Fun Bible Facts II

[Minimalist]

Another fine example.

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

I would suggest that the absurdity of high numbers was done for political reasons.

No shit.

Many (if not all) ancient societies did the same thing,even those we like to call 'ancient historians'. The discipline of history,with claims of objective reporting is a modern invention. (ca 18th century ce)0


My favourite is accounts of the battle of Kadesh, (ca 1274 bce) fought by Ramses the Great vs the Hittite Empire. The records of each side claim victory. (the Hittites probably won) Interesting to note that this battle is today thought to have been the largest chariot battle in history,with a maximum of six thousand chariots.


This famous temple was built by Ramses to celebrate his victory at Kadesh,among other reasons,most of which were almost certainly political.

[Tea Earl Grey Hot]

Any chance that the passage was mistranslated? At least one commentary I looked up hinted that it might be.

[Minimalist]

Kadesh was probably a draw. Both sides were at the limit of their ability to project power from their respective power bases. The fact that a treaty was later signed which not only delineated those boundaries but the treaty remained inviolate for the 80 years that the Hittite Empire had left.

[satan helper]

How big was the army of ancient Israel?

1.3 million soldiers, counting Israel and Judah.

2 Sam 24:9 And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.

Now Rome, by contrast, at its height, had some 35 legions (about 5,500 soldiers each). This means Rome would have an army of 200,000 soldiers.

This means the ancient Israeli imperial army was 6 times the size of Rome at her height.

Now why can't I find any evidence of this grand Davidic empire in my history books? Must be all those atheist historians trying to keep us from the truth.

P.S. Minimalist, can you correct my figures on Rome if I'm wrong? Thanks.

hahaa right wot a crazy assumption God is a fanatic dude with white beards and full of shit hhehehhehehe long live satan
http://www.kenyababescom.com

[Brian37]

Love Landover Baptist. Got to meet him at the 07 convention in DC. Hit the mother load of atheists at that one. Hitchens, Dawkins, Harris, Dennet. Ali was there too but at the time I had no clue who she was. Had a drink with Mark Chapman, great grandson of Darwin.

[YahwehIsTheWay]

Love Landover Baptist. Got to meet him at the 07 convention in DC. Hit the mother load of atheists at that one. Hitchens, Dawkins, Harris, Dennet. Ali was there too but at the time I had no clue who she was. Had a drink with Mark Chapman, great grandson of Darwin.

I have no affiliation with LBC but I would really like to be. The problem is I can't afford their tithing requirements. Oh well.

[Angrboda]

"Excuse me, I'd just like to ask a question.
What does God need with an army?"

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

Kadesh was probably a draw.

Umm;didn't Egypt and up losing territory?

[Minimalist]

It's a question of when, Pad.

The Egyptian empire at its height c 1450 BC under Thutmosis III



The Hittite Empire c 1300 BC ( Seti I was pharaoh of Egypt)



Egypt's power and prestige continued unabated under Amenhotep III. the father of Akenaten and then the shit seems to hit the fan. The Amarna letters tell a tale of Akenaten being somewhat disinterested in military affairs and Egypt's northern vassals apparently sensing the weakness went over to the Hittites. There was dynastic instability in Egypt at the end of the 14th century BC with Smenkhare, Tutankhamun, Ay and Horemheb having reigns after the death of Akenaten. The Hittites apparently took advantage. When Horemheb died the 18th dynasty ended and one of his generals, Ramesses I, founded the 19th dynasty. Twenty years later it seems that Ramesses II tried to regain Egypt's former empire but failed. We can see that the Hittites did not expand further south, though, and the later treaty enshrined the borders which had been determined at Kadesh.