In two previous posts, I presented the most useful Biblical information regarding the kings of ancient Damascus (Rulers of Aram-Damascus), and then the relevant Assyrian evidence for these kings (Assyria and Aram-Damascus). In this installment, I’ll touch briefly on the current Old Aramaic evidence, present several other writers’ syntheses, and finally present my own suggestionContinue reading “The Sons of Hadad”
Monthly Archives: March 2007
Assyria and Aram-Damascus
In the first installment dealing with the rulers of Aram-Damascus, I summarized the Biblical information. This one will present a summary of the mention of these rulers in Assyrian texts. It should be noted that information from the Assyrian texts was already secondarily involved in that is has played a major part in the datingContinue reading “Assyria and Aram-Damascus”
Rulers of Aram-Damascus
I recently read Wayne Pitard’s fascinating book Ancient Damascus: A Historical Study of the Syrian City-State from Earliest Times until its Fall to the Assyrians in 732 B.C.E. (Eisenbrauns, 1987). It’s great to have such a handy guide to the history of this city. Of course, most of the history is that which is gleanedContinue reading “Rulers of Aram-Damascus”
The Enlightener of Ireland
Ego Patricius peccator rusticissimus Et minimus omnium fidelium Et contemptibilissimus apud plurimos patrem habui Calpornium diaconum filium quendam Potiti presbyteri qui fuit vico Bannaventa Berniae Villam enim prope habuit ubi ego capturam dedi Annorum eram tunc fere sedecim Deum enim verum ignorabam et Hiberione in captivitate adductus sum I, Patrick, a sinner, most ignorant andContinue reading “The Enlightener of Ireland”
Talpiotische Schadenfreude
Succinct and memorable commentary is such a treasure: “. . . archaeo-porn . . .” –Jonathan Reed, The Lost Tomb of Jesus: A Critical Look. “. . . pimping off the Bible . . .” –Joe Zias, Newsweek giggle giggle giggle
The Thread of Life
1 The irresponsive silence of the land, The irresponsive silence of the sea, Speak both one message of sense to me:— ‘Aloof, aloof, we stand aloof; so stand Thou too aloof bound with the flawless band Of inner solitude; we bind not thee; But who from thy self-chain shall set thee free? What heart shallContinue reading “The Thread of Life”
Those Philistines!
Adding to Jim Davila’s post on the Philistines, among others, there’s another interesting tidbit to add. The online Oxford English Dictionary’s etymology for Philistine refers us to the etymology for philister: The use of the word in this sense is said to have originated at Jena in 1693, in a sermon from the text PhilisterContinue reading “Those Philistines!”
Sayings of the Fathers: Arsenios (3)
32. Abba Arsenios was once dwelling in the lower parts [of Egypt], and being crowded there, he decided to leave the cell. So without taking anything from it, he walked from there to his disciples in Pharan, Alexander and Zoïlos. And he said to Alexander, Get up and sail upriver. And he did so. AndContinue reading “Sayings of the Fathers: Arsenios (3)”
Sayings of the Fathers: Arsenios (2)
22. Abba Markos asked Abba Arsenios, saying, Is it good for someone not to have a comfort (παρακλησιν) in his cell? For I know such a brother who had a small herb garden, and he uprooted it. And Abba Arsenios said, Indeed it is good, but according to the maturity of the man. For ifContinue reading “Sayings of the Fathers: Arsenios (2)”