Evidences Evidences of the Bibleof the Bible

And And

Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions

1 Peter 3:14-151 Peter 3:14-15

Fred WilliamsB.S. Electrical Engineering

Defending the Defending the BibleBible

Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions

"And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.

"And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.

1 Peter 3:14-151 Peter 3:14-15

Evidences of the BibleEvidences of the Bible

Accuracy of ProphecyAccuracy of Prophecy Advanced Medical Advanced Medical KnowledgeKnowledge Advanced Scientific Advanced Scientific KnowledgeKnowledge Textual IntegrityTextual Integrity Historical AccuracyHistorical Accuracy ArcheologyArcheology

Accuracy Of ProphecyAccuracy Of Prophecy

Isaiah 41:23 – Tell us what the future holds, Isaiah 41:23 – Tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods.so we may know that you are gods.

Isaiah 48:5 – “Therefore I told you these Isaiah 48:5 – “Therefore I told you these things long ago; before they happened I things long ago; before they happened I announced them to you so that you could announced them to you so that you could not say, 'My idols did them; my wooden not say, 'My idols did them; my wooden image and metal god ordained them”image and metal god ordained them” 2000 fulfilled prophecies in the Old Testament2000 fulfilled prophecies in the Old Testament

333 prophecies concerning Messiah333 prophecies concerning Messiah

Other Religious Other Religious ProphesiesProphesies

Prophecy of the Fifth Karmapa, Prophecy of the Fifth Karmapa, Deshin Shekpa (Buddhist scripture): Deshin Shekpa (Buddhist scripture): “At that time happiness, like “At that time happiness, like beholding the sun, in this Tibet will beholding the sun, in this Tibet will occur, I think”occur, I think”

Joseph Smith (Mormonism) - Joseph Smith (Mormonism) - “My “My unborn child shall be called David, and unborn child shall be called David, and will be Church President and King over will be Church President and King over Israel.”Israel.”

Fred’s prophecyFred’s prophecy

1.1. Many nations will fight against New York City Many nations will fight against New York City 2.2. Iran will attack the mainland portion of New York Iran will attack the mainland portion of New York

CityCity3.3. The debris from the buildings in New York City will The debris from the buildings in New York City will

be thrown in the water be thrown in the water 4.4. New York City will be made flat like the top of a rock New York City will be made flat like the top of a rock 5.5. Fishermen will spread their nets over the heap that Fishermen will spread their nets over the heap that

was once New York City was once New York City 6.6. New York City will never be re-built New York City will never be re-built 7.7. New York City's glory will never be restored New York City's glory will never be restored 8.8. I will be considered a lunaticI will be considered a lunatic

Ezekiel’s prophecyEzekiel’s prophecy

Ezekiel 26:3 - thus says the Lord GOD,' Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves.

Ezekiel 26:3 - thus says the Lord GOD,' Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves.

1.1. Many nations will fight against TyreMany nations will fight against Tyre

Attackers/conquerors, from Encyclopedia Britannica –Nebuchadnezzar (573BC), Alexander the Great (332BC), Seleucids (200BC), Romans (64BC), Crusaders (1124AD), Muslim Arabs (1291AD)

Attackers/conquerors, from Encyclopedia Britannica –Nebuchadnezzar (573BC), Alexander the Great (332BC), Seleucids (200BC), Romans (64BC), Crusaders (1124AD), Muslim Arabs (1291AD)

Ezekiel’s prophecyEzekiel’s prophecy

Ezekiel 26:7-8 I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon… He will slay your daughters on the mainland with the sword;

Ezekiel 26:7-8 I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon… He will slay your daughters on the mainland with the sword;

2.2. Nebuchadnezzar will attack the Nebuchadnezzar will attack the mainland portion of Tyremainland portion of Tyre

Encyclopedia Britannica –After a 13 year siege (585-573 BC) by Nebuchadrezzar II, Tyre made terms and acknowledged Babylonian suzerainty.

Encyclopedia Britannica –After a 13 year siege (585-573 BC) by Nebuchadrezzar II, Tyre made terms and acknowledged Babylonian suzerainty.

Ezekiel’s prophecyEzekiel’s prophecy

Ezekiel 26:12 They will…throw your stones and your timbers and your debris into the water.

Ezekiel 26:12 They will…throw your stones and your timbers and your debris into the water.

3.3. The debris from the buildings will The debris from the buildings will be thrown in the waterbe thrown in the water

Encyclopedia Britanicca – Alexander the Great… completely destroyed the mainland portion of the town and used its rubble to build an immense causeway (some 2,600 feet long and 600–900 feet wide) to gain access to the island section.

Encyclopedia Britanicca – Alexander the Great… completely destroyed the mainland portion of the town and used its rubble to build an immense causeway (some 2,600 feet long and 600–900 feet wide) to gain access to the island section.

Ezekiel’s prophecyEzekiel’s prophecy

Ezekiel 26:14 And I will make you a bare rock; you will be a place for the spreading of nets.

Ezekiel 26:14 And I will make you a bare rock; you will be a place for the spreading of nets.

4.4. Tyre will be made a bare rockTyre will be made a bare rock5.5. Fishermen will spread their nets over Fishermen will spread their nets over

the sitethe site

...[Tyre] never regained the place she had previously held in the world. The larger part of the site of the once great city is now bare as the top of a rock - a place where the fishermen that still frequent the spot spread their nets to dry. - Philip Myers, General History for Colleges and

High Schools, 1889, pg 55

...[Tyre] never regained the place she had previously held in the world. The larger part of the site of the once great city is now bare as the top of a rock - a place where the fishermen that still frequent the spot spread their nets to dry. - Philip Myers, General History for Colleges and

High Schools, 1889, pg 55

Ezekiel’s prophecyEzekiel’s prophecy

Ezekiel 26:14 - you shall never be rebuilt, for I the LORD have spoken,' says the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 26:20-21 "I shall bring terrors on you, and you will be no more; though you will be sought, you will never be found again”

Ezekiel 26:14 - you shall never be rebuilt, for I the LORD have spoken,' says the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 26:20-21 "I shall bring terrors on you, and you will be no more; though you will be sought, you will never be found again”

6.6. Tyre will not be re-builtTyre will not be re-built7.7. Tyre will never retain its former gloryTyre will never retain its former glory

Encyclopedia Britannica – Captured and destroyed by the Muslim Mamluks in 1291, the town never recovered its former importance.

Encyclopedia Britannica – Captured and destroyed by the Muslim Mamluks in 1291, the town never recovered its former importance.

The Port of Tyre VirtualTourist

Hard to believe, but it Hard to believe, but it is from this tranquil is from this tranquil fishing port that fishing port that Phoenician Tyre ruled Phoenician Tyre ruled the Mediterranean Sea the Mediterranean Sea around 950 BC. At the around 950 BC. At the time, Tyre was still an time, Tyre was still an island, but since island, but since Alexander the Great's Alexander the Great's conquest in 332 BC, conquest in 332 BC, the island has been a the island has been a peninsula connected peninsula connected to the mainland. to the mainland. Nowadays, the port Nowadays, the port hosts nothing but hosts nothing but small wooden fishing small wooden fishing boats, and the area boats, and the area around it is a pleasant around it is a pleasant place for a stroll and a place for a stroll and a meal.meal.

The Jewish NationThe Jewish Nation

Deut 28:64 - "Then the LORD will scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other”

Deut 28:64 - "Then the LORD will scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other”

Ezekiel 11:16-18 “Although I have cast them far off among the Gentiles, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet I shall be a little sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone." ' "Therefore say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "I will gather you from the peoples, assemble you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel." '

Ezekiel 11:16-18 “Although I have cast them far off among the Gentiles, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet I shall be a little sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone." ' "Therefore say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "I will gather you from the peoples, assemble you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel." '

Noted Christian author David Hunt: “The fulfillment of hundreds of specific prophecies in the ancient and modern history of the Jewish people is God's great sign to mankind--a sign that no one can mistake or deny...Jewish history stands as a universal visible monument to God's existence”

Noted Christian author David Hunt: “The fulfillment of hundreds of specific prophecies in the ancient and modern history of the Jewish people is God's great sign to mankind--a sign that no one can mistake or deny...Jewish history stands as a universal visible monument to God's existence”

Messianic PropheciesMessianic Prophecies All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: 'He trusts All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: 'He trusts

in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in himdelights in him

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healedwounds we are healed

Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.up his heel against me.

They have pierced my hands and my feet.They have pierced my hands and my feet. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the

spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.intercession for the transgressors.

They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.grieves for a firstborn son.

For the Gentiles shall seek him.For the Gentiles shall seek him.

(Psalms 22:7-8)(Psalms 22:7-8)

(Isaiah 53:5)(Isaiah 53:5)

(Psalms 41:9)(Psalms 41:9)

(Psalms 22:16)(Psalms 22:16)

(Isaiah 53:12)(Isaiah 53:12)

(Zechariah 12:10)(Zechariah 12:10)(Isaiah 11:10)(Isaiah 11:10)

Advanced Medical Advanced Medical KnowledgeKnowledge

Sanitary practices:Sanitary practices:– Wash in Wash in runningrunning water (Numbers 19, 31, Leviticus water (Numbers 19, 31, Leviticus

15)15)– Purify items through fire (Numbers 31)Purify items through fire (Numbers 31)– Bury human waste outside of camp (Deut 23:12)Bury human waste outside of camp (Deut 23:12)– Burn animal waste (Leviticus 4:11-12)Burn animal waste (Leviticus 4:11-12)– Don’t eat animals that died of natural causes Don’t eat animals that died of natural causes

(Leviticus 7:24)(Leviticus 7:24)

Laws of quarantineLaws of quarantine

(Leviticus 13, 14, 22, Numbers (Leviticus 13, 14, 22, Numbers 19:20)19:20)

Medic-Planet.com encyclopedia notes that “It was not until 1873 that leprosy could be shown to be infectious rather than hereditary.”

Medic-Planet.com encyclopedia notes that “It was not until 1873 that leprosy could be shown to be infectious rather than hereditary.”

BacteriaBacteria

Leviticus 13:51-52Leviticus 13:51-52If the plague has spread in the If the plague has spread in the garment, either in the warp or garment, either in the warp or in the woof, in the leather or in in the woof, in the leather or in anything made of leather, the anything made of leather, the plague is an active leprosy. It plague is an active leprosy. It is unclean. He shall therefore is unclean. He shall therefore burn that garment in which is burn that garment in which is the plague.the plague.

Medic-Planet.com encyclopedia “[leprosy] can survive three weeks or longer outside the human body, such as in dust or on clothing”

Medic-Planet.com encyclopedia “[leprosy] can survive three weeks or longer outside the human body, such as in dust or on clothing”

Circumcision and blood-clottingCircumcision and blood-clotting(Gen 17:12, Gen 21:14, Lev 12:3, Luke 2:21)

The First Antiseptic - Hyssop oilThe First Antiseptic - Hyssop oil(Numbers 19:18, Psalm 51:7)

Dietary GuidelinesDietary Guidelines(Genesis 1:29; Daniel 1:12-15)

Advanced Scientific Advanced Scientific KnowledgeKnowledge

““When the Bible touches on When the Bible touches on scientific subjects, it is entirely scientific subjects, it is entirely accurate.”accurate.” - Dr. Donald DeYoung, Ph.D. (Physics)

The earth and space

"It is He who sits above the circle of the earth...(Isaiah 40:22)".

“He stretches out the north over empty space; he hangs the earth on nothing (Job 26:7)".

"It is He who sits above the circle of the earth...(Isaiah 40:22)".

“He stretches out the north over empty space; he hangs the earth on nothing (Job 26:7)".

‘As the host of heaven (stars) cannot be numbered, nor the sand of the sea measured, so will I multiply the descendants of David My servant’ (Jeremiah 33:22)

"Therefore from one man, ...were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude-- innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. (Hebrews 11:12)"

‘As the host of heaven (stars) cannot be numbered, nor the sand of the sea measured, so will I multiply the descendants of David My servant’ (Jeremiah 33:22)

"Therefore from one man, ...were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude-- innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. (Hebrews 11:12)"

Vast number of stars in the universeVast number of stars in the universe

Job 38:31 Job 38:31 “Can you “Can you bind the bind the cluster of the cluster of the Pleiades, Pleiades,

Job 38:31 Job 38:31 “Can you “Can you bind the bind the cluster of the cluster of the Pleiades, Or Pleiades, Or loose the belt loose the belt of Orion?” of Orion?”

The Laws of ThermodynamicsThe Laws of Thermodynamics

“For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, the earth will grow old like a garment... (Isaiah 51:6)”

“You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; (Hebrews 1:10-11)”

“For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, the earth will grow old like a garment... (Isaiah 51:6)”

“You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; (Hebrews 1:10-11)”

The Hydrologic CycleThe Hydrologic Cycle

Wikipedia - Rain plays a role in the hydrologic cycle in which moisture from the oceans evaporates, condenses into drops, precipitates (falls) from the sky, and eventually returns to the ocean via rivers and streams to repeat the cycle again.

Wikipedia - Rain plays a role in the hydrologic cycle in which moisture from the oceans evaporates, condenses into drops, precipitates (falls) from the sky, and eventually returns to the ocean via rivers and streams to repeat the cycle again.

The Hydrologic CycleThe Hydrologic Cycle

"All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; to the place from which the rivers come, there they return again (Ecclesiastes 1:7)".

"For He draws up drops of water, which distill as rain from the mist, which the clouds drop down and pour abundantly on man. (Job 36:27-28)”

"All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; to the place from which the rivers come, there they return again (Ecclesiastes 1:7)".

"For He draws up drops of water, which distill as rain from the mist, which the clouds drop down and pour abundantly on man. (Job 36:27-28)”

Migrating Sea Turtles Have Magnetic Sense for LongitudeUS News & World Report, Feb 2011

"The most difficult part of open-sea navigation is determining longitude or east-west position. It took human navigators centuries to figure out how to determine longitude on their long-distance voyages" 

Ocean CurrentsOcean Currents

“Have you entered the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in search of the depths?” (Job 38:16)

You have put all things under his feet…the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas. (Psalms 8:8)

“Have you entered the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in search of the depths?” (Job 38:16)

You have put all things under his feet…the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas. (Psalms 8:8)

Man from dustMan from dust

Genesis 3:19 For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.Genesis 3:19 For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.

Researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center confirmed that every element in man can be found in the soil, prompting one of the scientists to say “...the biblical scenario for the creation of life turns out to be not far off the mark” - Readers Digest, November 1982

Researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center confirmed that every element in man can be found in the soil, prompting one of the scientists to say “...the biblical scenario for the creation of life turns out to be not far off the mark” - Readers Digest, November 1982

““Never make up your mind Never make up your mind about any significant about any significant matter without first matter without first considering the evidence.” considering the evidence.” – Simon Greenleaf– Simon Greenleaf

Textual IntegrityTextual Integrity

“There is no body of ancient literature in the world which enjoys such a wealth of good textual attestation as the New Testament” - Scholar F.F. Bruce

“There is no body of ancient literature in the world which enjoys such a wealth of good textual attestation as the New Testament” - Scholar F.F. Bruce

WorkWork When WrittenWhen Written Earliest CopyEarliest Copy Time SpanTime Span No. of copiesNo. of copiesCaesar (Gallic Wars)Caesar (Gallic Wars) 100-44 B.C. A.D. 900 1000 yrs 100-44 B.C. A.D. 900 1000 yrs 10 10   Aristotle Aristotle 384-322 B.C. A.D. 1100 1,400 yrs 384-322 B.C. A.D. 1100 1,400 yrs 49 49Sophocles Sophocles 496-406 B.C. A.D. 1000 1,400 yrs 496-406 B.C. A.D. 1000 1,400 yrs 193 193Homer (Iliad) Homer (Iliad) 900 B.C. 400 B.C. 500 yrs 900 B.C. 400 B.C. 500 yrs 643 643New Testament New Testament A.D. 40-100 A.D. 125 A.D. 40-100 A.D. 125 25 yrs 25 yrs 24,00024,000

Bible vs HistoriansBible vs Historians

Comparison of 29 kings with archeological Comparison of 29 kings with archeological corroboration revealed the following:corroboration revealed the following:

The Bible precisely matched The Bible precisely matched archeological artifacts in both the archeological artifacts in both the names and chronological order of names and chronological order of the kingsthe kings

Secular historian records seldom Secular historian records seldom matched names preciselymatched names precisely

Bible vs HistoriansBible vs Historians

“That the Hebrew writers should have transliterated these names with such accuracy and conformity to philological principles is a wonderful proof of their thorough care and scholarship and of their access to the original sources. That the names should have been transmitted to us through so many copyings and so many centuries in so complete a state of preservation is a phenomenon unequaled in the history of literature.” - Dr. R.D. Wilson

“That the Hebrew writers should have transliterated these names with such accuracy and conformity to philological principles is a wonderful proof of their thorough care and scholarship and of their access to the original sources. That the names should have been transmitted to us through so many copyings and so many centuries in so complete a state of preservation is a phenomenon unequaled in the history of literature.” - Dr. R.D. Wilson

Luke, FIRST RANK Luke, FIRST RANK HISTORIANHISTORIAN

Governors mentioned by Luke that many Governors mentioned by Luke that many historians never believe existed were historians never believe existed were confirmed by the evidence excavated by Sir confirmed by the evidence excavated by Sir William Ramsay’s archeological team.William Ramsay’s archeological team.

Without a single error, Luke was accurate in Without a single error, Luke was accurate in naming 32 countries, 54 cities, and 9 naming 32 countries, 54 cities, and 9 islands.islands.

Luke, FIRST RANK Luke, FIRST RANK HISTORIANHISTORIAN

I began with a mind unfavorable to it...but more recently I found myself brought into contact with the Book of Acts as an authority for the topography, antiquities, and society of Asia Minor. It was gradually borne upon me that in various details the narrative showed marvelous truth…Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact trustworthy...this author should be placed along with the very greatest historians. – Sir William Ramsey

I began with a mind unfavorable to it...but more recently I found myself brought into contact with the Book of Acts as an authority for the topography, antiquities, and society of Asia Minor. It was gradually borne upon me that in various details the narrative showed marvelous truth…Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact trustworthy...this author should be placed along with the very greatest historians. – Sir William Ramsey

ArcheologyArcheology

““It may be clearly stated It may be clearly stated categorically that no archeological categorically that no archeological discovery has ever controverted a discovery has ever controverted a single biblical reference. Scores of single biblical reference. Scores of archeological findings have been archeological findings have been made which confirm in clear made which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible.” – Nelson statements in the Bible.” – Nelson GlueckGlueck

The Battle of JerichoThe Battle of Jericho

Joshua 6:20-21 - So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

Joshua 6:20-21 - So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

Important Facts of HistoryImportant Facts of History

Jesus livedJesus lived Jesus died by CrucifixionJesus died by Crucifixion Jesus was buriedJesus was buried The tomb was emptyThe tomb was empty The disciples believed in a literal risen JesusThe disciples believed in a literal risen Jesus The disciples transformed from frightened The disciples transformed from frightened

doubters to bold proclaimers of the Gospeldoubters to bold proclaimers of the Gospel

The ResurrectionThe Resurrection

Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

1 Corinthians 15:12-141 Corinthians 15:12-14

Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked QuestionsAndAnd

Answering ObjectionsAnswering Objections

1 Peter 3:14-151 Peter 3:14-15

Facebook, March 13, 2012: “Consult the Bible, and you will discover that the creator of the universe clearly expects us to keep slaves.

…The only real restraint God counsels on the subject of slavery is that we not beat our slaves so severely that we injure their eyes or their teeth (Exodus 21). 

…while the abolitionists of the nineteenth century were morally right, they were on the losing side of a theological argument.”

Facebook, March 13, 2012: “Consult the Bible, and you will discover that the creator of the universe clearly expects us to keep slaves.

…The only real restraint God counsels on the subject of slavery is that we not beat our slaves so severely that we injure their eyes or their teeth (Exodus 21). 

…while the abolitionists of the nineteenth century were morally right, they were on the losing side of a theological argument.”

Slavery and the Slavery and the BibleBible

Slavery and the Slavery and the BibleBible

There are different types of There are different types of “slavery”“slavery”

Basic ServitudeBasic Servitude Indentured ServitudeIndentured Servitude VassalageVassalage Chattel SlaveryChattel Slavery

There are different types of There are different types of “slavery”“slavery”

Basic ServitudeBasic Servitude Indentured ServitudeIndentured Servitude VassalageVassalage Chattel SlaveryChattel Slavery

"Freedom in the ancient Near East was a relative, not an absolute state, as the ambiguity of the term for "slave" in all the region's languages illustrates. "Slave" could be used to refer to a subordinate in the social ladder. Thus the subjects of a king were called his "slaves," even though they were free citizens. The king himself, if a vassal, was the "slave" of his emperor; kings, emperors, and commoners alike were "slaves" of the gods. Even a social inferior, when addressing a social superior, referred to himself out of politeness as "your slave.“ ”‘A History of Ancient Near Eastern Law', vol 1 pg 40. A collaborative work of twenty-two scholars

"Freedom in the ancient Near East was a relative, not an absolute state, as the ambiguity of the term for "slave" in all the region's languages illustrates. "Slave" could be used to refer to a subordinate in the social ladder. Thus the subjects of a king were called his "slaves," even though they were free citizens. The king himself, if a vassal, was the "slave" of his emperor; kings, emperors, and commoners alike were "slaves" of the gods. Even a social inferior, when addressing a social superior, referred to himself out of politeness as "your slave.“ ”‘A History of Ancient Near Eastern Law', vol 1 pg 40. A collaborative work of twenty-two scholars

Basic Servitude, ANEBasic Servitude, ANE

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon and other kings are regularly called slaves of Yahweh (Exod 32:13; Lev 25:55; 1 Sam 3:9; Ezra 9:11, etc.).

All the subjects of Israel and Judah are called slaves of their kings, including even wives, sons, and brothers of the latter (1 Sam 17:8; 29:3; 2 Sam 19:5, etc.; cf. also Gen 27:37; 32:4).

Ruth refers to herself as a slave girl of her relative Boaz (Ruth 3:9).

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon and other kings are regularly called slaves of Yahweh (Exod 32:13; Lev 25:55; 1 Sam 3:9; Ezra 9:11, etc.).

All the subjects of Israel and Judah are called slaves of their kings, including even wives, sons, and brothers of the latter (1 Sam 17:8; 29:3; 2 Sam 19:5, etc.; cf. also Gen 27:37; 32:4).

Ruth refers to herself as a slave girl of her relative Boaz (Ruth 3:9).

Basic Servitude, BibleBasic Servitude, Bible

A History of Ancient Near Eastern Law, vol 1 pg 585 -

"Sales of wives, children, relatives, or oneself, due to financial duress, are a recurrent feature of the Nuzi socio-economic scene…Poverty was the cause of these agreements". 

(also see "Life in the Ancient Near East”, 3100-332 BCE, Daniel C. Snell, Yale:1997)

A History of Ancient Near Eastern Law, vol 1 pg 585 -

"Sales of wives, children, relatives, or oneself, due to financial duress, are a recurrent feature of the Nuzi socio-economic scene…Poverty was the cause of these agreements". 

(also see "Life in the Ancient Near East”, 3100-332 BCE, Daniel C. Snell, Yale:1997)

Indentured Servitude, ANEIndentured Servitude, ANE

Lev: 25:39-41: ‘And if one of your brethren who dwells by you becomes poor, and sells himself to you, you shall not compel him to serve as a slave.  As a hired servant and a sojourner he shall be with you, and shall serve you until the Year of Jubilee. And then he shall depart from you—he and his children with him—and shall return to his own family.

Lev: 25:39-41: ‘And if one of your brethren who dwells by you becomes poor, and sells himself to you, you shall not compel him to serve as a slave.  As a hired servant and a sojourner he shall be with you, and shall serve you until the Year of Jubilee. And then he shall depart from you—he and his children with him—and shall return to his own family.

Indentured Servitude, the BibleIndentured Servitude, the Bible

1 Cor 7:21:  Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so.

1 Cor 7:21:  Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so.

The purpose of suzerainty treaties… was to guarantee that a smaller state remained the faithful ally of the empire and did not pursue an independent foreign policy.

DG Myers, ‘Glossary Of Biblical Interpretation’, Department of English, Texas A&M University, 1999

The purpose of suzerainty treaties… was to guarantee that a smaller state remained the faithful ally of the empire and did not pursue an independent foreign policy.

DG Myers, ‘Glossary Of Biblical Interpretation’, Department of English, Texas A&M University, 1999

Vassalage, ANEVassalage, ANE

Deut 20:10-11 “When you go near a city to fight against it, then proclaim an offer of peace to it. And it shall be that if they accept your offer of peace, and open to you, then all the people who are found in it shall be placed under tribute to you, and serve you.”

Deut 20:10-11 “When you go near a city to fight against it, then proclaim an offer of peace to it. And it shall be that if they accept your offer of peace, and open to you, then all the people who are found in it shall be placed under tribute to you, and serve you.”

Vassalage, the BibleVassalage, the Bible

servants (mas), not "slaves" (ebed, servants (mas), not "slaves" (ebed, amah)amah)

Chattel SlaveryChattel SlaveryANE ONLYANE ONLY

“… The ANE, however, did NOT have the same ‘respect’ for the face of slaves–besides eye-gouging, they resorted to branding, cutting of the ears, mutilating the nose, etc– IN THE LAW CODES! These practices are NOT in Israel’s law codes’

Glenn Miller, ‘Does God condone slavery in the Bible?’, 2005

“… The ANE, however, did NOT have the same ‘respect’ for the face of slaves–besides eye-gouging, they resorted to branding, cutting of the ears, mutilating the nose, etc– IN THE LAW CODES! These practices are NOT in Israel’s law codes’

Glenn Miller, ‘Does God condone slavery in the Bible?’, 2005

Chattel Slavery, Chattel Slavery, NOT in the BibleNOT in the Bible

Chattel slavery did not exist under the Law of Moses!

Kinship rights (Exodus 21:3, 9, Leviticus 25:41, 47-49, 54) Marriage rights (Exodus 21:4, 10-11) Personal legal rights relating to physical protection (Exodus 21:20-21, 26-27, Leviticus 25:39-41) Freedom of movement and access to liberty (Deut 15:1, 12; 23:15).

Chattel slavery did not exist under the Law of Moses!

Kinship rights (Exodus 21:3, 9, Leviticus 25:41, 47-49, 54) Marriage rights (Exodus 21:4, 10-11) Personal legal rights relating to physical protection (Exodus 21:20-21, 26-27, Leviticus 25:39-41) Freedom of movement and access to liberty (Deut 15:1, 12; 23:15).

South Carolina Slave CodeSouth Carolina Slave Code legal-dictionary.comlegal-dictionary.com

XXXVII. …Be it enacted, That if any person or persons whosoever, shall willfully murder his own slave, or the slave of another person, every such person shall upon conviction thereof, forfeit and pay the sum of £700 current money … And if any person shall on a sudden heat of passion… kill his own slave or the slave of any person, he shall forfeit the sum of £350 current money.

XXXVII. …Be it enacted, That if any person or persons whosoever, shall willfully murder his own slave, or the slave of another person, every such person shall upon conviction thereof, forfeit and pay the sum of £700 current money … And if any person shall on a sudden heat of passion… kill his own slave or the slave of any person, he shall forfeit the sum of £350 current money.

XVII. Any slave who shall be guilty of homicide of any sort, upon any white person, except by misadventure or in defence of his master or other person under whose care and government such slave shall be, shall upon conviction thereof as aforesaid, suffer death

XVII. Any slave who shall be guilty of homicide of any sort, upon any white person, except by misadventure or in defence of his master or other person under whose care and government such slave shall be, shall upon conviction thereof as aforesaid, suffer death

South Carolina Slave CodeSouth Carolina Slave Code legal-dictionary.comlegal-dictionary.com

XXXVII. … And in case any person or persons shall willfully cut out the tongue, put out the eye, castrate or cruelly scald, burn, or deprive any slave of any limb or member, or shall inflict any other cruel punishment, other than by whipping or beating with a horsewhip, cow-skin, switch or small stick, or by putting irons on, or confining or imprisoning such slave; every such person shall for every such offence, forfeit the sum of £100 current money.

XXXVII. … And in case any person or persons shall willfully cut out the tongue, put out the eye, castrate or cruelly scald, burn, or deprive any slave of any limb or member, or shall inflict any other cruel punishment, other than by whipping or beating with a horsewhip, cow-skin, switch or small stick, or by putting irons on, or confining or imprisoning such slave; every such person shall for every such offence, forfeit the sum of £100 current money.

Second fugitive slave law of 1850Second fugitive slave law of 1850

Chattel SlaveryChattel Slaveryvs the Biblevs the Bible

The Code of Hammurabi, 16. If any one receive into his house a runaway male or female slave of the court, or of a freedman, and does not bring it out at the public proclamation of the major domus, the master of the house shall be put to death.

The Code of Hammurabi, 16. If any one receive into his house a runaway male or female slave of the court, or of a freedman, and does not bring it out at the public proclamation of the major domus, the master of the house shall be put to death.

Deut 23:15-16: You shall not give back to his master the slave who has escaped from his master to you. He may dwell with you in your midst, in the place which he chooses within one of your gates, where it seems best to him; you shall not oppress him.

Deut 23:15-16: You shall not give back to his master the slave who has escaped from his master to you. He may dwell with you in your midst, in the place which he chooses within one of your gates, where it seems best to him; you shall not oppress him.

The Code of Hammurabi, 116. If the prisoner die in prison from blows or maltreatment, the master of the prisoner shall convict the merchant before the judge. If he was a free-born man, the son of the merchant shall be put to death; if it was a slave, he shall pay one-third of a mina of gold, and all that the master of the prisoner gave he shall forfeit.

The Code of Hammurabi, 116. If the prisoner die in prison from blows or maltreatment, the master of the prisoner shall convict the merchant before the judge. If he was a free-born man, the son of the merchant shall be put to death; if it was a slave, he shall pay one-third of a mina of gold, and all that the master of the prisoner gave he shall forfeit.

Exodus 21:16 Whoever kidnaps someone and sells him, or is caught still holding him, must surely be put to death.

Deuteronomy 24:7 If a man is found kidnapping a person from among his fellow Israelites, and regards him as mere property and sells him, that kidnapper must die.

Exodus 21:16 Whoever kidnaps someone and sells him, or is caught still holding him, must surely be put to death.

Deuteronomy 24:7 If a man is found kidnapping a person from among his fellow Israelites, and regards him as mere property and sells him, that kidnapper must die.

Chattel SlaveryChattel Slaveryvs the Biblevs the Bible

Facebook, March 13, 2012: Facebook, March 13, 2012: Me: “…everyone agrees the type of slavery that occurred in America was wrong, and as I have showed in both posts, was squarely against Biblical principles. ”

Skeptic: “Rubbish -- you have not showed any such thing”.

Facebook, March 13, 2012: Facebook, March 13, 2012: Me: “…everyone agrees the type of slavery that occurred in America was wrong, and as I have showed in both posts, was squarely against Biblical principles. ”

Skeptic: “Rubbish -- you have not showed any such thing”.

Where did Cain get his wife ?Where did Cain get his wife ?

Gen 5:4-5 After Seth was born, Gen 5:4-5 After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughtersother sons and daughters. .

Are Genesis 1 & 2 contradictory ?Are Genesis 1 & 2 contradictory ?

Gen 2:18-20, NKJVGen 2:18-20, NKJV

And the LORD God said, "It is And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be not good that man should be alone; I will make him a alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." helper comparable to him." Out of the ground the LORD Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would Adam to see what he would call them. call them.

NIV: ‘Had formed’ (pluperfect, or past perfect tense)NIV: ‘Had formed’ (pluperfect, or past perfect tense)

1 Sam 15:1-3 1 Sam 15:1-3 Now go and attack Amalek, and Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’and donkey.’

What about God killing innocent What about God killing innocent children?children?

Ex 17:14 Ex 17:14 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Write this Then the LORD said to Moses, "Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven."remembrance of Amalek from under heaven."

Saul was to be his instrument of judgment:Saul was to be his instrument of judgment:

1 Sam 15:1-3 1 Sam 15:1-3 Now therefore, heed the voice of the Now therefore, heed the voice of the words of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘I words of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he ambushed him on the way when he came up from ambushed him on the way when he came up from Egypt. Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy Egypt. Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’sheep, camel and donkey.’

God foretold that He would wipe out the Amalekites:God foretold that He would wipe out the Amalekites:

1 Sam 15:9 But Saul and the people spared Agag [the 1 Sam 15:9 But Saul and the people spared Agag [the king] and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the king] and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed. they utterly destroyed.

1 Sam 28:18 1 Sam 28:18 Because you did not obey the voice of Because you did not obey the voice of the LORD nor execute His fierce wrath upon Amalek, the LORD nor execute His fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore the LORD has done this thing to you this therefore the LORD has done this thing to you this day.day.

Saul fails to completely follow God’s Saul fails to completely follow God’s command:command:

“The destruction of their nation was necessitated by the gravity of their sin. Had some hardcore remnant survived, they might have resumed their aggression against the Israelites and God’s plan…they wanted to wipe out every last one of the Israelites off the face of the earth” - as quoted in Lee Strobel’s The Case for Faith

2 Sam 1:13-14 2 Sam 1:13-14 Then David said to the young man who Then David said to the young man who told him, "Where are you from?" And he answered, "I told him, "Where are you from?" And he answered, "I am the son of an alien, am the son of an alien, an Amalekitean Amalekite." So David said ." So David said to him, "How was it you were not afraid to put forth to him, "How was it you were not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?"your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?"

But there was a surviving remnant!But there was a surviving remnant!

From noted apologist Norman Geisler:From noted apologist Norman Geisler:

1 Sam 15:8-9 He also took 1 Sam 15:8-9 He also took Agag king of the Agag king of the Amalekites Amalekites alivealive, and utterly destroyed all the , and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people and the people spared Agagspared Agag and the best of and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was goodand all that was good, and were unwilling to , and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed. and worthless, that they utterly destroyed.

The plot thickens…The plot thickens…

Esther 9:24 Esther 9:24 Because Haman, the son of Because Haman, the son of Hammedatha Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of , the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to annihilate them, …Jews to annihilate them, …

From the Book of Esther:From the Book of Esther:

Do rabbits chew their cud ?Do rabbits chew their cud ?

Lev 11:6-7 …the hare, because it Lev 11:6-7 …the hare, because it chews the cudchews the cud but but does not have cloven hooves, is unclean to you; does not have cloven hooves, is unclean to you;

‘‘raising up what has been swallowed’raising up what has been swallowed’

Hares practice Hares practice reflection, reflection, which which is essentially the same principle is essentially the same principle of ruminant digestionof ruminant digestion

What about Pi in the Bible ?What about Pi in the Bible ?

1 Kings 7:23 And he made the Sea of cast bronze, ten 1 Kings 7:23 And he made the Sea of cast bronze, ten cubits from one brim to the other; it was completely cubits from one brim to the other; it was completely round. Its height was five cubits, round. Its height was five cubits, and a lineand a line of thirty of thirty cubits measured its circumference.cubits measured its circumference.

qavehqaveh

Normal variation ‘qav’ was written in the margin. Normal variation ‘qav’ was written in the margin. This was considered a ‘remez’, or This was considered a ‘remez’, or hint of hint of something deeper.something deeper.

qav numerical value = 106qav numerical value = 106qaveh numerical value = 111qaveh numerical value = 111Adjusting by ratio 111/106 gives circumference Adjusting by ratio 111/106 gives circumference within 15 thousandths of an inch!within 15 thousandths of an inch!

How did Kangaroos get to Australia ?How did Kangaroos get to Australia ?

Why is There Evil in the Why is There Evil in the World?World?

And God saw every thing that he And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was had made, and, behold, it was very very goodgood. And the evening and the . And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.morning were the sixth day.

Genesis 1:31Genesis 1:31

And the LORD God commanded the And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, eat, for in the day that you eat of it you for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely dieshall surely die..

Genesis 2:16-17Genesis 2:16-17

Just as through one man sin entered Just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinnedbecause all sinned

Romans 5:12Romans 5:12

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.“ - Revelation 21:4-5

1 Cor 15:26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.

What about the different What about the different races, and where did they races, and where did they

come from?come from?

‘‘More and more scientists find that More and more scientists find that the differences that set us apart are the differences that set us apart are cultural, not racial. Some even say cultural, not racial. Some even say that the word race should be that the word race should be abandoned because it's abandoned because it's meaningless… meaningless… What the facts show What the facts show is that there are differences among is that there are differences among us, but they stem from culture, not us, but they stem from culture, not race.’race.’

ABC News, ‘We’re All the Same’ 1998

What does the Bible say about “race”?What does the Bible say about “race”?

Gal 3:28-29:Gal 3:28-29: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Acts 17:26: Acts 17:26: And He has made from And He has made from one one bloodblood every nation of men to dwell on all every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth…the face of the earth…

You Can Trust the Bible!You Can Trust the Bible!

Defending the Defending the BibleBible

Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions

"And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.

"And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.

1 Peter 3:14-151 Peter 3:14-15

Ephesians 6:11-18Ephesians 6:11-18

Eph 6:11-18 Put on the whole armor of God, Eph 6:11-18 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places… Stand therefore, having girded your places… Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; peace; above all, taking the shield of faithabove all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the always with all prayer and supplication in the SpiritSpirit

www.bibleEvidences.comwww.bibleEvidences.com

www.tektonicswww.tektonics.org.org

The End!The End!

Chattel Slavery, Chattel Slavery, ANE ONLYANE ONLY

‘A [chattel] slave was property. The slaveowner’s rights over his slave-property were total, covering the person as well as the labor of the slave. The slave was kinless, stripped of his or her old social identity in the process of capture, sale and deracination, and denied to capacity to forge new bonds of kinship through marriage alliance. These are the three basic components of [chattel] slavery.’

Peter Garnsey, ‘Ideas of Slavery from Aristotle to Augustine’, 1996

‘A [chattel] slave was property. The slaveowner’s rights over his slave-property were total, covering the person as well as the labor of the slave. The slave was kinless, stripped of his or her old social identity in the process of capture, sale and deracination, and denied to capacity to forge new bonds of kinship through marriage alliance. These are the three basic components of [chattel] slavery.’

Peter Garnsey, ‘Ideas of Slavery from Aristotle to Augustine’, 1996

‘Pentateuchal prescriptions are meant to mitigate the causes of and need for such bondservice. Resident aliens, orphans and widows are not to be abused, oppressed or deprived of justice. When money is lent to the poor, they are not to be charged interest. (Elsewhere in the ancient Near East exorbitant interest rates on loans were the chief cause of people being sold into slavery).’ Article ‘Slavery’, in ‘Dictionary of the Old Testament Pentateuch’.

Deut 23:19: You shall not charge interest to your brother - interest on money or food or anything that is lent out at interest. To a foreigner you may charge interest…

‘Pentateuchal prescriptions are meant to mitigate the causes of and need for such bondservice. Resident aliens, orphans and widows are not to be abused, oppressed or deprived of justice. When money is lent to the poor, they are not to be charged interest. (Elsewhere in the ancient Near East exorbitant interest rates on loans were the chief cause of people being sold into slavery).’ Article ‘Slavery’, in ‘Dictionary of the Old Testament Pentateuch’.

Deut 23:19: You shall not charge interest to your brother - interest on money or food or anything that is lent out at interest. To a foreigner you may charge interest…

Indentured Servitude, Indentured Servitude, Bible vs ANEBible vs ANE

Answer: 1

There is only one Human “Race”!

Acts 17:26: And He has made from Acts 17:26: And He has made from one blood one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth…the earth…

Different shades of one color: melaninDifferent shades of one color: melanin

On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection or the Preservation of

Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life –

Charles Darwin, 1859 1st Edition, 1860 2nd Edition

‘‘Biological arguments for racism may Biological arguments for racism may have been common before 1859, but have been common before 1859, but they increased by orders of magnitude they increased by orders of magnitude following the acceptance of evolutionary following the acceptance of evolutionary theory.’ Steven Jay Gould, theory.’ Steven Jay Gould, Ontogeny and Ontogeny and PhylogenyPhylogeny, 1977., 1977.

“Rushton ranks the races along an evolutionary scale with blacks at the bottom and Asians at the top.”

Excerpt from "In Genes We

Trust: When Science Bows to Racism," by Barry Mehler