Archaeology · 6 · Jehu and Elisha
The first mention of David outside the Bible
A broken stone found at Dan in 1993 mentions the 'House of David.' It made the front page of the New York Times.
David was real. His empire is another question.
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The inscription, likely from the Aramean king Hazael, is strong evidence that David founded a real dynasty. But it names Israel first and the House of David second, consistent with Judah as the junior partner, not the head of a great united kingdom.
Source: Why the Bible Began, pp. 88–90
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