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Notes on the regional gods
There are often claims there is evidence of biblical Israel. So here we
examine all there is. The list of them is at the bottom. This is an
inclusive list. This is all there is.
Argument from this evidence
I have put off for too long a single document addressing these items. This
may motivate me to do so.
But let us define what we are talking about, biblical Israel. By that I mean
the Israel described in the bible, the Israel that once ruled from the Nile
to the Euphrates. It is not reasonable to define down Israel to a clan on a
hill which might have called itself Israel and claim there was an Israel.
That is not biblical Israel.
Note these are the only things which appear to be related in some way
to some words in the bible. There is nothing else. You will see only one
might mention Israel. Nor is there mention of Israelites. In all but one
case we have names and places similar to bible names. There is no way to say
the bible authors did not use these source materials to weave their story.
A correct observation is that even if all of these were exactly what they
are desired to be they do not support an Israel as described in the bible.
It is false to say there are Christians on one side and atheists on the
other. The one side has bible literalists against everyone including
believing Christians who do not take the bible literally or consider it
inerrant.
Argument from the absense of what such a kingdom would
have
Another correct observation is that it is not possible for such an extensive
kingdom to have left nothing more than these traces. From archaeologists
professional and amateur down to construction workers, bibleland is the most
dug place in the world and this is all there is. Egypt is the most
professionally dug place. Other civilizations in the middle east have been
extensively explored. Much smaller civilizations such as Crete left
extensive remains. We have learned every civilization has indulged in
construction projects.
The bible does not describe Solomon as modest and skimping on the signs of
wealth and power. In fact he is described as quite the opposite with major
building projects attributed to him. Every significant construction found in
bibleland which was previously identified as bible evidence has since been
attributed to an outisde culture.
How many wives did Solomon have? How many children? Add in the number of
slaves and guards and consider the size of the Haram building complex
needed. The wells for water and roads for food delivery, the kitchens and
all the rest needed for so many people. Where are its remains?
Israeli archaeologists openly say that if Solomon existed he was no
more than a hilltop chieftain because Israel has been so extensively dug. A
hilltop chieftain is not remotely related to the Solomon of the bible. So
even if some day there is found a hilltop chieftain named something like
Solomon (unlikely for the absense of literacy) it will not confirm biblical
Israel.
For the record Stele, Stone, Prism are the same thing, a stone slab. This is
part of the problem with archaeologists all writing in different languages
and translations to english not being consistent. Further there is a
tradition that the name given by the discoverer be its official name and
official names are not translated. There are as many confusions coming from
modern custom as from ancient words.
Note two of them refer to total destruction which should negate them to
believers. Rulers always exaggerated is the usual excuse BECAUSE we know
Israel survived. That is what we call circular.
The proper pronunciation of Ra is Ray not Rah. Note the pronunciation of
Isra(y)el.
The orgin of the word Amen is supposed to be unknown. In fact all you need
is look at Amen-Ra and Amen-Hotep and the like to see its Egyptian origin.
The importance of provenance
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