Biblical Map Causes Furore

Israel’s Foreign Ministry has prompted a furore by publishing a history lesson on X, along with maps showing the biblical boundaries of the Kingdoms of Israel and Judea.

It was posted on the ministry’s Arabic language account.

The problem is, being based on the Bible, the maps show the kingdoms extending into different areas east of the Jordan river – into areas currently occupied by Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. And, of course, covering the area widely known as the West Bank.

Translated into English, the first part of the post says:

‘Did you know that the Kingdom of Israel existed 3,000 years ago?

The first king who ruled for 40 years was King Shaul (1050-1010) BC,
followed by King David, who ruled for about 40 years (1010-970) BC,
followed by King Solomon, who also ruled for 40 years
in the period (970-931) BC.

The reign of the Three Kings lasted 120 years, an important period of time in the history of Israel.’

Soon afterwards, Jordan’s official news agency, Petra, reported that Ahmad Safadi, Speaker of Jordan’s Lower House of Parliament, condemned the post, saying that it showed parts of Jordan, the ‘occupied Palestinian territories,’ Lebanon, and Syria falling within Israeli boundaries; and claiming that it reflects “criminal mentality and malicious ambitions” that cannot be ignored.

The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, also condemned Israel`s publication of this history lesson, describing it as deliberate and alarming. Asharq Al-Awsat reports him as stating that it ‘reflects the Israeli government`s deep entrenchment in right-wing extremism and religious fanaticism.’

He also described Israel’s move as promotion of "historical myths" as facts.

However, the English translation of the biblical text of 1 Kings chapter 4, verses 20 to 21 does read:

‘The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy.
And Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt.
These countries brought tribute and were Solomon’s subjects all his life.’