This article is the first in a series of articles that present the ideas of my print-on-demand book, “The Fourth Day: Why the Bible is Historically Accurate”.

When I was college student, I was introduced to the concept of biblical inerrancy. My pastor, Al Jackson of Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn, Alabama, drove the point home that the Word of God, the Bible, was “God-breathed”. He explained that since the Bible was “God-breathed” it was created in the same manner as Adam when God breathed life into man in the book of Genesis. The Bible was designed, just like man was at creation, when God instructed over forty authors exactly what to write. The Bible was designed in the sense that the whole book’s purpose is the revelation of the messiah of mankind, Jesus Christ. The Bible points to Christ in very direct ways by giving the specific characteristics of his human life. The prophecies of the Old Testament indicated he would be born in Bethlehem, through the line of Jesse, and by a virgin. The spiritual aspects of Christ are alluded to in the symbols of the atonement sacrifices where animals were put on an altar and then sprinkled with salt, a symbol of eternity, to represent the once-and-for-all sacrifice that the Son of God would make on a cross one day. God coordinated all this information to point to Christ, God’s plan for man’s salvation.

Since the time that my pastor explained these things to me I have taken them to heart and I have studied the Bible with the attitude that the Bible is historically correct as well as spiritually correct. Conservative Christians have adopted this philosophy in every subject covered in the Bible except for one, chronology. Chronology, the study of the historical timeline, has been a subject where it seems the Christian community has conceded defeat. For whatever reason, Christians in the modern era have sought compromise with scholars, many of whom are downright antagonistic to Christian beliefs, so that the timeline of the Bible would have the stamp of authenticity from historians.

An article in Biblical Archaelogy Review effectively demonstrates the level of Biblical antagonism that archeological community can exhibit. Consider an excerpt from the opening paragraph of an article entitled Minimalists on Parade (Biblical Archaeology Review, Jan/Feb 2005, Vol 31, No. 1, Page 16-17): “At a recent conference on reconstructing Israelite history held in Rome, the so-called Biblical minimalist position was upheld by a number of prominent scholars. This position is not monolithic, however, and different minimalist scholars stressed different arguments. Among them:

* The Bible cannot be used as a historical source. [The position that defines a Biblical minimalist.]

* Neither can archaeology, which can only tell us whether ancient Israelites ate from a bowl 20 or 30 centimeters wide. A history of Israel based on archaeology is useless.

* There was no Exodus.

* The famous Tel Dan inscription mentioning David, excavated by Israeli archaeologist Avraham Biran, is probably a forgery; and the Hebrew words in the inscription that read “House [Dynasty] of David” probably mean something else.

* David and Solomon are only symbolic characters, not real characters.

* The Biblical accounts of the United Kingdom of Judah and Israel under David and Solomon are simply later projections into a distant mythic past.

* Judah did not even become a state until about a hundred years after David-if he lived.” One scholar mentioned in this article, Giovanni Garbini of the Universita’ di Roma La Sapienza, makes a particularly provocative comment in this article: “The name Jacob “is clearly an artificial creation of post-exilic age [after the Babylonian Exile]. It was not Jacob who became Israel, but Israel who became Jacob…”. These minimalists, who appear to represent the majority of the archaeological community, don’t regard the Bible as historically accurate. Among their objections: they don’t believe that David, Solomon or Jacob existed and don’t believe the Exodus ever occurred. These positions are as idealogically opposed to the conservative Christian view of the Bible as one can image. So why should we (Christians) seek the counsel of this group in the understanding of such a precious concept as the historical timeline of the Bible? Yet this is what has happened.

Here’s another problem with relying on the scientific community to authenticate the Bible: they have “rational” blinders on. Scientists that have no faith in Christ are limited in their ability to investigate because they assume that certain phenomena are impossible even before the investigation has begun. Since they consider themselves to be “rational” scientists the assumption that an “irrational” event has occurred is implausible. The scientific method basically allows anyone to make an assumption (any assumption), conduct research of known facts or run an experiment and use the research and/or the experiment to validate the assumption. These “rational” scientists when confronted with an “irrational” assumption simply leap over the research and experimental process and declare that the assumption in invalid because they have assumed the “irrational” assumption is just not possible. So why do these “rational” scientists behave this way? Well, consider the following possibility. Let’s say that an “irrational” event is assumed and information is collected or an experiment is performed to confirm its validity. Let’s say that the irrational event has been validated. What would be the response of the “rational” scientist? More than likely, complete denial. Such an outcome would create complete chaos in his philosophy since his “rational” method of investigation, the scientific method, would have been used to prove that an “irrational” event was possible. So what is an “irrational” event? It is just another way of saying a supernatural event, one that is beyond our understanding. Can the scientific process be used to validate an “irrational” event? Jesus Christ thought so. Jesus was explaining this idea of being “born again” to a Pharisee named Nicodemus in the New Testament (John 3:8): “The wind blows where it wishes, and you here its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus was clearly confused by this concept of being “born again” but Jesus was saying that even if you didn’t comprehend or believe this supernatural phenomenon could occur, just like something as intangible as the wind, there would be tangible evidence of it.

Certainly not all scientists believe in this manner, but the great majority of them do. How many of these scientists will view the Bible with no preconceived notions? When these scientists read in the Bible that the Earth was created in seven days they will not consider this as true because they have been trained that the universe is billions of years old. When these scientists read that a man lived to be 969 years old in the Bible they dismiss it as myth or fairy tale because men don’t currently live to be that old. They will not consider the possibility that at one time in history men did live that long. When these men read the account of Noah and a worldwide flood they have always attributed it to “local” flooding. This may have some ring of truth to it since until that time, according to the Bible, the world was one big land mass (the world was all in one place, i.e., local). According to the Bible the continents didn’t divide until the life of Peleg, a descendant of Noah. Again, the scientists certainly are not going to agree with this theory of the land mass shift because they will insist that this geological process needed millions of years to accommodate the movement of the continental land masses. Since these archeologists disagree with Christians in so many fundamental matters described in the Bible how will we ever reach an agreement on a historical timeline?

The present chronological model of the Bible is based on a mixture of Biblical truth and theoretical historical models. I believe it is time that we consider a new approach to Biblical chronology. The model I propose is based solely on the information in the Bible. If the Bible is true then historians will confirm the result of the theologians (assuming the theologians have interpreted the Bible correctly). Why should God’s Word have to be authenticated by men? If the Bible is truly trustworthy the truth of the Bible should be laid out for men to see and respond to its truth. In 1995 David Rohl, an Egyptologist, wrote his book A Test in Time to propose a radically different theory in chronology. He proposed a timeline that was based on some Biblical evidence. In fact, Rohl’s proposed date of Solomon’s reign is consistent with the timeline developed from my literal interpretation of the Bible. What is even more amazing about David Rohl is that he is described among archaeologists as a maximalist, someone who believes the Bible is historically accurate, yet he characterizes himself as a spiritual “agnostic”. If David Rohl is a maximalist then I am a “maximum” maximalist, someone significantly to the right of David Rohl’s view since I believe that the Bible is historically accurate and indeed the very word of God as it claims to be. Therefore I believe my perspective on the chronology of the Bible is unlike anything you have ever heard before.

The purpose of my book, “The Fourth Day: Why the Bible is Historically Accurate”, was to prove a biblical concept that I believe will synchronize the events recorded in the Bible with Egyptian history, Babylonian history, Persian history and Archaeology. The recognition of this concept will allow the reader to tie together all these areas of study in one neat package so that when viewed together there is no discrepancy between the Bible and these other elements of ancient history. The recognition of this concept will also illustrate that the Bible is not only a trustworthy religious document but a trustworthy historical document because of its chronological precision. First, assume that from the beginning of creation to the end of the millennial reign of Jesus Christ is a period of 7000 years; a time period analogous to the 7 day period of creation of the world mentioned in the book of Genesis. Next, recognize that the sacrifice of the Passover lamb in the Old Testament is symbolic of the fact that Jesus Christ was crucified exactly 4000 years after the creation of the world. According to the Mosaic Law each family that observed Passover was to purchase a lamb 4 days prior to the day of Passover and that lamb was to live in that household until the late afternoon of the day when the Israelite priest had to sacrifice the lamb and it was to be accomplished by nightfall. I believe these 4 days were God’s way of illustrating that the lamb of God, Jesus Christ, would be sacrificed on a cross 4000 years after the creation of the world. Therefore, symbolically and in actuality, Jesus Christ was sacrificed on the fourth day.

When you recognize this concept to be true, several significant conclusions regarding history become evident. The Israelite Monarchies of David and Solomon occurred about 180 years later than held by historians. The period of the Persian Empire from Cyrus the Great’s announcement of the rebuilding of Jerusalem until Alexander the Great’s invasion lasted only 21 years (not the approximately 200 year period currently held by historians). Egypt did not have a king (a Pharaoh) for 300 years between the 20th and 21st dynasties. I support these conclusions using the Bible, Astronomy, Archaeology, the writings of ancient historians and the monuments of ancient kings.

In the next installment of this series of articles I will address one of the most provocative discoveries of this approach to history; the discovery that the Persian Empire described in the book of Daniel only lasted for 21 years and not the 200 years claimed by historians.

Egypt and Kenya represent 2 very different sides of Africa in terms of travelers’ attractions. This is true in all aspects – history, culture and the people. On the one hand is Egypt, rich in history and archaeology and on the other hand is Kenya, famous for the Safari.

At tour of Africa combining the African wildlife Safari experience of Kenya and the sojourn into the ancient civilization of Egypt is a not so resistible to serious travelers

Getting the right flow of Your Egypt and Kenya Tour program

You can never have enough time off your work schedule to see enough of Egypt. And to add an African Safari to it makes it appear like an impossible task to accomplish. But it can be done. To enjoy this combined tour, it is advisable to put aside at least 16 days – 14 days for your actual tours and the extra days for your flights into and out of Africa. It is of course possible to have shorter versions of the combination, but it might not work out so well.

Assuming your begin your tour at Cairo and not Nairobi, you will need at least 2 days in Cairo just for the antiquities in and around Cairo. This will include the Pyramids and the museums.

Next, dedicate at least 2 full days for Luxor to enough of the attractions in and around Luxor. Traveling from Cairo to Luxor can be either by bus, overnight train or air. The choice will depend on how much time you would like to save and also on your pocket. The bus journey can get very uncomfortable in the hot weather. The flight is fast, but might be expensive.

The Nile Cruise demands at least 3 days for meaningful sightseeing before your return to Cairo and take the flight from North Africa to East Africa.

It is recommended that you rest for a night in Nairobi, Kenya before starting your wildlife adventure. A fulfilling Safari in Kenya would take up at least 7 of your days. That would allow you to visit some of the famous national parks. If you choose to take your safari by road as a means of transport, beware of the road conditions into the parks. The distances might appear short but the drive could be grueling due to the nature of the roads. Transportation by air by save you time and enhance your experience too. If your flight out is not a late evening flight, try to spend your last night in Nairobi so that you have enough time on your side.

EGYPT – Places you must visit while in Egypt
Traveling to Egypt is like turning back the clock. There are marvelous footprints of ancient man’s stroll on earth. Anyone interested in man’s ancient civilization thinks of Egypt. And this is with very good reasons. Because there are just too many intriguing and wonderfulthings in Egypt – the pyramids, the temples, the tombs, the Nile and many more.

The Great Pyramids of Giza are the last surviving members of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. It has been a tourist destination for centuries and continues to draw immense interest from all over the world. Each of the 3 main pyramids here is a tomb to a different Pharaoh. The Sphinx, a huge lion-like sculpture lies in front of the pyramids, keeping guard.

Luxor is Egypt’s most impressive archeological spectacles. The Temple of Luxor was the center of one of the most important festivals celebrated by the people of Thebes. This important festival was known as the festival of Opet. Built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, it appears that the temple’s purpose was for a suitable setting for the rituals of the festival. The festival itself was to reconcile the human aspect of the ruler with the divine office. The temple of Luxor is worth touring while you are in Egypt.

The Temple of Karnak.

One of the most impressive archaeological sites in Egypt is Karnak. Even though it is badly ruined, it stands as the largest temple complex ever built by man. The Temple of Karnak is actually made up of three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples located about 3 kilometers north of Luxor. Karnak is actually the site’s modern name. Its ancient name was Ipet-isut, meaning “The Most Select (or Sacred) of Places”.

The Valley of the Kings

The site today called the Valley of the Kings is a secluded dry gully were all the kings and occasionally other high officials of the 18th Dynasty were buried.

The Nile Cruise

In spite of the fact there are other means of transportation available for you while on your great historical and archaeological adventures, the Nile Cruise still remains an exciting way to enjoy your sight-seeing in Egypt. The cruise starts from Luxor or Aswan. From Luxor, the tours cruise down the Nile to Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and end in Aswan.

You can also fly from Cairo direct to Aswan and then work your way northwards down the Nile to the same sights – Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna and end up at Luxor.

For the Nile Cruise, there are many options to choose from depending on your budget and desire for comfort. Many of the cruise ships offer a considerable variety in form of entertainment on board. .

Other Interesting sights in Egypt

Depending on the number of days you have, and your budget of course, the other interesting areas you would want to include in your program are Abu Simbel - 3 hours away by road from Aswan. Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor are of interest.

Alexandria is just 2 hours 30 minutes by road or train from Cairo. The pace of life is much slower than Cairo.

The Red Sea resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada are a big hit with divers. And travelers who enjoy nightlife will find their comfort zone here too, as it is filled with nightclubs. Those traveling with kids will also find the Red sea idea – the beaches.

KENYA – What to include on your Kenya Safari portion of the tour
Kenya is the wildlife safari’s paradise. For the African wildlife lovers, there are over 50 game reserves, parks and private game sanctuaries spread all around the country. And accommodation in the main cities and even in the parks provide services of international standards. You will find hotels run by top international companies like Fairmont Hotels and Resorts and Intercontinental.

Game viewing in Kenya is simply stunning. Some of the wonderful parks you are encouraged to visit are the Maasai Mara game reserve. At the Mara you will see the big five -Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard and Buffalo. At Amboseli National park you are not likely to leave without seeing elephants – living side by side with the most celebrated culture in the world, the Maasai people.

Samburu game reserve is home to the Samburu people and the Reticulated Giraffe and Beisa Oryx. Tsavo National park – for the Hippos and Lake Nakuru National park – for the flamingos and Rhinos.

If you include the famous Maasai Mara in your travel program, and you travel between June and October, you might witness the great animal migration. The wildebeest and zebra start their migration from Tanzania’s Serengeti in May and arrive Maasai Mara during July. They begin the return journey back into Tanzania towards the end of October.

This animal migration is an experience beyond belief. Many have described it as one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles. A hot-air balloon flight over the dotted plains of the Maasai Mara will enhance your experience of seeing this great spectacle.