Archaeologist Alan Millard's personal life and professional career as an educator
In the world of biblical scholarship, the name Alan Millard stands out as a beacon of knowledge and dedication. Millard, who passed away on the 5th of June, 2024, was a renowned archaeologist, professor, and a proud member of his church.
Throughout his illustrious career, Millard emphasised the importance of archaeology in the study of the Bible. He spent most of his ministry teaching, particularly at Liverpool University, where he had the esteemed colleague Kenneth Kitchen. His academic journey also led him to the University of Birmingham and, later, as a visiting professor of biblical archaeology at IBSTE International School of Theology in Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain.
Millard's archaeological work took him to the heart of the ancient world, with excavations in Syria, Jordan, and Iraq. One of his most significant discoveries was the Atrahasis epic, an ancient Mesopotamian text that contains a description of a flood remarkably similar to the one in the book of Genesis. This discovery, made during his tenure at the British Museum, where he worked for several years, added a new dimension to our understanding of the Bible.
The British Museum also houses the great Assyrian king Ashurbanipal, who is mentioned in the Bible as the great and glorious Ashnapar in Ezra 4:10. Ashurbanipal's building bricks, symbolising his role as a builder-king, are a testament to the connection between ancient civilisations and the Bible.
Millard's work also shed light on the function of the shepherd king, a role mentioned in the Bible (Isaiah 44:28; Ezekiel 37:24) and evident in Egyptian and Assyrian iconography. This imagery is present in John 10:11, 14-16, 27-28, where Jesus is portrayed as the great shepherd king.
In his teachings, Millard often reminded his students to remember the text from Ecclesiastes, "Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole of man." This advice was not just academic but deeply personal, reflecting Millard's Christian faith.
Millard frequently lectured in church settings and university Christian Unions, emphasising the importance of the truthfulness of the Bible narrative, particularly the incarnation of our Lord. In his last conversation with the author, he reiterated this belief.
Arturo Terrazas, a professor of Old Testament and academic dean at the IBSTE Faculty of Theology in Castelldefels, Catalonia, Spain, shared a close relationship with Millard. Two examples of Millard's impact on the field of biblical archaeology, unfortunately, were not provided in the text.
Millard's legacy continues to inspire scholars and believers alike, reminding us of the profound connection between archaeology and the Bible, and the importance of seeking truth and understanding in our pursuit of knowledge. One of Millard's sons, following in his father's footsteps, was appointed as a pastor in a church, ensuring that his legacy lives on.
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