Political Archeology

I’ve learned about the debates in Biblical interpretation and archaeology in several seminary classes but I never realized just how politicized this debate is until visiting the Palestinian village of Silwan today.

Seeing the archaeological site where the remains of King David’s Palace were allegedly discovered, our tour guide reminded us that there is no credible evidence for the finds and they are used to justify the continued settlements of Silwan. The archaeologist who led the excavation draws primarily from the Biblical text as the starting point, seeking to prove the Bible through archaeology.

At Silwan, we learned of the continued attempts to deny the full history of the region, resulting in the destruction of Palestinian homes and communities in Israel’s effort to lay historical and religious claim to the land.

Ending the trip to Silwan, we met with staff from Al-Bustan Association of Silwan and learned of their work with youth empowerment, advocacy, and education in the neighborhood -- a glimpse of hope after a difficult day witnessing the impact of settler-colonialism.