The “Yed[a‛]yah
(son of) Asayahu” bulla Zachi Dvira/Temple Mount Sifting Project
Joel Kontinen
On the evening of
the 17th of Tammuz – the traditional fast day marking the breach of Jerusalem’s
walls – archaeologist Mordechai Erlich made an extraordinary find while working
with the Temple Mount Sifting Project. The small clay impression, measuring just 1.2 centimeters, bears the Hebrew inscription “לאשיהו”
(belonging to Asayahu).
Some characters of
the Old Testament have surfaced in Israel. For instance, the Asayahu, who was among the Levites,
who supervised the temple restoration project. The First Temple period during
the reign of King Josiah (640-609 BCE), according to 2 Chronicles 34:13,
Asayahu was among the Levites who supervised the Temple restoration project:
“Also they were over the burden bearers, and were overseers of all that wrought
the work in any manner of service.”
2025 First Temple Clay Seal Validates Biblical History: May Reference King Josiah’s Servant - Israel365 News 15 August
Posts
