Latest City of David Find – A First Temple Period Inscription

June 4, 2008

The inscription found is similar in style to the Siloam Inscription, discovered in 1880 by Arab boys under the City of David inside Hezekiah’s Tunnel, named after King Hezekiah of Judah, who commissioned the work (2 Kings 20:20; 2 Chron. 32:3–4, 30). The eighth-century BC inscription describes how workmen dug from either end of the tunnel and met at the point where the inscription was carved into the wall. The inscription was later damaged when thieves tried to remove and sell it, but pieces of it can be seen today on display in Istanbul.

The discovery of the Siloam Inscription served as a catalyst for renewed interest and excavations in Jerusalem. Besides the excavations being done by Reich and Shukron, several others are currently underway in the City of David. Archaeologist Eilat Mazar, for instance, believes she has discovered the remains of King David’s palace and, more recently, part of Nehemiah’s Wall.

By Will King, Correspondent
BFP Israel Mosaic Radio

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Photo Credit: Photo by Todd Bolen ©2006 www.bibleplaces.com