Tiny tablet provides proof for Old Testament

Tiny tablet provides proof for Old Testament

The sound of unbridled joy seldom breaks the quiet of the British Museum's great Arched Room, which holds its collection of 130,000 Assyrian cuneiform tablets, dating back 5,000 years.

But Michael Jursa, a visiting professor from Vienna, let out such a cry last Thursday. He had made what has been called the most important find in Biblical archaeology for 100 years, a discovery that supports the view that the historical books of the Old Testament are based on fact.

Searching for Babylonian financial accounts among the tablets, Prof Jursa suddenly came across a name he half remembered - Nabu-sharrussu-ukin, described there in a hand 2,500 years old, as "the chief eunuch" of Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon.

Prof Jursa, an Assyriologist, checked the Old Testament and there in chapter 39 of the Book of Jeremiah, he found, spelled differently, the same name - Nebo-Sarsekim.

Nebo-Sarsekim, according to Jeremiah, was Nebuchadnezzar II's "chief officer" and was with him at the siege of Jerusalem in 587 BC, when the Babylonians overran the city.

according to Irving Finkel, a British Museum expert, is a bill of receipt acknowledging Nabu-sharrussu-ukin's payment of 0.75 kg of gold to a temple in Babylon.

The tablet is dated to the 10th year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II, 595BC, 12 years before the siege of Jerusalem.

Evidence from non-Biblical sources of people named in the Bible is not unknown, but Nabu-sharrussu-ukin would have been a relatively insignificant figure.

"This is a fantastic discovery, a world-class find," Dr Finkel said yesterday. "If Nebo-Sarsekim existed, which other lesser figures in the Old Testament existed? A throwaway detail in the Old Testament turns out to be accurate and true. I think that it means that the whole of the narrative [of Jeremiah] takes on a new kind of power."

Cuneiform is the oldest known form of writing and was commonly used in the Middle East between 3,200 BC and the second century AD. It was created by pressing a wedge-shaped instrument, usually a cut reed, into moist clay.

The full translation of the tablet reads: (Regarding) 1.5 minas (0.75 kg) of gold, the property of Nabu-sharrussu-ukin, the chief eunuch, which he sent via Arad-Banitu the eunuch to [the temple] Esangila: Arad-Banitu has delivered [it] to Esangila. In the presence of Bel-usat, son of Alpaya, the royal bodyguard, [and of] Nadin, son of Marduk-zer-ibni. Month XI, day 18, year 10 [of] Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Mysterious Clouds Creeping Out of the Arctic

A new NASA satellite has recorded the first detailed images from space of a mysterious type of cloud called “night-shining” or “noctilucent."

The clouds are on the move, brightening and creeping out of polar regions, and researchers don't know why.

"It is clear that these clouds are changing, a sign that a part of our atmosphere is changing and we do not understand how, why or what it means," said atmospheric scientists James Russell III of Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. "These observations suggest a connection with global change in the lower atmosphere and could represent an early warning that our Earth environment is being changed."

The "Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere” (AIM) satellite first imaged the noctilucent clouds May 25. People on the ground began seeing them June 6 over Northern Europe.

The clouds form 50 miles above the Earth’s surface, in an upper layer of the atmosphere called the mesosphere. The puffs of water vapor and crystals appear during summer months above the Northern Hemisphere's pole as well the Southern Hemisphere’s pole in summer.

AIM will record two complete cloud seasons over both regions, effectively documenting an entire life cycle of the shiny clouds for the first time. Researchers hope to figure out why noctilucent clouds form and how they might be related to global climate change.

Source:
Mysterious Clouds Creeping Out of the Arctic
By Dave Mosher, LiveScience Staff Writer
posted: 28 June 2007 05:38 pm ET

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." (Luke 21:25-26)

These are not things to fear, we are to rejoice: ""And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe." (John 14:29)"

The Sinless "Happy Bible" Coming To Your Town Soon

Did I say the NIV Bible was bad? Well, it just got worse! I saw this posted by a member at the Bereans Online Forum. I copied even his signature, as it is a good one and rather fits the subject!

Subject: The Sinless "Happy Bible" Coming To Your Town Soon
Quote: The Sinless, Wrathless Bible Positive_2Do you feel uncomfortable when you read your Bible because it talks about things like sin, God's judgement and his wrath? Don't you wish you could have a Bible that omitted all that negative and scary stuff? You're in luck!! Kenneth Winston Caine has created The Positive Bible. According to the publisher: Turn to any page in this book. You will be greeted with a Biblical passage that offers hope, help, and encouragement. This collection of advice, instruction, inspiration, assurance, and wisdom, drawn from the King James, Revised Standard, New International, King James Modernized, and The Living Bible translations by scholar Kenneth Winston Caine, has the power and beauty to teach and comfort across the centuries. Ponder just one passage or every one; browse this book at random or read it straight through. Find a problem or question in the index of more than 250 everyday life applications of scripture-from healing to living through grief to nurturing a child- and you will be directed to Biblical wisdom that speaks precisely to you, as timely and relevant to modern culture as the evening newscast. Here is your inspirational guide to the most remarkable of all books-condensed compendium of truth and knowledge that will enrich your entire family for years to come. Ahh yes. There is nothing like making a Bible to suit your own tastes and religious notions. But wait, isn't that the very definition of apostasy? _________________ "Only the small secrets need to be protected. The big ones are kept secret by public incredulity."M McLuhan "Truth comes from the Word of God. Error comes from the pulpit." Donald Grey Barnhous

1 Timothy 4:1
[ Apostasy ] But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,
1 Timothy 4:1-3 (in Context)

2 Thessalonians 2:3
Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
2 Thessalonians 2:2-4 (in Context)

Adonai.........The Most Beautiful Music in the World!

This is no exaggeration! I believe the Adonai CD contains the most beautiful music in the world.

The CD starts out with the Aaronic benediction (Num 6:24-26) in Hebrew which is then repeated in English. It is such a blessing to wake up to this every morning! It is the first thing we hear. I have it memorized in Hebrew & English and find it a great blessing to say it out loud first thing in the morning with the CD.

On Amazon.com


You can hear some of this CD on the beautiful and inspiring Ps 83 Flash presentation on ACwitness.com.

Previously I have mentioned this presentation in my blog: 'Psalm in a bog' linked to Israel's current war

Read Your Bible........but NOT the NIV (New International Version)

Did you know that the NIV Bible has 2000 DELIBERATE changes from the KJV from the singular "thee" to the plural "thou"?????????????? The statement of the translators regarding this is that it was to "soften the accountability"!?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. *

Excuse me??????????????????

Deut. 4:2 2"^(A)You shall not add to the word which ^(B)I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Rev. 22:18 18I testify to everyone who hears ^(A)the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone ^(B)adds to them, God will add to him ^(C)the plagues which are written in ^(D)this book;

I have begun to appreciate the KJV of the Bible (though true, some of the wording IS hard to understand - it is then that I go to my NASB, or MKJV for clarification). My favorite study Bible is the NASB.

If you are interested in how our Bible was put together, Dr. Missler has a wonderful briefing pack called How We Got Our Bible. Free to listen or read online here.

*Dr. Chuck Missler. Romans ch. 2 study

Battle of Ezekiel (Eze. 38-39)

A great page on the how, what, when, where, who, etc. of the upcoming Battle of Ezekiel: Russian Invasion of Israel - Ezekiel 38-39 (by Pastor Gary Derechinsky of New Hope Chapel in Arnold, MD).

There is a lot of information packed into this one page. If this subject interests you, I highly recommend it!

Sodom (& Gomorrah's) Sexual Sin Merely a Symptom of Greater Problem

As always, Dr. Chuck Missler (Khouse.org) brings to the surface facts which both enlighten, teach and edifies us!!!!!!!! In session 3 of the downloaded version, his study on the book of Romans [listen online free: radio show Romans 1-2 pt. 4] he shows that in actuality Sodom's (and by implication also Gomorrah's [my statement, not his]) amoral sexual practices were NOT in reality their downfall, but rather a symptom of a greater problem..........one which we, in the opulence of our comfortable lifestyles - are living in right now.

This is explained when God speaks in Ezekiel 16:49-50 (NASB version):
49"Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had ^(B)arrogance, ^(C)abundant food and ^(D)careless ease, but she did not help the ^(E)poor and needy.

50"Thus they were haughty and committed ^(F)abominations before Me Therefore I ^(G)removed them when I saw it.

The KJV declares it even more clearly: "pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness"

So by this example we are to live with a heavenly perspective, not an earthly one.........beware of being too comfortable, which leads to pride and arrogance. Be not slothful or idle AND do not forget those less fortunate. James 1:27 ties in well stating what, in God's sight, religion REALLY is: "Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

It reminds me of one of my favorite Proverbs (30:7-9)
7Two things I asked of You, Do not refuse me before I die:
8Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the ^(A)food that is my portion,
9That I not be ^(B)full and deny ^(C)You and say, "Who is the LORD?" Or that I not be ^(D)in want and steal, And ^(E)profane the name of my God.

Note: Perhaps the other cities followed the example of Sodom, and were not quite to the extent as Sodom. Destroyed were 4 cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim (see Deuteronomy 29:23). Undestroyed were neaby Zoar & Lasha. Zoar (also named Bela in Gen. 14:2 & 8 ) - would seem to have been in the crosshairs as well, if not for the fact that God granted Lot to flee there, thus sparing it (Gen. 19:21-22). Lasha described as nearby in Gen. 10:12 (is not said to be destroyed. [both Zoar & Lasha's exact locations are unknown to us at this time but were both probably located East of the Jordan River].

As Billy Graham said many years ago "If God doesn't judge America soon, He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah"...History repeats itself. It is important to study what led to such a downfall. Who is it that said "Those ignorant of history are doomed to repeat it"??????

Ancient Messianic Synagogue Symbol

Ancient Messianic Synagogue Symbol
Article by Evangelical Press News Service

Aurora, Colo. (EP) — A Messianic Seal from the Christian church in ancient Jerusalem has been rediscovered after 2000 years. This ancient symbol was found on Mount Zion. It is believed to have been created and used by the Jewish believers who called themselves Nazarenes in the first Messianic Church.

Three companies—Olim Creative Products of Tiberias, News About Israel (NAI) of Jerusalem, and Christian Floral Delivery of Colorado—jointly announced the discovery of this ancient symbol, which has been copyrighted by NAI. It consists of three separate but integrated symbols: a menorah at the top, a star of David in the middle, and a fish at the bottom. In each of the renditions of the three-part symbol the star is created by interlacing the stand of the menorah with the fish.

The Messianic Seal was found etched or inscribed on eight ancient artifacts. The artifacts were presented to Ludwig Schneider, editor in chief of NAI's magazine, Israel Today, in 1990. They came from Tech Otecus, an elderly monk who lived as a hermit in the Old City of Jerusalem. Otecus said that in the1960s he had personally excavated about 40 artifacts bearing the Messianic Seal from an ancient grotto located in the immediate vicinity of the Upper Room on Mount Zion.

What was once the main entrance to the grotto is now covered with a jail-like heavy wire mesh enclosure. Its door, leading down into the ancient baptismal place, is tightly secured with a heavy chain and lock. According to Schneider, the last remaining entry to the grotto was sealed shortly after he excitedly told the priests at the local monastery about the discovery of the Messianic Seal.

Schneider photographed eight artifacts which were given to him by Otecus, and showed the pictures to the curator of the Israel Museum. "When he had carefully studied my pictures," Schneider recalled, "the curator immediately promised me that these artifacts and their unique symbol were an important find. He told me that the museum had seen other artifacts bearing the same three-part symbol from some other sources he did not specify."

According to Bob Fischer, president of Olim Creative Products and co-author with local historian and artist Reuven Schmalz of their book, The Messianic Seal of the Jerusalem Church, the ancient three-part symbol has, since 135 A.D., been suppressed by various Israeli groups or agencies, such as the Israel Museum and Orthodox rabbis in the Old City of Jerusalem, while simultaneously being buried for these nearly two millennia by the church.

According to Fischer, at least two of the eight artifacts were obviously ceremonial pieces which may have well been used by James the Just, the brother of Jesus, who is said to be the first pastor of the church, or perhaps even by one or more of the Twelve Apostles.

One of the eight artifacts is a brick-sized block of well-worn local marble. This piece bears an etched version of the Messianic Seal with a Taw (the last letter in the ancient Hebrew alphabet that looks exactly like a sign of the cross) in the eye of the fish symbol, as well as the ancient Aramaic lettering proclaiming the use of this artifact as a stand to hold a vial of anointing oil. The ancient Aramaic is transliterated as, "La Shemen Ruehon" (For the Oil of the Spirit). Another of the eight artifacts is a small, almost intact, vial which could well have sat on top of the marble stand.

Commenting on what he characterized as the "monumental importance" of this archaeological discovery, Fischer said, "Beyond the historical background of the Nazarenes, the first Jewish believers who founded the Jerusalem Church, the Messianic Seal itself proclaims to the world the pervasive Jewishness of Jesus Christ and the decidedly Jewish foundation and roots of the church founded in His name."

"The Messianic Seal of the Jerusalem Church," Fischer continued, "strikes at the very roots of anti-Semitism while proclaiming a compelling message that restores unity: Jew with Jew, and Jew with Gentile. The importance of this discovery cannot be minimized. The Messianic Seal is not only just the key to understanding the Dead Sea Scrolls, it can and should shake the foundations of the church and orthodox Judaism with its incredible message of unity and love. It breaks down barriers that have existed for millennia and points the way toward restoration." —Evangelical Press News Service
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This symbol found on anointing jars on Mount Zion and believed to have been carried by the apostles, who may have known that the rod called Union that was broken and was to be rejoined in the end was in reference to the House of Israel (Christianity) and Judah (Judaism) and perhaps this was the symbol of the hope for that day which appears to be happening right now with Christians United For Israel and many others...

Thanks to John R. on BOF for this!
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Romans 11:25
"a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in"