ZEV RADOVAN/BIBLELANDPICTURES.COM

DAVIDIC DYNASTY IN STONE. Dating from the ninth century B.C.E., this fragmented inscription in paleo-Hebrew script from Tel Dan in northern Galilee appears to mention the “House of David” (highlighted) and the “king of Israel.” If the former refers to a dynasty, this inscription is the earliest extra-Biblical reference to a historical King David. Since its discovery in 1993, some scholars question the authenticity of the artifact, while others argue that the phrase “house of David” does not necessarily mean a dynasty established by Biblical King David.