Earliest mention of ‘Yahweh’ on an artifact found near Mt Ebal

“Scott Stripling, director of the Archaeological Studies Institute at The Bible Seminary in Katy, Texas, announced the discovery of the lead tablet Thursday (March 24). He said it could push back the written record of the name “Yahweh” a couple of centuries earlier, to at least 1200 B.C. and perhaps as early as 1400 B.C.” - RNS

Discussion

This is a fascinating and important find. Thanks for posting it!

"The Midrash Detective"

This is a very important find. Probably the most important Biblical find this century. With the advent of modern Biblical criticism there is this idea that if there is no proof, it didn’t happen. While in reality, archaeology has very little information, but only small snapshots in time. This continues to put a nail in the coffin around the idea that the Scripture we have today is an invention of a bunch of exiled scribes to prove the value and importance of a Jewish history.

I just finished reading through Deuteronomy as part of my annual Bible reading plan. This article was well timed, and provides historical evidence that this blessing and cursing ceremony took place.