Archaeologist and Educator: Lifetime and Vocational Journey of Alan Millard
In the world of biblical archaeology, the passing of Dr. Alan Ralph Millard on 5 June 2024 has left a significant void. Millard, a renowned scholar, spent most of his ministry teaching at Liverpool University and later as a visiting professor at IBSTE International School of Theology in Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain.
Throughout his career, Millard participated in excavations in Syria, Jordan, and Iraq, and his work for the British Museum led to the discovery of the Atrahasis epic, a work of antiquity containing a flood description strikingly similar to the one in the book of Genesis. This discovery provided valuable insights into the biblical narrative.
Millard was known for his belief in the truthfulness of the Bible narrative, particularly the incarnation of our Lord. He emphasised the value of archaeology in studying the Bible, believing it to be a tool that deepens our knowledge of the scriptures.
In the Bible, Jesus is depicted as a carpenter, which can also be translated as a mason. Similarly, in Egyptian iconography, a Pharaoh is represented holding a shepherd's staff, symbolizing himself as a king who cares for his people. This concept is also reflected in Mesopotamian texts, where kings are referred to as shepherds.
Millard lectured in both church settings and university Christian Unions, and his teachings extended to the depiction of kings in ancient art. For instance, the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal is depicted holding building bricks, symbolising himself as a builder-king, while Nebuchadnezzar II, the Babylonian king, is represented as an architect in the Oslo stele.
Jesus is described as the great shepherd king in John 10:11, 14-16, 27-28. This concept was not lost on Millard, who saw parallels between the roles of Jesus and the ancient kings depicted in art and literature.
Millard's son followed in his footsteps, becoming a pastor in a church, and Arturo Terrazas, a professor of Old Testament and academic dean at the IBSTE Faculty of Theology in Castelldefels, Catalonia, Spain, continues Millard's legacy of teaching and research in biblical archaeology.
Millard's contributions to the field of biblical archaeology will continue to be felt for years to come, as his discoveries and teachings provide valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the Bible. His passing serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and understanding our religious heritage.
Read also:
- Exploring Hemp Insulation: Is This Eco-Conscious Solution Worthwhile for Your Construction Project?
- Deep Exploration: The Stubborn Ewe of the DPP, the resilient lamb that defies its intended sacrifice
- Construction fleet and urban transport emissions could see a significant reduction with the implementation of biogas as a game-changing solution.
- Fiercely battling for survival, a student hails from Ludwigsburg
