Archaeology - Proving the Truth of Scripture - Part 15

The Mesha Stele

In 1868, a Bedouin shepherd stumbled upon a black basalt stone in what is now Jordan. What was carved into it would shake the biblical archaeology world to its core. The Mesha Stele, dates to around 840 BCE. It was commissioned by King Mesha of Moab to celebrate his victories over Israel. But buried within its 34 lines of ancient script are references to the “House of David,” the Israelite God YHWH, and the tribe of Gad, making it one of the oldest non-biblical texts to confirm the existence of ancient Israel and their God.

The Mesha Stele, also known as the Moabite Stone, contains a significant Canaanite inscription in the name of King Mesha of Moab. Mesha tells how Chemosh, the god of Moab, had been angry with his people and had allowed them to be subjugated to the Kingdom of Israel, but at length, Chemosh returned and assisted Mesha to throw off the yoke of Israel and restore the lands of Moab.

This single stone has fueled over 150 years of debate among archaeologists, theologians, and historians. It confirms details found in the Book of Kings, yet it tells the story from the enemy's perspective. History written by the other side, carved in stone, and preserved for nearly 3,000 years. What does it mean when your history is confirmed by your adversaries? It means that the Bible is true and accurate! Trust the God who has spoken to us through the Scriptures.