Extra-Biblical Evidence of the Reign of Saul?

Israel wanted a king. Well, at least some people in Israel wanted a king. And boy did they get it. According to the folktale in First Samuel, Saul, the first king of Israel, went to look for his father's donkeys but found instead a kingdom. (Don't worry, the donkeys returned home safely, without Saul's help.)

The prophet Samuel is believed to have anointed Saul in around the year 1020 BCE (Before the Common Era, or Before Christ, as you prefer). Until now, there has been no witness to the beginning of Israel's monarchy outside of the Bible.

But now, the May-June issue of Biblical Archaeology Review tells of the recent translation of the writing on a broken piece of pottery (commonly used for writing by ancient peoples) that may include the earliest reference to the beginning of Israel's monarchy.

Following the translation of French expert on ancient writings, Émile Puech, biblical historian Gerard Leval finds in the five-line text the following "list of narrative parallels between the Qeiyafa Ostracon and the Biblical text on Saul":

• the need for rulers who will not oppress the poor and the stranger
• the need for structures to be put into place to protect the lives of the poor and the stranger
• the need for a king
• the need for administrators and servants for the king
• the commandment not to oppress but to serve God
• the designation of a new leader, a king

Read the story of the installation of Saul as the first king in Israel in 1 Sam 8-15.

Then check out the translation and Leval's discussion for yourself at Biblical Archaeology Review (BAR) online: http://www.bib-arch.org/bar/article.asp?PubID=BSBA&Volume=38&Issue=3&ArticleID=4.

Congratulations Class of 2012

Catholic Biblical School Graduation

(RSVP required)

A prayerful and joy-filled celebration of the graduating Class of 2012 will be held at the St. Thomas Seminary Chapel, June 10, 2012, 3:00-3:45 pm. Reception follows in Alumni Lounge.



The following students are expected to receive one of our two certificates*:

Louise Arsenault

Kathryn Behrens

Clare Bernard

Santiago Berrios-Bones

Greg Bond

Linda Bond

Kathleen Bosse

Madalyn Caputo

Marie Connors

Margaret Dawson

Thomas Eysmans

Helen Finateri

Mary Elizabeth Hackett

Gail Hill

Judith Hines

Judith Keenan

Marie Listro

Anne Valentine Mackiewicz

Linda Markiewicz

JoAnn Masi

Thomas McCabe

Nadine Merancy

Maryrose Mistieri Pasco

Deacon Kevin Monahan

Lori Monahan

Kathleen O’Neill

Maura Pauli

Jay Pershing

JoAnn Pospisil

Mary Quinlan

Ann Siczewicz

Jeanne Smith

Gary Tatro

All are welcome. For details and to RSVP, contact Jill Costa at jcosta@adh-ore.org or 860-243-9465, ext. 2670.

*Certificate of Advanced Biblical Studies and Certificate of Participation in the Catholic Biblical School

Opening Scripture Day Scheduled

Mark your calendars now:

Advanced Year Scripture Day

Saturday August 25, 2012

9:00 am-3:00 pm ("Coffee And" at 8:30)

St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield

Dr. Harry Nasuti

Dr. Harry Nasuti, Professor of Old Testament at Fordham University, will introduce us to the prophets as we begin our study of the Exile and Restoration period in Israel.

Students entering their third and fourth years in the Biblical School are required to attend. Bring your written response to the summer reading, "Conversing with God in Scripture" by Stephen Binz. Click here for the assignment questions.

URGENT CBS Deadlines June 1, 2012

RESERVE YOUR PLACE in the Biblical School and St. Thomas Seminary's Certificate in Biblical Studies program. Enrollment determines class locations!


•    Tuition Payments for the Biblical School Years 2, 3 and 4 (St. Thomas Seminary courses CBS 200 and CBS 300). Half of your annual tuition is due by June 1: $150. (The remaining $150 will be due October 1.) Students in the St. Thomas Seminary (for-credit) program should also add their $80 administrative fee, for a total of $230 due at this time. Checks should be made out to “ORE” and directed to Shirley Morris in the Office of Religious Education. Shirley can answer any finance-related questions about the Biblical School.

•    Scholarship Applications for Years 2, 3 and 4 students.* Partial tuition scholarships to the Catholic Biblical School are available through the Sr. Jewel Renna Scholarship Fund. Applications are available online at www.orehartford.org or by contacting Jill Costa. (*Note: First-year students ONLY have until August 1 to apply.)