What Is The Most Plausible Explanation For The Apparent Discrepancy Between The Biblical Account Of The City Of Jerusalem's Fortifications During The Reign Of King Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:13-19:37) And The Archaeological Evidence From The City Of David's Iron Age II Period, Specifically With Regards To The Presence Or Absence Of A Defensive Wall Or Glacis In The Area Of The Ophel?

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The discrepancy between the biblical account of King Hezekiah's fortifications of Jerusalem and the archaeological evidence can be explained by several factors:

  1. Uncertain Dating of the Glacis: The glacis found in the City of David is a significant defensive structure, but its exact dating is debated. It may have been constructed earlier than Hezekiah's reign, leading to a mismatch with the biblical narrative.

  2. Location of Fortifications: Hezekiah's walls might have been located in areas not yet fully excavated or were part of structures that have been obscured by later constructions, particularly in the Ophel area near the Temple Mount, where walls from later periods are more evident.

  3. Nature of Fortifications: Hezekiah's efforts might have focused more on renovating existing structures rather than building entirely new walls. This approach would leave fewer archaeological traces, as it involved reinforcing rather than constructing from scratch.

  4. Archaeological Limitations: The limitations of archaeological evidence mean that not all areas have been excavated, and some structures may have been destroyed or reused over time, leaving gaps in the physical record.

  5. Biblical Interpretation: The biblical account might be summarizing or emphasizing the extent of Hezekiah's preparations without providing precise architectural details, which could lead to differing interpretations.

In conclusion, the most plausible explanation is that the glacis' uncertain dating and the possible focus on renovation rather than new construction, combined with the limitations of archaeological exploration, account for the discrepancy between the biblical and archaeological records.