Biblical Historical Group

The lecture programme begins in Egypt with the arrival of Joseph and, soon after, his father Jacob, along with the patriarch’s tribe of around seventy souls. The first lecture will reveal the archaeological evidence for the Israelite settlement in the Land of Goshen and the subsequent centuries-long Sojourn before the Exodus. That dramatic event will be the subject of the second lecture in April. We will then proceed forward in time through the Conquest of the Promised Land, the Judges era, and into the United Monarchy Period of Saul, David and Solomon. Eventually, after many revelations revealed through the analysis of both archaeology and ancient contemporary texts, we move into the era of early Christianity, beginning in Jerusalem with the crucifixion of Jesus and the spreading of his teachings throughout Europe by the Apostles.

The lecture series is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Rest assured that it is perfectly fine to choose which group sessions you would like to attend ... and absolutely no requirement to do them all! We already have people travelling from as far away as Carlisle, Liverpool, Leicester, Birmingham and Devon to attend some of the meetings ... but Biblical History Group is primarily for the Belmont Parish community and our neighbouring churches of all denominations. 

David was the presenter of the 1994 internationally acclaimed TV documentary series ‘Pharaohs and Kings’ jointly produced by Channel Four in the UK and Discovery Channel in the USA. His accompanying book A Test of Time: The Bible – From Myth to History reached the top of the Sunday Times bestseller list in the UK, with 100,000 copies of the hardback sold in just the first week following the broadcast of Episode One of the documentary. Since then, David has lectured all around the world, from the USA to South Korea. The award-winning Viking Ocean Cruise Line invited David to become one of its top Enrichment guest lecturers. Here is how they describe him:

David Rohl is recognised as one of the world’s best-known historians. He is not only a best-selling writer but also an explorer, archaeologist, TV Presenter, and internationally renowned public lecturer. With degrees in Egyptology, Ancient History, Mycenaean & Minoan Archaeology and Levantine Archaeology, David is a genuine scholar with a full list of academic credentials but, at the same time, is seen as a highly original thinker, offering an exciting and colourful history of the world’s greatest ancient civilisations. [Viking Ocean Cruises]

The Sunday Times Colour Supplement published a cover story about David Rohl’s research and explorations, referring to him as ‘the Real Indiana Jones’, while the Archaeology Correspondent for the Daily Mail had this to say about him:

David Rohl’s books have convinced me that he is one of the most brilliant and original minds now engaged in writing ancient history. If he hadn't been a historian he would have been a terrific mystery writer. [Colin Wilson]

David – now in his mid-seventies – is looking forward to the new challenge of running our new Biblical History Group, along with the help of his wife, Ditas, as well as volunteers from our Parish community. We are looking forward to welcoming participants from the many faith groups in the Herefordshire area and those travelling from further afield.

This course, with a programme of monthly lectures and discussions, presents the history of the Bible as revealed through archaeology and ancient texts. The syllabus focusses on a strong challenge to the claim that the Old Testament or Tanakh is ‘nothing more than a pious myth’, demonstrating that such a view is groundless. Here is ‘The Bible Unearthed’ in all its glory ... rather different to the pessimistic interpretation offered by Professor Israel Finkelstein and his minimalist colleagues.

The Course Schedule, lasting two years, with Lecture Titles and Topics, is as follows.

(14) Saul – The First King (10 July)

How the Amarna Letters cast new light on the Hebrew revolt against Philistine oppression. King Saul’ reign-length. Asked for by the people. The Philistine seranim. The capture of Gibeah and Michmash. Jonathan and David. The Battle of Gilboa.

(15) David – The Conqueror (11 September)

The rise of Israel in Egypt’s 19th Dynasty. David’s northern conquests. The taking of Jerusalem. The Merneptah Stela. Israelite chariots in the Karnak war reliefs. David as ally of Egypt. The Battle of Kadesh and the Nearin. A marriage alliance and treaty.

(16) Solomon – The Merchant Prince (09 October)

The archaeology of Samaria, Megiddo, and Hazor in the New Chronology and King Solomon’s reign.

(17) Pharaoh’s Daughter (13 November)

Who was the pharaoh who gave his daughter to be Solomon’s queen? Solomon’s Gezer dowry. The Temple of