This exhibition is one where I wanted to showcase the many notable, yet powerful rulers who are connected somehow to the Biblical narrative. I want to propose the idea that the scriptures give a historical account to many of the rulers that rose to power, as well as many of the deities they worshipped. The pieces of art are either artifacts or sculptures that account for the reign of these rulers during historical events that took place in Bible times.
Upper part of a Statue of King Thutmose III, Unknown, 1504 BC - 1452 BC, From the collection of: Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
I chose the Pharaoh Thutmose III statue, an important figure in Ancient Egypt. This Pharaoh is accredited to have been the ruler during the Exodus account in the New Kingdom, Eighteenth Dynasty.
Papyrus, Unknown, -1307/-1196, From the collection of: Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
‘Admonitions of Ipuwer’ an Egyptian papyrus I chose as it possibly notes the Exodus account concerning the plagues described in the Bible (Exodus 7:19); the papyrus states 'the river is blood and one drinks from it'
Frank Scherschel, 1901, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
Found in the city once named Nineveh (Nimrud) this sculpture is acclaimed as Sargon. I chose this sculpture as it has similar characteristics to Nimrod in the Bible who was a builder of "Accad" and Nineveh (Genesis 10:10-12)
Assyrian relief, From the collection of: Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
I chose this relief as it shows a victory for the Assyrians and bears testimony to the might of their empire.
"And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison." (2Kings 17:4)
Victory Stele of King Esarhaddon, Unknown, 671 BCE, From the collection of: Pergamonmuseum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Victory Stele of the Assyrian king Esarhaddon who reigned from 681-668 B.C. I chose him as he is mentioned in 2Kings 19:37 as ruling successor and this life-sized stele shows his victory and power.
Glazed brick wall relief of lion, unknown, 605-562 BC, From the collection of: Royal Ontario Museum
A Babylonian relief that adorned the façade of Nebuchadnezzar's palace. I chose this piece of art as my interest in him grew after reading the Book of Daniel and the captivity of the Jews. (Daniel 1)
I chose Nebuchadnezzar's 'Ishtar Gate.' He rose to power saying "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built...by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?" (Daniel 4:30)
Relief of a Spear-Carrier, Unknown, 546 BCE - 482 BCE, From the collection of: Pergamonmuseum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
This is a mural located in a palace built by King Darius I. A Persian ruler mentioned to come to power after Nebuchadnezzar in the Bible (Daniel 5:31) He created great palaces symbolizing his power.
Façade of the Inanna Temple, Unknown, Late 15th century BCE, From the collection of: Pergamonmuseum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Inanna Temple, or the Queen of Heaven, constructed by ruler Kara-indash. This is an interesting structure since the Bible describes in the Book of Jeremiah how the Jews were disobedient by burning incense to this deity.
Head of Alexander the Great, about 320 B.C., From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
I chose this piece because the Greeks came to power after defeating Darius the III. Alexander the great epitomizes the height and reign of the Grecian Empire. He was a fearless conqueror that many would say was mad.
The “Heyl Aphrodite,” an exquisite beauty, Unknown, -200/-100, From the collection of: Altes Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
I chose this figurine as I know that the Apostle Paul was stirred in his spirit to see such a rich and flourishing culture wholly given to idolatry and began to minister the gospel to the people in Greek cities like Athens when he saw votives everywhere in the city. (Acts 17:16)
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