Bullae Identify King Zedekiah’s Ministers

October 26, 2008

Collection of bullae from excavations at the City of David However, what makes this find truly unique is that it corresponds with another bulla also found in the City of David in 2005, inscribed with the name “Yehuchal Ben Shelamayahu.” Both of these names come from Jeremiah 38:1! “And Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashchur, and Yehuchal the son of Shelamayahu, and Pashhur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah spoke unto all the people…” According to a press release from the City of David, “This is the first time in the annals of Israeli archaeology that two clay bullae with two biblical names that appear in the same verse of the Bible have been found in the same location.”

Both men, whose names are inscribed on these bullae, were ministers for King Zedekiah. The press release further noted: “The fact that these two bullae were found on the site indicates that the building in which they were found was used by the king, or at least by his ministers, until the destruction of the First Temple.”

Dr. Mazar has completed her current season of excavations and is currently sifting through its remains, which means that more discoveries from the City of David can likely be expected soon.

Photo Credit: www.cityofdavid.org.il