BCE, elements of which match events in the Hebrew Bible. The inscription describes two aspects of how Mesha lead Moab into victory against ancient Israel.
Is King David mentioned outside of the Bible?
The Bible is our only source of information about David. No ancient inscription mentions him. No archaeological discovery can be securely linked to him. The quest for the historical David, therefore, is primarily exegetical.
What was David’s importance to the city of Jerusalem and the kingdom of Israel?
As Israel’s second king, David built a small empire. He conquered Jerusalem, which he made Israel’s political and religious centre. He defeated the Philistines so thoroughly that they never seriously threatened the Israelites’ security again, and he annexed the coastal region.
What does Tel mean in Hebrew?
The word “tel” means an ancient mound composed of remains of successive settlements, and “aviv” is the Hebrew word for spring, symbolizing renewal.
What does the name Mesha mean?
Biblical Names Meaning: In Biblical Names the meaning of the name Mesha is: Burden, salvation.
Who wrote the Tel Dan stele?
Hazael of Aram-Damascus
Overview. The Tel Dan stele consists of several fragments making up part of a triumphal inscription in Aramaic, left most probably by Hazael of Aram-Damascus, an important regional figure in the late 9th century BCE.