Unveiling the Kings of Israel Review

Unveiling the Kings of Israel: Revealing the Bible's Archaeological History by David Down is clearly written in an unbiased fashion. Although contemporaries may argue this notion, it seems abundantly clear in the introduction. Down explains that when “Correctly interpreted, the historical records of Egypt and Israel show a remarkable consistency with the Bible records which we can accept as not only inspiring but entirely reliable”. Down uses the statements reliable, significant, clues, does not prove, reference was made, and revealing, throughout the entire book.

Views of monotheism or godly manifestations are never thrown in your face, rather, they are presented to the reader so that they may ponder their significance in the historical record. Down explores the chronological history of Israel’s Kings and the archaeological evidence left to describe their journey throughout history. David Down never states that history should only be based upon the Bible. He only wants the reader to understand that Bible history does have credence. He further explains that archaeological support has to be present to arrive at conclusions about our past.

Unveiling the Kings of Israel guides the reader from the earliest civilization in Ur to the land of the Pharaoh and the New Testament. Yet, there is a significant amount of archaeological evidence throughout the book which details the significance of the find, compared to what details are stated in the Bible. What I did find fascinating is the fact that Down clearly mentions that “There may have been more involved than the Bible record spells out”. This statement, of course, pertains to a marriage involving a Pharaoh and Abram, nonetheless, it carries over throughout the rest of the book.

So what can you expect from Unveiling the Kings of Israel?

Readers will learn more about:

• The scientific and mathematical advancements in Ur and where those advancements transitioned to and by who.
• Chronological clues are investigated to determine the birth date of Abram using excerpts from the Bible and the year of Solomon’s accession.
• A brief explanation of the ship, believed at one point to be Noah’s Ark, discovered in lesser Mount Ararat.
• Tablets excavated at Nineveh which were written in ancient Assyrian, and later translated by Henry Rowlinson.
• Thousands of archaeological items stored in museums that have yet to be tested against Bible history.
• The significance of Petra and its Biblical past.

Final Thoughts on Unveiling the Kings of Israel

This eye opening and provocative assemblage of literary history and effervescent illustrations, creates a book that you just can’t put down. For years to come, this book will be an enduring resource for children, scholars, students, or anyone interested in learning more about biblical archaeology and its place in history.

Unveiling the Kings of Israel was simply a joy to read and review. I was honored to have the opportunity, so thank you to Master Books, a division of the New Leaf Publishing Group.

About David Down

David Down is a field archaeologist and an expert in Middle Eastern and Biblical Archaeology. He publishes a monthly archaeology newsletter called Diggings, and the magazine ArchaeologicalDiggings, which is distributed by newsagents throughout Australia. You can also connect with David on his website: Archaeological Diggings. Interview with David Down at Creation.com

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• Jericho Unearthed - Bible Confirmed Once Again--Can archaeology prove the accuracy of the Bible? In this video, we hear from archaeologists about what is required to make an honest and intelligent assessment about the accuracy about the Bible. The video begins in Jericho.
  
• Uruk Period Kings --After priests, who held economic and political powers, still retaining their religious mystique of course, Uruk period kings emerged as dual rulers in an effort to combat warfare and forge sociocultural bonds with their people.
• Sumerian Cities --The Sumerian cities were surrounded by walls, much like the Forbidden City, as a way to keep their culture secret and sacred. Sumerian city dwellings were constructed out of sun-dried bricks, including peasant quarters and the larger dwellings of priestly and civic officials.

If you would like to read Unveiling the Kings of Israel: Revealing the Bible's Archaeological History, or use it as a resource in your classrooms, pick it up today on Amazon.

Monday Ground Up: 5 Archaeological Sites That Changed The Face of History

To some, archaeology is merely the study of past worlds. Some may say that sifting through broken remains of decimated cities and exploring relics of forgotten peoples only provides us with interesting (and pointless) souvenirs from a time now inconsequential. While these artifacts and architectures are mere glimpses of the past, archeology provides us with a lens into what has been and could be. By exploring the material culture and environment of past human societies we are able to illuminate generalities about human civilization and social evolution. With most of human history occurring within prehistoric cultures without written language or record studying the material remains of those civilizations is the only way to learn about them. To be far too cliché, as Pearl Buck puts it, "if you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday." These five archaeological sites changed the face of history.

Machu Picchu

More widely known as the "Lost city of the Incas", this extensive archaeological site is located in southern Peru. Set atop a mountain that is only accessible by train or foot, this ancient city was the center of the Inca civilization. Discovered in 1911, Machu Picchu was built by the Inca around the year 1450, but was abandoned when the Spanish came. While many other Incan sites were defaced and plundered by Spanish conquistadors, Machu Picchu seemingly escaped discovery. Serving as a prime example of Incan civilization, Machu Picchu provided historians with new information about early indigenous society in South America. The site was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Petra

Known for its rock-cut architecture, Petra is Jordan's most visited tourist attraction. Carved into the side of a canyon in Arabah, Petra was originally discovered and made known in 1812. This site is believed to have had settlers as early back as the 6th century BC, but experienced rapid decline while under Roman rule. Petra was abandoned by the late 4th century. There are records of Petra in Egyptian military accounts as well as being part of the land mentioned in the Bible. Petra's complex water system provides compelling knowledge into ancient innovations for dealing with drought and flooding. The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, has had award winning sonnets written about its magnificence, and was named one of the "most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage" by UNESCO.

Tikal

As the best-preserved ruins of the Mayan civilization, Tikal is one of the most important archaeological monuments in history. Located in Guatemala, Tikal was the capitol of one of the most powerful ancient Mayan kingdoms. Dating back to the 4th century BC, the city hit its peak from 200 to 900 AD as the center for Mayan politics, economy, and military. Because Tikal has been so well preserved, it has provided the most thorough insight into this ancient mega-civilization.

Stonehenge

Located near Salisbury, England, this structure is over 3,000 years old. Like the Egyptian Pyramids, Stonehenge remains one of the most mysterious archaeological discoveries in history. With stones originating all the way from Wales, scholars are still unsure how the builders of the site transported the gigantic stones over such a great distance. One of the most famous sites in the world, Stonehenge is a circular setting of large stones. It is believed that the iconic site was erected sometime around 2500 BC, though historians and archaeologists are not completely certain. Added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1986, Stonehenge has become a national monument for England. Archaeologists believe that Stonehenge served as a burial ground; however its true function and construction remain a mystery.

The Pyramids at Giza

No list of ancient archeological sites is complete without a discussion of the infamous Pyramids. Built over 3,000 years ago, the Egyptian Pyramids remain among the most mysterious and aw- inspiring structures in the world. The Pyramids align to the stars and the solstices, containing vast chambers and rooms that are yet to be explored. As a true tribute to human engineering, scientists, historians, architects, and engineers still have no idea how the Egyptians made the Pyramids so precise. Built for ancient Egyptian Pharaoh's, the Pyramids of Giza in the outskirts of Cairo include three giant pyramids, known as the Great Pyramids, and the massive sculpture, the Great Sphinx. The Egyptian Pyramids have become an eminent part of popular culture as well as a telling story into a world of mystery and greatness.

About the Author:

Mariana Ashley is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online colleges. She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031 @gmail.com.

Photo Credits

• Photo Machu Picchu exfordy
• Photo Petra watchsmart
• Photo Tikal szeke
• Photo Stonehenge Jose and Roxanne
• Photo The Pyramids of Giza annemarieangelo

Petra In Under 3 Minutes

It's one of my favorite archaeological sites on earth. The mysterious city of Petra was carved into the steep cliffs, lining Arabah, a valley that runs from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. Most remember Petra from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, however they probably never knew the history behind it.