Ancient Tax Receipt

A significant artifact from around the 8th century BCE is a tax receipt that includes the phrase 'House of YHWH.' This small, inscribed fragment measures approximately 8.5 centimeters and is an important piece of evidence regarding the use of YHWH in ancient administrative and religious contexts. Jon Seligman, the Jerusalem regional archaeologist for the Israel Antiquities Authority, highlighted the importance of this find. The artifact was discovered in a sealed archaeological layer, which has remained undisturbed since the 8th century BCE.

YHWH written in Paleo Hebrew

This archaeological find is considered significant for several reasons:

  1. Historical Documentation: The tax receipt provides tangible evidence of financial transactions and administrative practices in ancient times. It serves as a form of historical documentation, shedding light on the economic and bureaucratic systems of the period.

  2. Cultural Insights: The inscription on the receipt, particularly the mention of the "House of YHWH," offers insights into the cultural practices of the society during that time. It provides a glimpse into how economic activities were linked to religious institutions.

  3. Archaeological Context: The fact that the receipt was found in a closed and sealed archaeological layer that has been undisturbed since the 8th century BC is crucial. Such layers provide archaeologists with a rare opportunity to study artifacts in their original context, offering a more accurate understanding of the past.

  4. Chronological Significance: The dating of the receipt to the 8th century BC places it in a specific historical context. Understanding economic activities and financial transactions from this period helps scholars and historians create a more detailed timeline of events and societal development.

  5. Credibility and Authentication: Given the expertise of Jon Seligman and the archaeological team, the find is likely to be thoroughly examined and authenticated. The credibility of the discovery contributes to its overall significance in the field of archaeology.

In summary, the ancient tax receipt is significant because it provides a direct link to the economic and religious practices of the 8th century BC. Its discovery in an undisturbed archaeological layer enhances its value as a well-preserved artifact that can contribute to our understanding of ancient cultures and societies.

TRANSLATION FROM HEBREW:

Line 1:  According to your order, Ashya-
Line 2:  huw the king, to give by the hand
Line 3:  of Zekaryahuw silver of Tar-
Line 4:  shish for the house of YHWH
Line 5:  3 shekels

 

SCHOLARLY RESOURCES

the archaeological context of artifacts like the tax receipt

  1. "The Archaeology of Jerusalem: From the Origins to the Ottomans" by Katharina Galor and Hanswulf Bloedhorn
    This book provides a comprehensive overview of significant archaeological finds in Jerusalem, including inscriptions related to YHWH.

  2. "The Inscriptions of the First Temple Period" by Benjamin Mazar
    Mazar’s work includes a detailed study of inscriptions from the First Temple period, including administrative and religious texts.

  3. "Jerusalem in the Time of the First Temple" by Israel Finkelstein and Neil Asher Silberman
    This resource discusses archaeological findings related to the First Temple period and their significance in understanding ancient Jerusalem.

  4. "The Material Culture of the Bible: A Study of Texts and Artifacts" by William Dever
    Dever examines artifacts and inscriptions from the biblical period, offering insights into their historical and religious contexts.

  5. "The Journal of Near Eastern Studies"
    This peer-reviewed journal often publishes articles related to inscriptions and artifacts from the ancient Near East, including those mentioning YHWH.

These resources offer valuable insights into the historical and archaeological context of artifacts like the tax receipt, providing information about their significance and the use of YHWH in ancient Jerusalem.

Unlearn, Deprogram, and Re-think EVERYTHING you were taught!

We don't claim to be self-professed prophets, teachers, leaders, or mentors and are not part of any clique, sect, or recruitment center. The resources mentioned on our website and YouTube channel, such as Strong's Concordance, Encyclopedia Britannica, the dictionary, word etymology, scholarly resources, etc., serve as tools for a broader perspective.

Nonetheless, our ultimate trust remains in the unchanging ToRaH of the Creator and God of Israel. We always encourage everyone to measure all opinions against the unchanging ToRaH of the Creator and God of Israel. There is no commandment in the Hebrew ToRaH from the God of Israel stating that all Israelites must pray through someone to commune with Him. Instead, the Hebrew TaNaKh emphasizes direct communication between individuals and YaHuWaH, without the need for intermediaries.

 

Ezekiel 18:30-32

30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the YaHuWaH God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith YaHuWaH God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

BaT DaBaR 7:14 “2 Chronicles” Hebrew TaNaKh

14 When my people, who bear MY NAME humble themselves, pray, and seek my favor and TURN from their evil ways; I will hear in my heavenly abode, and FORGIVE their sins, and will heal their land.

 MaKhiYaH 6:8 “Micah”

8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth YaHuWaH require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy ALuWaH?

ZaMaR 119:10-11 “Psalm”

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.