Bible May Be Older Than Previously Believed

A study conducted by Tel Aviv University reveals that the Bible may be even older than previously believed with new evidence suggesting that the holy book was penned before 586 BC, The New York Times Reports.

The evidence hinges on shopping lists scrawled on ancient pottery excavated near the Dead Sea and believed to have been written around 600 BC.

One note reads: "A full homer of wine, bring tomorrow; don't be late. And if there is vinegar, give it to them."

Another says: "Hananyahu has commanded you to Beersheba with 2 donkeys' load and you shall wrap up the dough with them."

Scholars have long thought the level of literacy at that period wasn't sophisticated enough for most biblical texts to have been written before 586 BC.

Tel Aviv University Professor Israel Finkelstein of the Department of Archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations, told The Times:

"There is an understanding of the power of literacy. And they wrote well, with hardly any mistakes."

Related Stories:

• The Bible Lands on 'Most Challenged' Book Content List
• Official State Books: Tennessee Proposes Bible, Draws Criticism