Did Nebuchadnezzar Really Live Like An Animal for 7 Years?

Clay tablet containing a fragment of the Nabonidus Chronicle

The Madness of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 There are a number of biblical passages that are classified as unforgettable and the madness of Nebuchadnezzar easily qualifies for the list. The book of Daniel is filled with perplexing passages and predictions so it has been scoured by those interested in the prophecies. However, despite the … Read more

Deciphering the Subtext in The Cain and Abel Story

Cain killing Abel is a painting by Unknown 19th century

Many Christians have pored over even the slightest details in the Cain and Abel story trying to discern the meaning of the more confusing parts of the narrative. One of the most confusing parts is the fact that the narrative highlights that one brother was a farmer and one was a shepherd. Moreover, for seemingly … Read more

The Purpose of Towers and Temples in The Ancient Near East

Ziggurat Dūr Untash

Introduction The biblical narrative about the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) has been the source of many interpretations and even more questions. Why did God destroy the tower? Why did the people build it? What did it mean when the people wanted to “make a name” for themselves? Did the tower have any connections with other similar structures in … Read more

Who Was Ishtar and What is Her Connection to Easter?

Old-Babylonian Plaque of Ishtar

By now, many people are aware that Ishtar has nothing to do with Easter. However, there are still a number of Bible teachers, such as Chick.com and LastTrumpetMinistries who preach that Easter is derived from the cult of Ishtar. Is there a reason for this myth? What about the Easter symbols, like bunnies and eggs? … Read more

Why The Tower of Babel Was Problematic for the Gods

Cleve, Construction of the Tower of Babel

Biblical Account of the Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-9 (NASB) 1 Now the whole earth used the same language and the same words. 2 It came about as they journeyed east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. 3 They said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly.” And … Read more

Biblical Archaeology: What is The Eridu Genesis?

Eridu Genesis Tablet, Penn Museum

About the Eridu Genesis Creation Myth Dating The Eridu Genesis myth comes from Old Babylonian empire and is usually dated to about 1600 BCE. It was written on clay tablets which are quite fragmented. It is often refereed to as the Sumerian Flood Myth. This is because it’s recorded in Sumerian cuneiform. However, paleographers would … Read more