Archaeological Finds at Shiloh and their Theological/Missiological Implications

Abstract

The relationship between archaeology and the Bible has long been debated, leading to conflicting viewpoints on historicity and chronology. Scholars from the diachronic and low chronology perspective consider Israel’s history as either a myth or a later redaction from different accounts/sources. Those from the synchronic and high chronology perspective garner a range of factual relationships. This article which focuses on Shiloh has shown how the archaeological finds from the tell help in understanding the historicity of the Bible, especially the account of Israel’s statement at Shiloh (cf. 1 Sam 4) in the later part of the Late Bronze Age and early period of the Iron Age I. Missiologically, archaeological finds contribute to understanding the biblical narratives and how best the Bible is used for mission. Also, by interlacing the biblical and materialistic history and the reliability of the material culture and findings of Shiloh in the OT, mission can be projected on a more promising way.