Shebna Inscription

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Shebna Inscription

Shebna Inscription
Material Limestone
Size 160cm long, 52 cm high
Created 7th Century BC
Present location British Museum, London
Identification 1871,1107.1
The Shebna Inscription is an important ancient Hebrew inscription found at Siloam outside Jerusalem in 1870. After passing through various hands, the inscription was purchased by the British Museum in 1871.[1]

Discovery

The inscribed lintel was found in 1870 above the entrance to a cave near Jerusalem. At one stage it belonged to the French archaeologist, Charles Simon Clermont-Ganneau, before being purchased by the British Museum one year after its discovery.

Description

The limestone inscription was so severely damaged that it was not possible to completely decipher the script until 1952. Nevertheless, the inscription is significant because it allegedly describes a figure from the bible called Shebna who was sent by King Hezekiah to negotiate with the Assyrian army. The three-line Hebrew funerary inscription indicates that the cave was the tomb of Shebna, the royal steward of King Hezekiah (715-687 BC) .

Translation of the Inscription

The writing is in ancient Hebrew and can be dated to the seventh century BC. Read from right to left the inscription says 'This is (the tomb of Shebna) ...iah, the Royal Steward. There is no silver or gold here, only ... (his bones) ... and the bones of his maidservant with him. Cursed be the man who opens this.'

Royal Steward of Judea

The royal steward or court chamberlain was a powerful figure in Ancient Judea. According to Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament, the royal steward appointed by King Hezekiah was called Shebna and he was admonished for building himself too grandiose a tomb. Although the name of royal steward is only partly legible, it is possible that this monumental inscription originates from the tomb of Shebna.

See also

  • Siloam Inscription

References

  1. ↑ British Museum Collection

Further reading

  • F. Frances (Ed), Treasures of the British Museum, London, 1972
  • D.Colon, Ancient Near East Art, British Museum Press, London, 1995
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