Perhaps in discussing archaeology it might be helpful to explain just what archaeology is and how it is conducted. When we think of archaeology, we usually conjure up pictures of sweating people digging in the dirt. Well, this is a part of it and an important part of it, but much more occurs before this happens.

Initial surveys come in various forms. Some discoveries have come to light by clandestine means. The "Dead Sea Scrolls" are an example of plunder that became public, producing further investigation which revealed more findings. At other times details in scripture lead to a search for entire cities, places or items mentioned. Still, there are tell-tale signs that indicate that something can be found in a certain location.

Today there are many aids in locating a suitable place to "dig." Satellite imaging, aerial photographs, infrared photography, and ground surveys help determine where to locate the next investigation. Often there is a more obvious location. Ruins give a great deal of information as to where peoples of the past lived. Another big hint is a "tell." A tell is a man-made mound or hill that resulted when ancient peoples rebuilt cities on top of other cities. Someone has said that this was because the bulldozer had not been invented and there was no practical way to clear away the buildings. Building material was reused and simply filled in rather than carried away. Rebuilt city on top of rebuilt city produced a hill of cities, with the result now called a tell.

The two basic methods of excavating a tell have been the trench method and the layer method. Dame Kathleen Kenyon pioneered the trench method in Israel. The trench method reveals layers of civilization, one on top of the other, which helps give a chronological reading of the site. This method also reveals layers of burned material indicating the method of destruction at times. When this evidence is compared with the records found in the Bible, the site and time can often be identified. The other method, which I call the layer method, involves first laying out a ten meter grid and then one meter grids and uncovering the tell layer by layer, from the top down. This gives a composite picture of the appearance of each layer. The problem with this method is that each layer is destroyed as one works downward. With the trench system one can preserve most of what is in each layer, but only a small portion is exposed. Since both systems have advantages and disadvantages, a combination of both methods is often used today, depending on the location and what the research indicates.

Relatively recently other methods have been employed to conduct surveys or research at a site. A few of the newer methods are ground penetrating radar, seismic reflection, molecular frequency response (developed by NASA), electromagnetic instrumentation, infrared photography, and element frequency analysis. Many of these modern methods have been developed by the aerospace industry and are just now coming into use. Another technology that comes from the oil and gas industry is core sample drilling, although it is not recommended in sensitive areas. Inspection of underground voids or caverns is now made by means of remote cameras attached to shafts lowered through drilled holes.

Still with these sophisticated methods, there are many finds that made are by accident. Recently a report has been made in several publications of the earliest cross found in Jerusalem. This was uncovered during road construction outside the Jaffa Gate. Exciting finds have also been made by people doing renovation of their houses inside the Old City of Jerusalem. There are also reports of some "antiquities dealers" who make their living by "digging" the floors of their own houses, one room at a time. Some of these excavations are quite deep before being filled back in. There are also those who go about grave robbing and looting tombs. Others seek fame and fortune by looking in caves in the wilderness.

The question of finding certain artifacts comes up from time to time. I am often asked about Temple treasures and other things mentioned in the Bible. There are many opinions about such things. The one thing that I do know for sure is this: God's Word is true, even if we don’t understand it correctly all the time. If things are to be revealed, God is certainly able to direct their discovery. In like manner, He is able to prevent discovery of what he does not wish found. He is also well able to provide His own proof as to the authenticity of these articles. We need to remember that as we bump along: God is still in control.

What will be found next? What will be revealed from the ground that ties into God's plan and His Word? Just what is in the next spade full of dirt?