In this series, we’re reviewing some of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the past 100 years. These support the record of the Bible as the most well-documented and reliable writing of ancient history.
In 1947, a young Bedouin shepherd stumbled upon something extraordinary in the caves near Qumran by the Dead Sea – numerous very old clay jars. Inside these jars were ancient scrolls that had been untouched for nearly 2,000 years. Among them were parts of nearly every book of the Old Testament – written hundreds of years before the birth of Christ.
The Dead Sea Scrolls are one of the greatest archaeological discoveries ever made. They contain some of the oldest copies of Scripture in existence. These include a complete copy of Isaiah, showing that the text we have today has been faithfully transmitted for many centuries. This confirms what those who believe the Bible already know: God’s Word endures.
As Psalm 119:89 (NKJV) declares, “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.”
These scrolls put to rest the false claim that Scripture had been fabricated, altered or embellished. They validate the accuracy of the Bible we read today.
God has not only spoken – He has preserved His Word. And that’s something to treasure.
Additional resources:
The Dead Sea Scrolls webpage at the Israeli Museum, Jerusalem.
“Treasures of Qumran: The Dead Sea Scrolls” video from WVBS Online.
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