Earliest Known Hebrew Text In Proto-Canaanite Script

Science Daily has an excellent article about the ostracon containing the earliest known Hebrew text in proto-Canaanite script.

Excepts:

The Elah Fortress archaeological site could prove the existence of the United Monarchy, which scholars often question ever existed. The artifacts found at the site thus far all indicate that there was most likely a strong king and central government in Jerusalem - earlier than any discovered until now - rather than a number of small villages scattered throughout Judea. This would verify descriptions and narratives found in Samuel and Chronicles.

Over 100 jar handles bear distinct impressions which may indicate a link to royal vessels. Such a large quantity of this feature found in one small locale is unprecedented.

According to Prof. Garfinkel, this is the only site in Israel where one can investigate the historical King David. "The chronology and geography of Khirbet Qeiyafa create a unique meeting point between the mythology, history, historiography and archaeology of Kind David."

Read the article here.

Claude Mariottini
Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary

Tag: David, Elah Fortress, Khirbet Qeiyafa, Ostracon, Yosef Garfinkel