Biblical History of Tel-Dan Old

Biblical History of Tel-Dan Old and New Testament

The city of Tel-Dan represents an important site in terms of both religion as well as archeology. This paper strives to reveal its biblical significance, as well as archeological findings, all with the ultimate scope of getting a better understanding of the site.

Biblical Significance

The history of the site is an interesting one, beginning with its foundation in 4500 BC as Layish (lion), capture and its becoming the "northernmost dwelling place of the Jews"

under the name of Dan. As the Jewish Kingdom divided into two regions, Tel Dan become a center of worship and saw the hosting of a golden calf as symbol to venerate. The city thrived for many centuries and became a cultural center as well, but was finally abandoned in the fourth century AD, as the pressure of the Roman occupation was continually growing.

In terms of an actual biblical significance, the first point in this agenda occurs throughout the Old Testament, when Tel-Dan represented the northern border of the Kingdom of Israel and the home of the popular golden calf. "It was here, 2900 years ago, that King Hazael of Damascus punctuated his invasion of Israelite territory with the erection of the famous House of David inscription, the oldest document to mention the historical King David. It is here that visitors can explore King Jeroboam's temple, which the Hebrew Bible indicates he established to house the golden calf and challenge the temple in Jerusalem for religious supremacy."

More specifically, the biblical relevance of the city of Dan:

the initial tribe of Dan had a territory that extended to the Mediterranean coast (Josh 19:40-47)

the town was under increased pressure from the Philistines in the Stephelah (Judg 1:34) due to their strategic location and began to seek a more secure location the tribe leaders sent five spies to search for a safer and more sustainable locations to move the tribe's population (Judes 18)

they found the new location in Laish and most of the tribe members moved to this settlement (Josh 19:47)

the people who remained in the initial settlement, such as Samson and his family, continued to sustain relations with the Philistines and were eventually integrated in the tribe of Judah (2 Kgs 15:29)

as a result of the transition (Judes 18), the new settlement in Tel Dan became the host of the most idolatrous tribe the idolatry practices were established in Dan under the leadership of Jonas, Moses' grandson, and were continued by his followers (Judg 18:30)

the peaks of the idolatry practices were reached under the priesthood of Jeroboam as Dan became the national center of idolatry (1 Kgs 12:29-33)

3. Archeological Value

From an archeological standpoint, the site is rich in findings that reveal information on the past existence and life in Tel-Dan. Most of the findings due to archeological excavations are available for public view in the nearby museum. Studies have shown that despite the biblical appurtenance, the evidence of life in Tel-Dan is obvious starting with as early and sixth century BC. Of the utmost archeological importance however is the offering of evidence relative to existence of King David as a real figure, as stated by Jesus, and not just a mythical character, as initially believed by some researchers. The inscriptions found in Tel-Dan mention the House of David and are written in ancient Aramaic. Most of these inscriptions were found in front of the gate complex and the largest of them reveal a size of 32 by 22 centimeters. The stele found was broken by time and past conflicts, but it represents a great value as it is the first laic evidence to suggest the existence of King David. "Although the broken stele raises serious historical problems, it is one of the most important written finds in Israel and the first non-biblical text which mentions the House of David by name."

Other archeological sites in Tel-Dan which have captured the interest of researchers include the Israelite gates, the remains of the Palace at Tel Dan, or various smaller pieces, such as Cananite painted face, altars or small figurines and other elements incurved in stone.

4. Understanding of the Site

The religious and archeological values of the site in Tel-Dan offer insight into the importance of the location. Emerged as a small community to then become a cultural center to finally perish, the analysis of Tel-Dan plays a crucial part in the discovery and "recovery of ancient Israel."

A first glance at it might not offer sufficient information to understating the location, but it is certain that it will raise the interest of any specialized archeologist, as well as that of a novice researcher. The Tel Dan is surrounded by mystery and a deeper look into the issue will not only help better understand the site, but will also offer support in understanding the Christian religion and the bible.