Small Amulet Detail

This amulet is one of two that were discovered during the excavations of an Iron Age repository in the Tombs of Ketef Hinnom.  It was incised with a sharp thin stylus.

The lower part of the inscription has been identified as a version of Numbers 6:24-26:  "The Lord bless you and protect you.  The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you.  The Lord bestow his favor upon you and grant you peace" — the Priestly blessing.

This small amulet reads:

"[For so-and-so, (the son/daughter of ...] h/hu.  May h[e]/sh[e] be blessed by YHWH, the warrior and the rebuker of [Evil]: May YHWH bless you, keep you.  May YHWH make his face shine upon you and grant you p[ea]ce" From the descriptive sign by the amulets in the Israel Museum.