The Tombs of Ketef Hinnom

The Tombs of Ketef Hinnom, south of Jerusalem across the Hinnom Valley, date to the end of the First Temple period, shortly before the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem. Discoveries at these tombs include two tiny silver scrolls quoting the priestly blessing, “The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace” (Num 6:24–26 NASB). The scrolls, which were rolled up as though worn around the neck or on the body, contain the oldest extant portions of Scripture (Aḥituv, Echoes, 49; Barkay, “Amulets,” 41).