Biblical archaeology has yielded numerous remarkable discoveries that illuminate the historical context of the Bible and provide tangible connections to ancient times. Among these findings, some of the most significant pieces are, ironically, not viewable in Israel itself. Here are the four most significant finds that cannot be seen in Israel.

The Siloam Inscription

The Siloam Inscription is one of the most important ancient Hebrew inscriptions ever discovered. Found in 1880 in Hezekiah’s Tunnel in Jerusalem, it now resides in the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. The inscription, dated to the 8th century BCE, commemorates the completion of the water tunnel during King Hezekiah’s reign. Written in ancient Hebrew script, it describes the dramatic meeting of two groups of tunnel diggers working from opposite ends. This remarkable find corroborates the biblical account in 2 Kings 20:20 and 2 Chronicles 32:30. The inscription was removed by Ottoman authorities in 1891 and has remained in Istanbul ever since.

The Gezer Calendar

An enlarged replica of Gezer Calendar placed in Tel Gezer. (c) Danny Herman

The Gezer Calendar, discovered in 1908, is one of the oldest known Hebrew inscriptions. Currently housed in the Museum of the Ancient Orient in Istanbul, this small limestone tablet provides fascinating insights into ancient agricultural practices. Dating to the 10^th century  BCE and written in paleo-Hebrew script, the calendar lists agricultural activities for each month of the year. Scholars suggest it may have served as a schoolboy’s memory exercise, making it particularly valuable for understanding ancient Israelite farming cycles and educational practices.

The Copper Scroll

Unlike other Dead Sea Scrolls, the Copper Scroll stands unique as a metallic document containing what appears to be a treasure map. Currently housed in the Jordan Archaeological Museum in Amman, this extraordinary artifact was discovered in 1952 in Cave 3 near Qumran. Dating to the 1^st centuey and written in a unique form of Hebrew, the scroll lists 64 locations where vast quantities of gold and silver were allegedly hidden. The scroll’s metallic nature required special techniques to unroll and read, and it continues to generate scholarly debate about whether its treasure listings are real or symbolic.

The Lachish Reliefs

The Lachish Reliefs at the British Museum. (c) Danny Herman

The Lachish Reliefs, discovered in Nineveh (modern-day Iraq) and now housed in the British Museum, represent one of the most impressive archaeological finds related to biblical history. These massive stone panels depict the Assyrian siege and conquest of the Judean city of Lachish in 701 BCE. Created during the reign of Sennacherib to decorate the walls of his palace in Nineveh, these reliefs provide detailed imagery of ancient warfare techniques as well as the deportation of Judean captives. They corroborate the biblical account in 2 Kings 18:14-17 and offer invaluable information about the period’s military technology, clothing, and architecture.

Some Final Thoughts

The historical significance of these artifacts cannot be overstated. They provide independent verification of biblical narratives and offer unprecedented insights into daily life, political events, and cultural practices in ancient Israel. While their physical presence outside Israel’s borders might seem unfortunate from a nationalist perspective, their preservation in major international museums has ensured their survival and made them accessible to scholars and visitors from around the world. These artifacts continue to serve as crucial pieces of evidence in our understanding of biblical history and the ancient Near East.