"It is not very often that archaeologists have surprises that bring them so close to the reality of the Biblical text. One could not have asked anything more than this."

(Jerusalem)—Describing it as the "most remarkable find since excavations in the heart of [Jerusalem] began 140 years ago: a tiny clay seal impression also known as a bulla or stamp, discovered near the ruins of what has been identified as King David's palace and bearing the name of an influential courtier mentioned in the Hebrew Bible." Two years ago, another seal was found in the same location bearing the name of another courtier, Yehuchal ben Shelemayahu. (Photo: Avi Ohayon/Special to the Washington Times)

"It is not very often that archaeologists have surprises that bring them so close to the reality of the Biblical text," said Eilat Mazar, whose dig led her to a clay bulla whose ancient Hebrew script identifies its owner as Gedalyahu ben Pashhur (Jeremiah 38:1). "One could not have asked anything more than this."

Mrs. Mazar's latest find, notes reporter Jay Bushinksy, occurred in what are thought to be the remains of a tower that was part of the city wall dating back to the 50th century B.C. days of Nehemiah, the governor of Judea appointed by the Persians after they defeated the Babylonians in 538 B.C., when they allowed the Jewish exiles to return from Babylon.

Source: Jay Bushinksy - The Washington Times