After more than 150 years of excavations in various parts of the southern Levant, which is the main arena for the events described in the Bible, archaeology has led to a better understanding of the history of this region. It has provided a wealth of information, whereas the biblical text only partially describes past events. Archaeology has also played an important role in examining the historicity of the events described in the Bible.
The scientific development of the discipline of archaeology and the accumulation of archaeological data concerning the period of events recounted in the Bible have recently led archaeologists to become increasingly involved in the historical debate. They provide the archaeological "material evidence" they consider irrevocable for determining the historical reliability of certain biblical texts. Although the importance of archaeology in examining the historical authenticity of the biblical text can hardly be underestimated, it is questionable whether archaeological data should always take precedence over the biblical text.
Archaeological issues are subject to different, even contradictory, interpretations, and are hotly debated. Archaeological data cannot speak for itself, but it is the task of archaeologists to make it speak through interpretation. Consequently, archaeology cannot be regarded as an objective, ultimate discipline that escapes subjective interpretations.
