Friday, January 26, 2024
Favorite
The Armstrong International Cultural Foundation is delighted to announce the grand opening of its latest archaeological exhibition, titled “Uncovering the Kingdom of David and Solomon.” The exhibition will take place on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. (Central Time) in the prestigious Armstrong Auditorium, situated on the Herbert W. Armstrong College campus in Edmond, Oklahoma. It is imperative to note that while admission to the exhibit is free, advanced reservations are mandatory.
This remarkable exhibition boasts an impressive collection of over three dozen artifacts originating from the era of the united monarchy in biblical Israel. A highlight of the event will be the world premiere unveiling of the remarkable Ophel pithos inscription, which has sparked intrigue due to its potential association with the biblical Queen of Sheba’s legendary visit to King Solomon.
Brad Macdonald, the curator of the exhibit, exclaimed, “This exhibition is genuinely unparalleled. It marks the very first instance where such a diverse array of artifacts and archaeological findings from the 10th century have been gathered in one location and thoughtfully presented within the broader context of science, history, and the Bible. It serves as a testament to the monumental significance of the Kingdom of Israel during the reigns of Kings David and Solomon.”
Among the captivating artifacts featured are two bullae, small clay seal impressions, bearing witness to Eliakim, the servant of King Hezekiah and a close associate of the prophet Isaiah. The exhibit showcases approximately three dozen artifacts retrieved from archaeological sites dating back to the 10th century BCE, including Jerusalem, Lachish, and Khirbet Qeiyafa. Additionally, two large dioramas depicting the 10th-century Kingdom of Israel and the city of Jerusalem will be on display, complemented by interactive exhibits, educational videos, and timelines.
The exhibition is proudly presented and sponsored by the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation, in collaboration with Jerusalem’s esteemed Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology, the Israel Museum, the Israel Antiquities Authority, and the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This marks the third time that Armstrong Auditorium has hosted an exhibition of biblical artifacts, following the success of “Seals of Jeremiah’s Captors Discovered” (2013-2015) and “Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered” (2018-2019), the latter of which earned the prestigious Oklahoma Tourism Award for Outstanding Temporary Exhibit.
“Uncovering the Kingdom of David and Solomon” will be open for viewing in the Grand Lobby of Armstrong Auditorium until January 17, 2025, with free admission starting on February 26, 2024. The Armstrong International Cultural Foundation, headquartered on the Herbert W. Armstrong College campus in Edmond, is a non-profit humanitarian organization. Its diverse cultural initiatives include hosting a series of performing arts concerts at Armstrong Auditorium and providing vital support for archaeological excavations at the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology in Jerusalem.
