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Biblical Archeology

Free to download and use in your local ministry       

 

A Seven Course Study by DPS       
 

Complete with downloadable teacher's guide, handouts, and PowerPoint presentations
 

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The Lessons:
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Introductory Lesson:

     
     



Sample...



Download: Teacher's Script: (PDF) (Word) | Handout: (PDF) (Word)PowerPoint

Overview

a.  Inscriptions and Writings: The Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone)

b.      Scripture Reading: Genesis 1

c.       Comparing Genesis 1&2 to other Mesopotamian Creation accounts

d.      Archeological discovery from above: Pishon River?
 

Discussion Questions

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a.  Inscriptions and Writings: The Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone)

Popularized in the 19th century as the "Moabite Stone," the Mesha Stele is a black basalt stone, bearing an inscription by the 9th century BC Moabite King Mesha, discovered in 1868 at Dhiban (biblical "Dibon," capital of Moab). The inscription of 34 lines is written in the Moabite language. It is the most extensive inscription ever recovered that refers to ancient Israel. It was set up by Mesha, about 850 BC, as a record and memorial of his victories in his revolt against the Kingdom of Israel, undertaken after the death of his overlord, Ahab.

The stele, which measures 44"x27”, describes:

1. How Moab was conquered by Omri, King of Israel, as the result of the anger of the god Chemosh. Mesha’s victories over Omri’s son

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b.      Scripture Reading: Genesis 1
 

c. Comparing Genesis 1 to other Mesopotamian Creation accounts

Similarities and Differences with the Genesis Account

Similarities

Differences

(1) Both accounts speak of a time when the earth was without form and void.

(2) Both accounts have a similar order of events in creation.

(3) Both accounts view humanity’s purpose to be worshiping God/gods

(4) Both creation accounts relate humans to God above animals.

(5) The number seven seems significant in both accounts (seven tablets and seven days of creation).

(1) The Enuma Elish features several gods (polytheistic) while Genesis mentions only one God (though God refers to Godself in the plural in Gen 1:28 "let us make humans" which many Christians  take as an OT proof text for the doctrine of the Trinity).

(2) While the Enuma Elish does not separate spirit and matter, the Genesis account carefully distinguishes between the two.

(3) The Enuma Elish features conflict and violence among all characters, including the gods, while Genesis portrays violence as sinful and only occurring in the human community.


THE NATURE OF THE TWO CREATION ACCOUNTS

GENESIS 1

GENESIS 2

The heavens and the earth are created in six days.

Creation of the man and the woman (no time element mentioned).

Shows humanity in its cosmic setting.

Shows humanity as central to God’s purpose.

A panoramic view of creation as a whole.

A detailed view of one particular aspect of creation.

Centers on God creating the heavens and the earth.

Centers on humanity as the crowning of God’s creation.

 

THE SIX DAYS OF CREATION

DAY 1: Light.

DAY 4: Light-givers (Sun, moon & stars).

DAY 2: Water & sky divided.

DAY 5: Fish and birds.

DAY 3: Land & Vegetation

DAY 6: Land animals & man.

 

d.      Archeological discovery from above: Pishon River?

And the Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. (Genesis 2:8).

Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers. The name of the first is Pishon; it flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is good; the bdellium and the onyx stone are there. And the name of the second river is Gihon; it flows around the whole land of Cush. And the name of the third river is Tigris; it flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. (Genesis 2:10-14).

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Discussion Questions:

How do you explain the similarities between the ancient Middle Eastern creation accounts? Do you believe that God's revealed truth to people other than our Jewish forebears? Are the differences in the accounts significant in your opinion? From the research presented here, you believe there is enough indication that that the garden of Eden was a real place in our geography and history? How important is it to your faith that the Garden of Eden story is history rather than sacred story?

 

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