City of David

On Tuesday, we learned about archaeological evidence that supported the existence of David.  These included things like The Stepped Stone Structure, the House of Ahiel, and the Tel Dan Inscription. The Tel Dan Inscription was the most interesting.  Basically, it is a small inscription that references the existence of David.  However, it is important to note that the existence of this inscription doesn't mean that David as King was in fact real, but it is substantial evidence that he was an influential person.  It reaffirmed the historical connotation that David existed.  Professor Cargill continued onward, talking about the creation of Solomon's Temple and questioned whether it was actually built at all.  He made an extremely intriguing argument, saying that in Biblical texts, there is a reason why David did not build the Temple.  He noted that David did a number of other things, conquering Jerusalem, bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, and on some Biblical accounts, built the Palace for the Lord's residence (2 Samuel 6:2-19).  I found this to be interesting because in other Biblical accounts, David did not build the Temple.  The Bible contradicts itself, with some accounts saying he did not build the Temple because God did not feel he was fit for the job.  However, despite the small "discrepancy," according to 2 Samuel 7, the Lord made a promise to David, providing to him a prophecy that "the Lord himself will make [him] a house, establishing the throne of his kingdom forever."  I found this to be extremely interesting because, as we know, the Babylonians eventually conquered the throne.  Thus, believers believe that there is perpetually a king of Jerusalem.  This leads to the belief that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah.  He claimed to be "son of David" and "King of the Jews."  I found this entire concept to be super intriguing, as I am a devote Catholic.  It was crazy to understand how Jesus' claims fit in historical terms.  It was David's promise that sparked a whole era of claimed apocalyptic messianism.