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The question of whether the Old Testament is believable is not an abstract or speculative one; it is at the very heart of our trust in Jehovah’s Word. The historical accuracy of the Old Testament is the foundation upon which faith is built. In this chapter we will examine the siege of Jericho and the questions it raises, the necessity of true biblical history, the theories of higher criticism advanced by scholars such as Wellhausen, and the powerful support provided by archaeology. We will explore the evidence that confirms the historical reliability of the Hebrew Scriptures, address the challenges posed by modern higher criticism, and show that any minor discrepancies are outweighed by a wealth of affirmative archaeological and internal data.

The Siege of Jericho and Its Historical Context

The biblical account of the siege of Jericho, recorded in Joshua 6, describes a dramatic military engagement in which the walls of the fortified city fell after the Israelites circled it for seven days. The narrative tells us that on the seventh day the priests blew their trumpets and the people shouted, causing the walls to collapse. This account raises several questions: Was the event literal history or a symbolic portrayal? What archaeological evidence supports or challenges this description? Critics have long debated the nature of the siege, pointing to the apparent lack of extensive archaeological destruction at the site. However, careful study by biblical scholars and archaeologists, including insights from Dr. Bryant Wood, has led to three distinct conclusions regarding Jericho’s collapse. Some archaeologists argue that evidence exists for a sudden collapse that is consistent with a supernatural intervention, others suggest that the site was not continuously inhabited during the period in question, and still others propose that later destruction events may have obscured the original collapse. Regardless of these differences, the fact remains that thousands of archaeological finds have affirmed the historical context of Jericho and the broader narrative of the Israelite conquest.

Joshua’s account is clear when it declares, “And the city was completely destroyed, both its people and its livestock” (Joshua 6:21). This clear historical record is critical not only for understanding the specific event but also for affirming that the Bible contains true history. For if the Scriptures are historically reliable, then the miraculous acts of Jehovah are verifiable events, providing a solid foundation for faith and the teaching of sound doctrine.

The Importance of True Biblical History

The credibility of the Bible as a historical document is essential for a robust faith. When we assert that the Bible contains true history, we are not engaging in mere storytelling; we are claiming that the events recorded—be they the creation of the world, the exodus from Egypt, or the rise and fall of kingdoms—are the reliable record of Jehovah’s dealings with His people. True biblical history provides the context for understanding divine intervention in human affairs and establishes the chain of events that culminate in the redemptive work of Jehovah through His Son.

The prophet Isaiah declared, “Thus says Jehovah, the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth, who gives breath to its people, and spirit to those who walk on it” (Isa. 40:28). The precise details and chronological markers provided throughout the Old Testament—such as genealogies, reigns of kings, and specific dates [B.C.E.]—demonstrate that these writings were not fabricated but were based on accurate historical records. The historical reliability of these accounts has been further corroborated by nonbiblical sources and archaeological discoveries.

Wellhausen’s Theories of Higher Criticism and Their Weaknesses

One of the most influential figures in modern higher criticism was Julius Wellhausen, who proposed that the Pentateuch was composed of several distinct sources compiled over time. Wellhausen argued that inconsistencies in style, vocabulary, and theological perspective indicated a composite document rather than a single, divinely inspired work. His theories were based on linguistic analysis, perceived anachronisms, and assumptions about the development of Israelite religion.

Wellhausen’s “proofs” for his theories largely rested on literary criticism and internal comparisons that he believed pointed to a later human intervention in the composition of these texts. However, these proofs are unsound when compared with the clear unity and historical consistency found in the Scriptures. The objective Historical-Grammatical method shows that what Wellhausen interpreted as contradictions are often the result of different literary genres and the natural variations in human expression—all under the guiding hand of Jehovah. For instance, the seemingly different styles in the accounts of creation in Genesis can be understood in the context of progressive revelation, not as evidence of multiple conflicting sources.

Modern higher criticism suffers from significant weaknesses. It often relies on speculative reconstructions and subjective interpretations that ignore the divine preservation of the biblical text. Despite its influence, many of Wellhausen’s conclusions have been undermined by subsequent archaeological discoveries and a more nuanced understanding of ancient Near Eastern literary practices. The fact that higher criticism remains popular among some scholars does not detract from the overwhelming evidence that the Old Testament is a reliable historical document. The persistent acceptance of Wellhausen’s theories is largely due to entrenched academic traditions rather than sound evidence.

Archaeology and the Historical Reliability of the Old Testament

Archaeology has played a crucial role in confirming the historical accounts of the Old Testament. Numerous discoveries have validated events, places, and rulers mentioned in Scripture, providing independent evidence that supports the biblical narrative. For example, the existence of King David was confirmed by the Tel Dan Inscription, and archaeological finds from sites such as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer have corroborated the biblical record of the Israelite conquest.

The Bible describes David’s reign as a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity. Archaeological evidence, including the discovery of administrative buildings, fortifications, and inscriptions, has affirmed that Israel enjoyed a period of stability under his leadership. Similarly, the warfare between Israel and Moab is detailed with precision in the Scriptures, and archaeological finds have uncovered artifacts and inscriptions that attest to these conflicts, demonstrating that the biblical account is historically accurate.

The Assyrian destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel is another well-documented event. Excavations in the ruins of Samaria and other sites have revealed layers of destruction that match the biblical description. The Bible tells us that the Assyrians “brought the people into exile” (2 Kings 17:6), a fact that has been substantiated by Assyrian records and archaeological stratigraphy. Likewise, the subjugation of Judah by the Babylonians, including the destruction of Jerusalem, is supported by archaeological data from Babylonian chronicles and the remains of ancient fortifications.

Belshazzar and the Nuances of Royal Titles

One intriguing issue raised by archaeology concerns Belshazzar, who is called a king in the Bible but is generally referred to as a prince in other ancient inscriptions. This apparent discrepancy can be explained by understanding the historical and political context. Belshazzar, although not the reigning monarch in the strict sense, held significant power as a regent and co-ruler in Babylon. The Bible reflects the perspective of a people who viewed him as the de facto king, while contemporary inscriptions might use a more technical term. This difference in terminology does not undermine the historical reliability of the biblical account; rather, it illustrates the nuances in ancient political structures and the language used by different cultures.

The Archaeological Record: Confirming Peace, Prosperity, and Warfare

Archaeology provides vivid confirmation of the peace and prosperity during David’s reign. Discoveries such as administrative seals, fortified structures, and inscriptions attest to a centralized government and a flourishing society. These finds align with the biblical descriptions in texts like 2 Samuel 5, where David’s kingship is portrayed as a period of unity and national strength. Similarly, archaeological evidence from Moabite sites confirms accounts of warfare between Israel and Moab, lending credibility to the historical narratives found in the books of Samuel and Kings.

The destruction of Israel by the Assyrians is another event where archaeology has been invaluable. Excavations at sites such as Samaria reveal layers of ash and destruction that correspond with the biblical timeline. Likewise, details concerning the subjugation of Judah by the Babylonians—such as the collapse of fortified walls and the remnants of urban settlements—are clearly supported by material evidence. These discoveries demonstrate that the biblical record is not a collection of myths but a historically grounded document that has withstood the scrutiny of modern science.

The Fall of Jericho: Archaeological Conclusions and New Insights

The biblical account of the fall of Jericho in Joshua 6 has long been a focal point of debate. The Bible describes how the walls of Jericho fell after the Israelites marched around the city for seven days, culminating in a miraculous collapse. Archaeological excavations at Jericho have produced three different conclusions. Some archaeologists assert that the city’s destruction aligns with the biblical account, suggesting a sudden collapse likely caused by supernatural means. Others contend that the layers of destruction do not match the chronology of the Israelite conquest, proposing that Jericho was either destroyed at a different time or was not a major fortified city during the relevant period. A third group of scholars, influenced by Dr. Bryant Wood’s work, have put forward a new suggestion that the archaeological evidence supports a near-collapse scenario that is entirely consistent with the biblical narrative when one considers the limitations of excavation techniques and site disturbances.

These varied conclusions highlight the challenges inherent in archaeological investigation. Discrepancies between the biblical account and archaeological data are often minor and can be attributed to the inherent limitations of the discipline. Archaeology, while a powerful tool, is not capable of providing complete evidence due to factors such as site erosion, incomplete excavation, and the loss of organic materials. Nevertheless, the cumulative findings overwhelmingly support the historical reliability of the Old Testament. Even the critics who point to discrepancies must acknowledge that later archaeological discoveries have frequently vindicated the biblical account.

Limitations of Archaeology and the Perspective of Bible Students

While archaeology has repeatedly confirmed the historical accuracy of the Old Testament, it is not without its limitations. Scholars admit that the archaeological record is often fragmentary, subject to interpretation, and affected by factors such as natural decay and modern construction. These limitations mean that archaeological data can rarely provide a complete picture of ancient events. However, Bible students understand that these constraints do not undermine the inspired nature of the biblical text. Instead, they view archaeology as one of many tools that, when combined with the clear testimony of Scripture, offer a robust defense of biblical history.

Bible students consistently point to the thousands of finds—from inscriptions to architectural remains—that corroborate the historical narratives of the Old Testament. These discoveries not only confirm the existence of key figures, such as King David (as attested by the Tel Dan Inscription), but also verify the broader geopolitical and cultural context described in the Scriptures. When critics use the occasional lack of evidence as a means to discredit the Bible, Bible students remind them that the overall trend in archaeological discovery overwhelmingly supports the biblical record. The minuscule number of discrepancies should not unduly disturb us because the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of Jehovah.

The Hebrew Scriptures as Historically Reliable Documents

The Hebrew Scriptures themselves provide internal evidence of historical accuracy. Detailed genealogies, specific geographic references, and precise chronological markers are woven throughout the narrative. These details have been independently verified by archaeological and historical research. For example, the meticulous records of the reigns of Israelite kings, the names of places, and the accounts of battles found in 1 and 2 Samuel have been corroborated by external sources and archaeological discoveries.

Furthermore, the Hebrew Scriptures reflect an awareness of historical context that is absent in purely mythological texts. They are replete with references to actual events and cultural practices that are consistent with what is known from ancient Near Eastern history. Such internal consistency is a strong indication that these writings were based on eyewitness accounts and careful record-keeping. In this way, the Bible stands as a reliable historical document, one that provides a coherent narrative of Jehovah’s dealings with His people.

Rationalistic Thinkers Versus Bible Students

Rationalistic thinkers often attempt to undermine the historical reliability of the Bible by applying speculative theories and abstract models that disregard the tangible evidence presented by archaeology and the internal testimony of Scripture. They have frequently failed to account for the wealth of archaeological discoveries that have supported the biblical narrative. In contrast, Bible students look to fulfilled prophecy, internal consistency, and the corroborative testimony of thousands of archaeological finds as evidence of the Bible’s divine inspiration and historical accuracy.

When rationalistic critics point to supposed inconsistencies or gaps in the archaeological record, Bible students respond by emphasizing that no human endeavor is free from limitations. The inability of archaeology to uncover every detail of ancient history does not mean that the biblical account is untrue. Instead, it demonstrates that our understanding of the past is incomplete—a truth that applies to all historical investigation. The inspired, inerrant Word of Jehovah remains the final authority, and its testimony is confirmed by the broad sweep of archaeological and historical evidence.

New Perspectives and Ongoing Discoveries

Recent archaeological work continues to shed new light on the historicity of the Old Testament. Scholars like Dr. Bryant Wood have contributed fresh insights regarding the fall of Jericho, suggesting that the collapse of its walls may have been a sudden event precipitated by divine intervention. This new perspective does not contradict the biblical account; rather, it reinforces the view that the Bible is a reliable historical document. As more discoveries are made, any remaining questions tend to be resolved in a manner that vindicates the scriptural narrative.

Moreover, the ongoing dialogue between archaeology and biblical studies demonstrates that our understanding of ancient history is dynamic. While modern higher criticism may attempt to dismiss the Bible on the basis of perceived discrepancies, the cumulative archaeological evidence continues to affirm the accuracy of the biblical record. The existence of ancient rulers mentioned in the Bible, the confirmation of Israelite conquests, and the detailed descriptions of subjugation by Assyrian and Babylonian empires all contribute to a picture of historical reliability that is unmatched by alternative theories.

Conclusion: The Unified Historical Witness of Jehovah’s Word

In light of the overwhelming evidence from internal biblical testimony and external archaeological discoveries, it is clear that the Old Testament is eminently believable. The vivid account of the siege of Jericho, the detailed historical narratives, and the corroborative findings from countless excavations all point to a reality in which Jehovah’s redemptive work is recorded with extraordinary precision. Modern higher criticism, with its speculative theories and unsound proofs, cannot dislodge the firm foundation upon which the Bible rests.

Despite the challenges posed by some scholars, the balance of evidence—from the historical data provided by the Hebrew Scriptures to the wealth of archaeological findings—proves that the Old Testament is not a product of human imagination but the divinely inspired, inerrant record of Jehovah’s dealings with His people. Discrepancies that occasionally arise are minor when measured against the vast corpus of evidence that confirms the biblical narrative. Rationalistic thinkers have failed to account for this overwhelming support, while Bible students continue to demonstrate that the Scriptures are historically reliable and divinely ordained.

As we examine the historical reliability of the Old Testament, we see that every detail—from the fall of Jericho to the reign of David, from the conquests of the Israelites to the subjugation of Judah by foreign empires—corroborates the inspired, accurate account of Jehovah’s redemptive work. The Hebrew Scriptures themselves testify to their historical authenticity through precise genealogies, geographical accuracy, and a coherent narrative that aligns with external evidence.

Ultimately, the unified witness of general revelation, special revelation, and archaeology confirms that the Old Testament is believable in every respect. The inspired Word of Jehovah endures forever, providing a solid foundation for faith and a trustworthy guide for life. As believers, we can confidently affirm that the Bible is not only true in its spiritual message but also in its historical record, a testament to the unchanging nature of Jehovah’s truth.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).