4 Days until Christmas -- The Ketef Hinnom Amulets

​Number four are the Ketef Hinnom amulets. Found near Jerusalem, these miniatures, silver scrolls were found in a series of burial chambers. They were excavated by Gabriel Barkay in 1979.
 
Much can be said about these scrolls but for an attempt to be brief I will give a summary of the debate regarding these scrolls.  The assumption among biblical scholars is these texts from the priestly source (labeled P) are typically dated, to the 4th Century BCE, after the Judean Exile and during or after the Persian occupation.
 
This assumption was challenged after the discovery of these scrolls because, after analysis of the Hebrew writing on the silver, it was revealed to be inscribed with Numbers 6:24-26 which is known as the “Priestly Blessing.”
 
Num. 6:24      The LORD bless you and keep you;
Num. 6:25      the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
Num. 6:26      the LORD lift up his countenance3 upon you and give you peace.

​This passage which is usually considered a P source, dating to the 4th Century BCE was found in a burial context from the 7th Century BCE. This shows that at the very least, the Priestly Blessing, and the tradition of this blessing dates much early rather than the assumed later date from Source Critics of the Bible
 
This is another perfect example of how archaeology is constantly changing the way we think and know things concerning the Bible.
 
Tune in tomorrow as we are only 3 days away from Christmas!