Solomon, Scripture, and Science at Gezer

New carbon-14 dates from Gezer Field IV provide conclusive evidence for the existence of an early Judahite state by the late eleventh to tenth century BCE, effectively dismantling the 'low chronology' paradigm proposed by Israel Finkelstein. This paradigm, which sought to down-date monumental archaeological evidence and eliminate the historical validity of the united monarchy described in biblical narratives, has been widely discredited due to its reliance on selective data and propaganda tactics. The study employs a rigorous comparison of carbon-14 dates from multiple sites, including Megiddo, Tel Rehov, Khirbet Qeiyafa, and others, demonstrating that the conventional chronology is supported by a preponderance of evidence. Unlike Finkelstein's approach, which often ignored opposing data, this research adheres to patient, well-documented scholarship, advocating for a shift from arbitrary phasing (e.g., 'Iron IIA') to absolute, high-precision dating methods. The findings underscore the importance of scientific rigor over ideological agendas in reconstructing ancient history.

Dever, W. G. (2024). Solomon, Scripture, and Science at Gezer. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage Studies, 12(4), 434–437. https://doi.org/10.5325/jeasmedarcherstu.12.4.0434