The Ivory Pomegranate


ivory-pomegranate

Several years ago, I visited the Israel Museum in Jerusalem to view a handful of critical archaeological finds related to the Bible. One of these was a small ivory pomegranate that archaeologists claimed was used in the original temple of Solomon. It is the only artifact ever found from the First Temple.

I was distressed later when some critics claimed that it was a forgery, and it was withdrawn from the Museum exhibits. Frankly, I disbelieved the critics.

Now comes word that the ivory pomegranate may be authentic after all. This is exciting news. If the story is correct, the implication are very significant. You can read details and a commentary by Hershel Shanks, the editor of Biblical Archaeology Review, here.