Was there a historical King David?

Question

Was there a historical King David?

The Tel Dan Stele's reference to the 'House of David' is the key extra-biblical datum.

Debated

How it is argued

  1. 1

    Historical dynasty

    The stele indicates a recognised Davidic dynasty within roughly a century of his reign.

  2. 2

    Minimalist reading

    The scale of the united monarchy in the text exceeds the archaeological footprint.

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