Ancient Inscriptions Found in Jerusalem
Discoveries in Jerusalem have uncovered pottery sherds dating back 2,700 years, which contain inscriptions about communication between the kings of Assyria and Judah. This find appears to support stories from the Bible, specifically regarding King Hezekiah. The fragments, originating from around 700 B.C. during the First Temple period, feature cuneiform writing in Akkadian, indicating a royal letter from the Assyrian king to the king of Judah. Interestingly, this inscription was unearthed near the Western Wall on the Temple Mount and is believed to be the only Assyrian inscription from that era found in Jerusalem.
Researchers suggest the text may refer to “delays in tax payments and other obligations.” According to the Israel Antiquities Authority, the document outlines a deadline for the first day of the month of Av and mentions a key position known as the “chariot officer,” who was in charge of official communications.
This message might reflect a pivotal period when King Hezekiah of Judah opposed the Assyrian Empire. In the corresponding Biblical account, the Assyrian forces defeat the northern kingdom of Israel, then target Judah, seizing fortified cities and demanding taxes. There’s a noteworthy exchange where Hezekiah admits, “I have done a bad thing,” as he seeks to negotiate terms of payment with the Assyrian king.
The Israel Antiquities Authority points out that the features of the inscription align with the reign of Assyrian king Sennacherib or his successors, and could indicate the tax revolt described in 2 Kings.
Peter Zilberg from Bar-Ilan University, who analyzed the fragment, noted that it likely represents part of a bulla—a royal seal summarizing its contents. Many of these seals were attached to important communications or official letters. Zilberg described the era as one marked by significant upheaval.
“This was during Hezekiah’s rebellion against Sennacherib. After a delay in tax payments, the Assyrian king decided to march on Jerusalem,” Zilberg explained.
