The Enmity of Man Against God: Evidence from Jericho and the Biblical Record
Ever wondered why many reject the existence of God despite overwhelming archaeological and historical evidence? In this post, we’ll explore the concept of enmity against God—the innate opposition humans have toward divine truth—and how this manifests through biblical history and archaeological findings at Jericho. Drawing from a recent discussion on biblical proofs and archaeological debates, you’ll learn how the physical ruins align with Scripture, and why the rejection of these facts often stems from deep-seated enmity rather than evidence.
Unveiling the Concept of Theostegase: Hatred Toward God
The Greek term
theostegase
means “hatred for God,” and it encapsulates a profound spiritual hostility embedded in human nature. According to biblical and Christian teaching, every person by nature is inclined to oppose God’s law, often unconsciously (cf. Romans 8: 7). This enmity isn’t solely expressed by outright rebellion—though some do shake fists at Heaven—but a more subtle resistance occurs whenever God’s standards are presented. Romans 8:7 explains that “the carnal mind is enmity against God.” This means that even in the absence of outright defiance, humans naturally react against God’s law because it exposes their fallen state. When God’s Word is revealed—such as during Scripture reading or preaching—there’s an almost universal response of offense, rebellion, or indifference. This response is rooted in the innate enmity described in Scripture, which Scripture itself states is built into human nature. How Enmity manifests itself in practical terms thus:
- Rejection of God’s Law: People tend to dismiss or minimize the significance of divine commandments because they highlight personal shortcomings.
- Selective Interpretation: When confronted with biblical history, many dismiss archaeological evidence that supports Scripture, citing bias or skepticism.
- The Power of Bias: Academics and scholars, whether consciously or unconsciously, may exhibit prejudice against biblical accounts, driven by enmity or worldview opposition.
The Archaeological Evidence of Jericho: Confirmation of Scripture
One of the most debated archaeological sites in relation to the Bible is Jericho, the earliest city attacked by the Israelites under Joshua. Excavations by renowned archaeologist John Garstang in the 1930s provided compelling evidence aligning with biblical records—destruction by earthquake, hastily built walls, and burned ruins.Archaeological Insights Supporting Biblical Accounts
- Walls that Exploded Outward: Garstang’s excavations uncovered walls that had fallen outward, consistent with an earthquake rather than siege engines.
- Hastily Constructed Defenses: The city’s outer walls were built quickly, indicating a sudden panic among Jericho’s inhabitants.
- Rich Grain Deposits and Burned Storage: The city’s grain stores remained intact, matching the biblical account of the Israelites attacking during harvest time, and the city being burned suddenly with grain untouched.
- Artifacts Dating to 1400 BC: Egyptian scarabs, jewelry, and pottery fragments found in Jericho match the biblical timeline for the conquest, confirming the city’s destruction around 1400 BC.
These findings align precisely with the biblical timeline, especially when cross-referenced with biblical chronology, such as the period after the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. The Revolutionary Significance of Archaeologist Garstang’s work was initially met with skepticism and even hostility from the scholarly community. Kathleen Kenyon’s later excavations in the 1950s, which contradicted Garstang’s conclusions, led to a wave of criticism—largely driven by enmity against the biblical account—despite the wealth of evidence Garstang assembled. Kenyon’s rejection of Garstang’s date stemmed partly from her use of carbon-14 dating, which she admitted was questionable and unreliable at the time. She also dismissed the pottery evidence that supported Garstang’s timeline, proposing an earlier date based on her interpretations—an interpretation heavily disputed by other archaeologists.
The Power of Bias and Enmity in Historical and Archaeological Debates
A recurring theme in these debates is that bias often drives rejection. Scholars with an ingrained enmity against Scripture tend to dismiss or distort archaeological findings that support it. In the case of Jericho:
- Garstang’s meticulous documentation and pottery analysis pointed to a destruction date around 1400 BC.
- Kenyon’s conclusions, often based on interpretative biases, sought to disprove this, claiming the city was uninhabited at that time.
The result? A long-standing conflict, not primarily about evidence, but rooted in spiritual enmity—a refusal to accept the biblical narrative as historically and factually accurate. Why Do Scholars Reject Evidence That Confirms the Bible?
- Preconceived Notions: Many academics are taught to dismiss biblical accounts as myth or legend.
- Worldview Bias: A natural enmity—either conscious or unconscious—against Scriptures as divine authority.
- Selective Use of Data: Favoring data that supports their worldview while disregarding confirming evidence.
The Biblical Record and Archaeology: A Case of Confirmed History
The archaeological findings at Jericho provide compelling proof that the biblical account is historically accurate. The destroyed walls, grain storage, and artifacts all correspond with the biblical description of the fall of Jericho under Joshua.Other sites across the biblical landscape—such as Jerusalem and Egypt—show similar alignment with the biblical timeline and events. Despite this, enmity against Scripture persists, fueling debates and dismissals, often based more on bias than on facts.The Critical Role of Objectivity in Historical Study and True history, supported by rigorous archaeology and honest scholarship, aligns with biblical history because it tells the story of God’s chosen people. When scholars objectively analyze the evidence, it consistently points back to Scripture’s reliability.
Final Thoughts: The Duty to Recognize the Truth
As a reader, understanding the spiritual and emotional roots of enmity helps us appreciate why evidence supporting Scripture is often met with resistance. Recognizing that this enmity is almost universal and can foster humility and patience in dialogue about faith and history. Furthermore, believers are called to examine these facts carefully and stand firm in the truth of God’s Word. The archaeological record at Jericho is more than just ancient ruins; it’s a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the historical accuracy of Scripture.
So what?
Accepting the archaeological evidence at Jericho strengthens faith and challenges misconceptions rooted in enmity. The more we explore objectively, the more we see that God’s Word stands true, even amidst opposition.
Want to learn more?
You can explore the full discussion and detailed archaeological report in the original episode of Choke Points Through Time, where faith and history intersect, revealing the unwavering truth of Scripture.
FAQ Section
How does archaeology support the biblical account of Jericho? Archaeological excavations have found walls that fell outward due to earthquake activity, artifacts dating to 1400 BC, and grain stores untouched after destruction—corroborating biblical descriptions of Jericho’s fall. Why was there such hostility towards Garstang’s findings? Many scholars and critics held an intrinsic bias against the biblical narrative, motivated by enmity (theostegase). This bias led to dismissing or questioning evidence that supported Scripture. Can archaeology prove the existence of God? While archaeology confirms historical events and places described in Scripture, the existence of God ultimately rests on the evidence of the Bible’s Testimony itself and the courage of faith to appropriate it. However, consistent archaeological evidence for biblical events strengthens the credibility of Scripture. What is the significance of enmity against God in history? Enmity manifests as resistance to divine truth—sometimes as active rejection, other times as bias in scholarship. Recognizing this helps us understand debates about biblical history and the Testimony of Scripture itself.
Remember:
Belief in God’s Word is based on the Testimony God gives of Himself which calls forth faith in His Word, generating a world of consistent evidence—archaeological, historical, and spiritual. The ruins of Jericho are one testament to God’s historical involvement with His people, and they stand as silent witnesses against the bias rooted in enmity.
Find our Podcast Chokepoints Through Time on your Favorite Podcast App
This Tuesday’s Episode is entitled The Truth About Jericho: Archaeological Evidence and Faith
