Is Archaeology in Israel ‘Apologetics in Action’?

Archaeologists continue to find even more documentation to validate the truth of the Old Testament, says author Peggy Consolver, who participated in an archeological dig in the Holy Land earlier this summer, further amplifying study for her Biblical history novels.

Consolver saw first-hand the progress that Associates for Biblical Research are making at a dig in Shiloh, the Old Testament site for the Tabernacle in the Promised Land.

“Archaeology is like ‘apologetics in action,’ ”  Consolver declares, “making great strides in discoveries that support the truth of Old Testament accounts, and countering nay-sayers who doubt the historicity of the Bible.”

“While traditional methods of digging and sifting by hand are still crucial, twenty-first century archaeology uses new technology that makes progress faster and adds to the excitement of this important work that enlarges our understanding of these ancient times,” she adds.

She encourages churches and families making plans for fall programming and family studies to consider doing an Old Testament study of Joshua.

Consolver, author of the biblically-based novel Shepherd, Potter, Spy—and the Star Namer, wrote her book based on Joshua 9 and 10, and her writing and descriptions were impacted by her first experience in Israel on an archaeological dig in 2010.

In fact, the richly-researched book recently garnered an endorsement from the archaeologist who directed the dig in which she participated.

“Shepherd, Potter, Spy—and the Star Name tells the story of the Hebrews’ arrival in Canaan from a new point of view,” writes Dr. Bryant Wood, director of research, Associates for Biblical Research and 2010 dig director.

“A young Gibeonite shepherd’s eyewitness account captures the tension in the ancient land of Canaan. Accurate descriptions of the terrain give the Bible student new insights into this historical event of the Late Bronze Age. The use of the archaeological artifact known as the Gezer Almanac adds credence to the timeline the author constructs,” he adds.

Because there is so much scripture, history and data touched on in the book, Consolver created a study guide, called Digging Deeper Into HIStory:  A Study Guide for Shepherd, Potter, Spy—and the Star Namer. The 13-unit interactive study guide is especially useful for Bible study groups, Christian Schools and homeschoolers, and also offers links to additional resources, such as a YouTube video of crossing the flooded Jordan River in a kayak and another with instructions on how to make a slingshot.

Consolver’s book tells the story of the mysterious Hebrew people from a fresh vantage point, that of the neighboring tribes in Canaan who watch in fear and awe as the Hebrews move toward their land, conquering all in their path.

In a book suitable for middle schoolers to adults, she weaves a deeply moving tale from the biblical account of the Hebrews’ arrival in the Promised Land in Joshua 9 and 10. The story provides vignettes of life as Joshua and family experience the final year of the 40 years in the wilderness, but primarily tells the story through the eyes of a 12-year-old Gibeonite boy, Keshub. In the beginning, alone with his sheep, he practices thrusts and lunges against an unseen enemy with his wooden sword. In the end, Keshub saves the day with a real sword on the day the sun stood still.

Now working on a sequel to Shepherd, Potter, Spy—and the Star Namer (Eskie and the Battle for Salem anticipates a late 2018 release), the Dallas resident also recently completed her first picture book. Kacey’s Question, a day in the life of two 5-year-olds, was inspired by the important question her daughter asked at age 5 that 25 years later, her daughter’s son also asked. Kacey’s Question will release in Jan. 2018.