Small Amulet Detail

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.