THE GOD CULTURE PHILIPPINES BLOG | March 24, 2025

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Archaeological Evidence Confirms Ophir and the Reign of King Solomon

For centuries, skeptics have questioned the existence of King Solomon and the biblical land of Ophir. However, archaeology has uncovered compelling evidence that not only confirms Solomon’s historical presence but also directly connects his reign to the famed gold of Ophir.

Ophir in Archaeology: The Tell Qasile Ostraca

In 1946, archaeologists excavating Tell Qasile (modern Tel Aviv, Israel) uncovered two inscribed pottery shards (ostraca) dated to the eighth century B.C. The inscription reads:

“Gold of Ophir to (for) Beth-Horon, 30 shekels...” – Kitchen

This discovery is highly significant for several reasons: ✅ It confirms the biblical location of Ophir as a real, historical source of gold. ✅ It ties the gold of Ophir directly to King Solomon’s era, since he built Beth-Horon (2 Chronicles 8:5). ✅ It establishes that Phoenician shipping routes extended beyond the Mediterranean, down to Solomon’s Red Sea port of Ezion-Geber, challenging modern assumptions that dismiss these routes.

The Value of Ophir’s Gold

At an average weight of 10 grams per shekel, this 30-shekel gold shipment weighed approximately 12 ounces. In today’s value, this would amount to over $16,000—a considerable personal contribution in Solomon’s time, especially when the temple was already in use.

Evidence of Solomon and David in Archaeology

Despite claims that no evidence exists for King Solomon or King David, archaeology tells a different story. Israeli archaeologist Eilat Mazar unearthed a 3,000-year-old defensive wall in Jerusalem that aligns precisely with the biblical timeline of Solomon’s reign. National Geographic reported:

“A 3,000-year-old defensive wall possibly built by King Solomon has been unearthed in Jerusalem... Ancient artifacts found in and around the complex pointed Mazar to the tenth-century B.C. date.”

Mazar herself stated:

“We don’t have many kings during the tenth century that could have built such a structure, basically just David and Solomon.”

Biblical and Extra-Biblical References to David and Solomon

Skeptics ignore not only biblical records but also secular historical references that support David and Solomon’s existence. King David is mentioned over 1,000 times in the Bible, spanning books from Samuel to Revelation, even by Jesus Christ Himself.

Additionally, Israel’s enemies recorded David’s existence: ✅Mesha Stele (840 B.C., Louvre Museum) – Refers to the “House of David.” ✅Tell Dan Stele (9th century B.C., Israel Museum) – References King David and his lineage. ✅Solomonic Gates (Hazor, Megiddo, Gezer) – Align with the cities Solomon built (1 Kings 9:15).

Reevaluating Ancient History

Modern scholars often dismiss biblical history while accepting fragmentary accounts from pagan kings declaring victories. Yet, the Bible is one of the oldest and best-documented historical texts. How can one justify including biased enemy records while disregarding a meticulously preserved ancient text? The evidence overwhelmingly supports Solomon and David as real historical figures.

It’s time to challenge the dismissive approach of modern academia. The biblical account stands validated by archaeology, and Ophir’s gold remains one of the most compelling pieces of evidence tying history to scripture.