In a detailed interview on The Joe Rogan Experience, biblical scholar Dan McClellan explained how physical evidence and manuscript analysis reveal that the Bible is a collection of evolving, contested texts rather than a single document dictated from above. Rather than a flattened, unified story, the biblical library reflects centuries of editing, borrowing, and rewriting by ancient scribes, kings, and priests seeking to consolidate power.

The Discovery

Archaeological records show that historical narrative prose in alphabetic script did not exist until the middle of the 9th century BCE, meaning that ancient poetry like Psalm 68 and the Song of Deborah predate prose sections such as Genesis. Furthermore, physical evidence from ancient worship sites exposes a far more complex religious history than traditional stories convey.

What Scientists Found

Excavations at the southern Negev fortress of Arad revealed an 8th-century BCE temple where incense altars held burnt residue containing three different kinds of cannabis. The existence of temples at Arad and Tel Moza challenges the biblical claim that Jerusalem contained the only legitimate place of worship. Researchers also found clear evidence of textual adaptation. The narrative of Moses in a basket resembles earlier Akkadian stories about Sargon the Great from the 9th or 8th century BCE, while stories like the flood narrative were inserted much later. Additionally, manuscript variations show that translations like the King James Version absorbed later additions, such as marginal notes added to Matthew 17:21.

Why It Matters

These discoveries demonstrate that scriptural texts were fluid instruments used to navigate practical and political challenges over time. Key insights include:

  • The phrase "word of God" in scripture refers to circulating messages or Jesus, rather than the compiled Bible.
  • Ancient writers utilized the cultural vocabulary of their eras to build specific arguments and compete with neighboring traditions.
  • Changing societal needs altered spiritual instruction; early calls for celibacy shifted toward promoting childbearing in later writings as expectations of an immediate second coming faded.
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Source: ancient civilization archaeology discovery - BingNews · Published October 07, 2026 · Photo by Jorge Escobedo on Unsplash