Archaeology Confirms 83 Real People from the Bible

The Bible, a timeless source of inspiration, guidance, and historical significance, has played a pivotal role in the lives of countless individuals throughout history. It weaves narratives of people whose actions have left an indelible mark on the course of religious, cultural, and political history. While the Bible continues to serve as a powerful spiritual text, the world of archaeology has unearthed a captivating dimension to the stories it tells.

In this article, I want to share some of the names from the groundbreaking research of Lawrence Mykytiuk per the Biblical Archaeology Review (you can see all 83 here). The existence of these has been firmly confirmed through the science of archaeological evidence.

Unearthing Ancient Figures:

Lawrence Mykytiuk introduces us to a compelling roster of figures from the Hebrew Bible whose historical existence is affirmed by archaeological discoveries. These individuals hail from various historical periods and regions, providing valuable insights into the ancient world.

Egypt:

1. Shishak (Shoshenq I), Pharaoh: Mentioned in 1 Kings 11:40 and 14:25, Shishak's campaigns in Israel find validation through inscriptions.
2. So (Osorkon IV), Pharaoh: His reign, spanning from 730 to 715 BCE, aligns with 2 Kings 17:4, strengthening the historical context.
3. Tirhakah (Taharqa), Pharaoh: As referenced in 2 Kings 19:9, Tirhakah's role in the history of Jerusalem is elucidated by archaeological discoveries.
4. Necho II (Neco II), Pharaoh: Necho II's activities, chronicled in 2 Chronicles 35:20, offer insights into the geopolitical landscape of the era.
5. Hophra (Apries = Wahibre), Pharaoh: Though briefly mentioned in Jeremiah 44:30, the archaeological context of his reign deepens our understanding.

Moab:

6. Mesha, King: The Moabite Stone and other artifacts shed light on the reign of this early 9th-century king.

Aram-Damascus:

7. Hadadezer, King: His existence, noted in 1 Kings 22:3, prompts discussions about the political dynamics of his time.
8. Ben-hadad, Son of Hadadezer: Despite being a relatively obscure figure, his mention in 2 Kings 6:24 provides historical context.
9. Hazael, King: As a successor to Ben-hadad, Hazael's reign and its implications have been explored.
10. Ben-hadad, Son of Hazael: Briefly mentioned in 2 Kings 13:3, archaeological findings shed light on his significance.
11. Rezin (Raḥianu), King: The mid-8th century reign of Rezin and its effects on the Northern Kingdom of Israel have been studied.

Northern Kingdom of Israel:

12. Omri, King: Cited in 1 Kings 16:16, archaeological evidence enriches our understanding of Omri's reign.
13. Ahab, King: Ephraim Stern's research delves into the rule of this enigmatic king.
14. Jehu, King: The intricate reign of Jehu, documented in 1 Kings 19:16, has been examined in various archaeological contexts.
15. Joash (Jehoash), King: His rule, as noted in 2 Kings 13:9, has been scrutinized alongside archaeological evidence.
16. Jeroboam II, King: A king of the 8th century, Jeroboam II's reign and its historical context have been subject to archaeological scrutiny.
17. Menahem, King: Mentioned in 2 Kings 15:14, Menahem's significance in the historical narrative has been explored.
18. Pekah, King: His contentious reign has been discussed in light of archaeological findings.
19. Hoshea, King: The last king of Israel, Hoshea's rule has been connected to the archaeological record.
20. Sanballat I, Governor of Samaria: As a mid-fifth-century figure, the importance of Sanballat I has been illuminated by archaeological discoveries.

Southern Kingdom of Judah:

21. David, King: Archaeological findings have contributed to our historical understanding of King David's reign.
22. Uzziah (Azariah), King: His rule, as noted in 2 Kings 14:21, has been explored in light of archaeological evidence.
23. Ahaz (Jehoahaz), King: King Ahaz's seal and its implications have been studied through archaeology.
24. Hezekiah, King: The reign of King Hezekiah and the events surrounding it have been illuminated by archaeological discoveries.
25. Manasseh, King: The presence of a temple to Yahweh in Arad provides insights into Manasseh's reign.
26. Hilkiah, High Priest during Josiah's Reign: The name of Deuteronomy's author found on a seal ring has raised questions about the historical context of this high priest.
27. Shaphan, Scribe during Josiah's Reign: Archaeological findings related to Shaphan have contributed to our understanding of this historical figure.
28. Azariah, High Priest during Josiah's Reign: His role during a pivotal period in Judah's history has been explored through archaeology.
29. Gemariah, Official during Jehoiakim's Reign: His significance during the late 7th century has been touched upon in the archaeological context.
30. Jehoiachin (Jeconiah), King: His presence during a tumultuous period in Judah's history has been discussed.
31. Shelemiah and 32. Jehucal (Jucal), Officials during Zedekiah's Reign: Their roles and significance in the context of the Babylonian exile have been examined.

Assyria:

32. Tiglath-pileser III (Pul), King: Archaeological findings have shed light on Tiglath-pileser III's reign and its implications for the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
33. Shalmaneser V (Ululaya), King: His rule has been explored in light of archaeological evidence, offering insights into the complex dynamics of the time.
34. Sargon II, King: Archaeological discoveries have enriched our understanding of Sargon II's reign and his role in the region.
35. Sennacherib, King: His infamous siege of Jerusalem has been a subject of archaeological research, leading to intriguing findings.
36. Adrammelech, Son of Sennacherib: Although a minor biblical reference, the archaeological context of his time has been explored.
37. Esarhaddon, King: His reign has been discussed alongside the archaeological context of the period.

Babylonia:

38. Merodach-baladan II (Marduk-apla-idinna II), King: Merodach-baladan II (Marduk-apla-idinna II), King: Although mentioned briefly, his historical context has been touched upon.
39. Nebuchadnezzar II, King: The Babylonian ruler's reign and its implications for the biblical narrative have been explored in depth.
40. Nebo-sarsekim, Chief Official of Nebuchadnezzar II: A cuneiform tablet bearing his name has been discovered, offering insights into his role.
41. Nergal-sharezer, Officer of Nebuchadnezzar II: The biblical figure mentioned briefly has sparked discussions in archaeological contexts.
42. Nebuzaradan, Chief Officer of Nebuchadnezzar II: His presence and role during the Babylonian captivity have been explored through archaeology.
43. Evil-merodach (Amel Marduk), King: His reign and its implications have been discussed in relation to biblical history.
44. Belshazzar, Son and Co-regent of Nabonidus: The historical and archaeological context of Belshazzar's role has been examined.

Persia:

45. Cyrus II (Cyrus the Great), King: The historical and archaeological significance of Cyrus the Great's reign has been explored.
46. Darius I (Darius the Great), King: Darius the Great's rule and its implications have been discussed in the archaeological context.
47. Tattenai (Tatnai), Provincial Governor of Trans-Euphrates: His role during the time of Ezra has been examined through archaeological findings.
48. Xerxes I (Ahasuerus), King: The historical context of Xerxes I has been explored alongside archaeological evidence.
49. Artaxerxes I Longimanus, King: His reign and its relevance to the biblical narrative have been discussed in archaeological contexts.
50. Darius II Nothus, King: Although not directly referenced, his era has provided valuable historical context for understanding the biblical narrative.

In conclusion, Lawrence Mykytiuk's meticulous research, combined with the wealth of articles found in the Biblical Archaeology Review, has illuminated the lives and historical significance of more than 50 real people from the Bible. Through the lens of science (archaeology), we gain a deeper understanding of the ancient world and the individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping the stories and narratives that continue to inspire and guide us today.

SEE ALL THE NAMES HERE

These archaeological discoveries bridge the gap between the biblical text and the tangible artifacts of the past, enriching our appreciation of the historical figures who once walked the ancient lands.

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Disclaimer: This article may contain information generated by artificial intelligence.