Gaby Laron, the Institute of Archaeology, The Hebrew University
COURTIERS OF THE KING. Seal impressions (bullae) of two of the king’s courtiers mentioned in the book of Jeremiah were recently excavated—one (Gedaliah, son of Pashhur, shown here) was found in David’s palace itself, the other (Jehucal, son of Shelemiah) was found a few feet away. Both were courtiers in the reign of King Zedekiah (early sixth century B.C.E.), indicating that David’s palace was still in use at that time.