One of the most intriguing archaeological finds in Israel in recent years is a pair of silver amulets found in a burial cave in Ketef Hinnom, outside of ancient Jerusalem, dating to the late seventh or early sixth century B.C.E.1 On these amulets is a version of the Priestly Benediction (Numbers 6:24–26), preceded by invocations to Yahweh. The two amulets read as follows (the italicized words are those of the Priestly Benediction in Numbers): Amulet 1:Yahw[eh] … grea[t ] … the covenant, and graciousness to those who love [him] and those who keep … [the] blessing more than any […]
