Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book  "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.

Greetings, loyal readers and newcomers! Today’s study continues an archaeological theme mentioned in our last two studies, Volumes 283 and 284, regarding the “Jesus boat” uncovered in the sand during a 1986 drought on the Sea of Galilee.

A secular news article prompted those studies. But today's was inspired by a press release headlined: “Museum of the Bible to Display Earliest Historical Reference to King David, the Tel Dan Stele.”

Note a crucial archaeological difference between the Jesus boat and the Tel Dan Stele. The “Jesus boat” is unproven to be the exact boat mentioned in the Gospel accounts, but it COULD BE based on its first-century date, size, and location. However, the Tel Dam Stele is authentic—a 3,000-year-old basalt fragment with inscriptions that reference Old Testament accounts of biblical characters. But both discoveries explain why I am such a huge fan of biblical archaeology.

This exciting field consistently confirms or aligns with God’s Word. My previous studies discussed evidence for Noah’s Ark in Vol. 259 and burnt offerings in Vol. 126. Best of all, we can expect new technologies and changing climate conditions to facilitate the discovery of more ancient artifacts and ruins, keeping the Bible alive, relevant, and real. 

Now, let's return to the Museum of the Bible’s new exhibit and its significance for faith readers. The press release quotes Chief Curatorial Officer Bobby Duke: 

“The Tel Dan Stele is one of the most significant discoveries made in biblical archaeology. Until its discovery, some academics questioned the validity of King David as a historical figure. For the first time in history, we have an inscription outside of the Bible that directly references the dynasty of David and confirms Old Testament accounts.” 

After inquiring about the newly opened exhibit, a museum spokesperson said that “feedback for the House of David exhibit has been positive so far. Guests are delighted by the Tel Dan Stele's authenticity and how it represents an important figure in the Bible.”

My loyal readers know that I frequently write about King David and have a special affinity for his Psalms. Check out the recent second annual “Psalm Summer” series featuring Volumes 274, 275, 281, and 282.

David connected with God through genuine human emotions. Thus, I never thought he could be a fictional character. David was honest about his flaws. He was a talented sinner and leader who suffered and triumphed. No matter the circumstances, he loved the Lord and prophesied about the Messiah. Therefore, seeing physical proof of David’s existence can be a reason for doubters and non-believers to reconsider their stance; read the Bible to learn about him and his relationship with God.

Here is more about the Tel Dan Stele. It was discovered in 1993 and is owned by the Israel Antiquities Authority. They created an exhibit, which is on display at the Museum of the Bible at no charge, beginning this month and running through November 3, 2025.

Carved in Hebrew, the most prominent inscription on the Tel Dan Stele is “House of David,” a “Judahite title used 26 times in the Hebrew Bible” (Old Testament), according to the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology.  The description continues:

“The wider inscription, describing the deaths of kings Jehoram of Israel and Ahaziah of Judah during battle against Hazael, fits alongside the account in 2 Kings 9. Really, though, the details of the inscription are overshadowed by the single line, ‘House of David.’”

That leads me to ask a critical question: Why is King David’s proven existence important to your faith in Jesus Christ? Answer: Not only is David the second most influential person in the Old Testament (after Moses), but more importantly, he is a foundational link in the messianic lineage that concludes with Jesus Christ.   

It is by divine design that the first chapter in the first book of the New Testament is the Gospel of Matthew. The primary purpose of his Gospel was to convince Jewish readers that Jesus was their Messiah. So, no better way than to begin with “The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah.” David’s part of the lineage reads: 

“..and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife..” (Matthew 1:6). Since David lived then, in all likelihood, so did all who followed him, ending with:

“..and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah” (Matthew 1:16).

I am well aware that “Joseph, the husband of Mary,” is not Jesus’s father by DNA. Still, many Old Testament messianic prophecies reference David or his lineage to Jesus. For example, Isaiah’s prophecy in Chapter 11 is subtitled “The branch of Jesse.” It begins with “a shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1).  

Then the prophet Jeremiah wrote about the David-related Messiah in Chapter 23:

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior” (Jeremiah 23: 5-6).

Also, numerous times in the New Testament, Jesus was referred to as “Son of David.” Most prominently on Palm Sunday:

"The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, 'Hosanna to the Son of David!’ 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ 'Hosanna in the highest heaven!' When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, 'Who is this?' The crowds answered, 'This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee’” (Matthew 21:9-11).

And now you know why physical proof of David is so compelling to your belief in and love for Jesus Christ.

If you live in or plan to visit Washington, D.C., before November 3, try to stop by the Museum of the Bible. Your faith will grow when you see 3,000-year-old evidence that King David, who established the House of David and fathered King Solomon, was a real person connected to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, the Jewish Messiah. 

Hosanna to the Son of David!  Amen!

Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible" reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2,” reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.  

She is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. You can join our new effort in Orlando, Florida. Contact: <Myraadams01@gmail.com>