c. 8th–7th century BCE·Divided Kingdom·Artifact
The Bethlehem Seal Impression
Scripture: Micah 5:2; Ruth 1:1
The claim
Bethlehem in Judah is David's hometown, and Micah names it as the birthplace of a future ruler.
What archaeology found
In 2012, archaeologists sifting soil from the City of David excavations (directed by Eli Shukron) found a tiny clay reading 'from Bethlehem' with a regnal year and the word 'to the king'. It appears to come from a tax shipment sent from Bethlehem to Jerusalem.
Where it was found
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City of David, JerusalemView on OpenStreetMap
Sources
- Israel Antiquities Authority, Earliest Mention of Bethlehem Found in City of David (announcement), IAA press release (2012)
Verdict history
- ConfirmedInitial verdict.