Please Support the Bible Translation Work of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

$5.00

Unearthing the Silver Scrolls

The Silver Scrolls, discovered in Jerusalem in 1979, serve as a significant archaeological find that underscores the historical accuracy of the Bible. These scrolls, dated to the 7th century BCE, are considered among the oldest known fragments of biblical text. The scrolls were found in an archaeological site known as Ketef Hinnom, situated southwest of the Old City of Jerusalem. Two small silver amulets, rolled into tiny scrolls, were unearthed in a burial cave. It was not until three years later, due to their fragile state, that these scrolls could be carefully unrolled and their inscribed text deciphered.

The Inscriptions on the Scrolls

The inscriptions on these silver scrolls were found to hold significant Biblical relevance. The inscription on the first scroll, also known as KI 1, was partially preserved and included the divine name JHVH, the Tetragrammaton representing God’s name Jehovah. The second scroll, KI 2, contained an inscription remarkably similar to the Priestly Blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26, “Jehovah bless you and keep you; Jehovah make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; Jehovah lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” This inscription establishes a direct connection to the Aaronic blessing commanded by Jehovah to Moses, wherein Aaron and his sons were to bless the Israelites. It lends significant credence to the authenticity of the Biblical account, standing as the oldest known citation of a Biblical text.

Two ‘amulets’ from Ketef Hinnom (7th-6th century BC)

The Biblical and Historical Context of the Scrolls

The dating of the Silver Scrolls to the 7th century BCE situates them within an interesting period in Israelite history. This was a time when the Kingdom of Judah was experiencing significant religious reforms under King Josiah, as recorded in 2 Kings 22-23. King Josiah sought to restore the worship of Jehovah, remove idolatry, and uphold the Law, as detailed in the Book of the Law found in the temple in 641 BCE (2 Kings 22:8-13). The presence of the Priestly Blessing on the scrolls suggests that this blessing held a significant place in the religious life of the Israelites during this period. It offers a tangible piece of evidence reflecting the actual practice of this blessing in the ancient Israelite community.

The Scrolls and the Authenticity of the Biblical Text

The inscription on the Silver Scrolls, particularly the Priestly Blessing, predates the Dead Sea Scrolls by about 400 years. This implies that the text of the Torah, specifically the Book of Numbers, was well established by the 7th century BCE. It affirms the antiquity of the Torah and its role in Israelite society long before the compilation of the Hebrew Bible as we know it. Moreover, the Silver Scrolls provide a compelling counterpoint to the Documentary Hypothesis, which asserts that the Torah was compiled from various sources over time, with the Priestly source (the supposed source of the Priestly Blessing) being one of the last to be added in the post-exilic period. The Silver Scrolls, inscribed with the Priestly Blessing and dating back to a pre-exilic period, challenge this hypothesis, affirming instead the historical reliability of the Biblical text. As archaeological artifacts, the Silver Scrolls serve as critical witnesses to the historicity of the Bible. They not only affirm the antiquity of the Biblical text but also provide a glimpse into the religious practices of the ancient Israelites, confirming the Bible’s portrayal of these practices. By lending tangible archaeological support to the Biblical narrative, these scrolls contribute significantly to the field of Biblical archaeology.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is the CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored more than 220 books and is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).