2,700-Year-Old Assyrian Inscription Confirms The Bible

Jerusalem — Archaeologists have unearthed the first Assyrian inscription ever found in Jerusalem, providing direct evidence of communication between the Assyrian Empire and the Kingdom of Judah dating to approximately 2,700 years ago.

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced Wednesday the discovery of a tiny pottery fragment, just 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in diameter, inscribed in Akkadian cuneiform near the Western Wall of the Temple Mount. The artifact dates to the First Temple period, between the late 8th century and mid-7th century BCE.

The inscription was discovered during excavations conducted by the IAA and the City of David Foundation in the archaeological garden adjacent to the Western Wall. Moriah Cohen, who works at the Archaeological Experience in Emek Tzurim, found the fragment while wet-sifting excavated soil.

"I was sifting through the dirt and suddenly noticed a sherd with a strange decoration," Cohen said. "Examining it closely, it looked to me to be cuneiform, but that seemed totally unreasonable. Even though so many fascinating finds have been discovered here over the years, we've never, ever found anything like this.

After decidedly determining that this was no decoration, but really was cuneiform, I screamed out of excitement. For me personally, the thought that after 2,700 years, I am the first person to actually touch this pottery with my hands is a very exciting thought. This is a once-in-a-lifetime find."

The inscription was deciphered by Dr. Filip Vukosavović and Dr. Anat Cohen-Weinberger of the IAA together with Dr. Peter Zilberg of Bar-Ilan University. According to the Assyriologists, the fragment was part of an inscribed royal sealing—a seal impression used for letters or official dispatches from the Assyrian royal court.

The text includes a date—"the first day of the month of Av"—using a calendar shared between Mesopotamia and Judah. It also mentions the word "delay" and references a "chariot officer," literally "the one who holds the reins," a high-ranking position responsible for conveying official messages on behalf of the Assyrian royal house.

Scholars believe the inscription likely concerned a delay in tribute payment from the Kingdom of Judah to the Assyrian Empire, possibly indicating political tensions or rebellion during the reign of King Hezekiah, King Manasseh, or early in King Josiah's reign.

Petrographic analysis revealed that the clay did not originate locally but came from the Tigris Basin region—home to Assyria's major cities including Nineveh, Ashur, and Nimrud (Kalḫu). This confirms the document was produced in an Assyrian administrative center and sent to Jerusalem.

"The inscription provides direct evidence of official correspondence between the Assyrian Empire and the Kingdom of Judah," said Dr. Ayala Zilberstein, IAA excavation director. "The discovery strengthens our understanding of the depth of the Assyrian presence in Jerusalem, and the extent of its influence on and involvement in the conduct of the affairs of the Judean kingdom."

The discovery aligns with biblical accounts. Second Kings 18:13-14 records: "In the 14th year of King Hezekiah, King Sennacherib of Assyria marched against all the fortified towns of Judah and seized them. King Hezekiah sent this message to the king of Assyria at Lachish: 'I have done wrong; withdraw from me; and I shall bear whatever you impose on me.' So the king of Assyria imposed upon King Hezekiah of Judah a payment of 300 talents of silver and 30 talents of gold."

Israeli Heritage Minister Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu stated: "The discovery of the Assyrian inscription from the First Temple period in the very heart of Jerusalem is impressive evidence of the city's status as the capital of the Kingdom of Judah some 2,700 years ago and of the depth of its ties with the Assyrian Empire, just as described in the Bible. This rare discovery illustrates, once again, our deep roots in Jerusalem, which is the spiritual and national center of the Jewish people."

THE CRUSADER'S OPINION

Another day, another archaeological discovery confirming biblical accuracy. A 2,700-year-old tax notice from Assyrian overlords to Judah's king—exactly as Scripture describes. The Bible's critics grow quieter with every shovelful of dirt.

This wasn't found in some distant desert.

It was discovered steps from the Western Wall, in the heart of Jerusalem, proving the city functioned as Judah's capital during the First Temple period.

The clay came from the Tigris Basin—Nineveh, Ashur, Nimrud—shipped hundreds of miles to demand tribute. That's imperial administration. That's historical verification. That's the Bible telling the truth about geopolitics, geography, and chronology.

Skeptics spent centuries dismissing biblical accounts as religious mythology. Then archaeologists keep unearthing physical evidence: seals, inscriptions, administrative records. This tiny fragment mentions the exact calendar system, official titles, and tributary relationships described in Second Kings. The Assyrians conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BCE and dominated Judah as a vassal state—precisely as Scripture records.

The Bible keeps winning.

TAKE ACTION

Support Biblical Archaeology:

• City of David Foundation - Excavating Jerusalem's ancient history
• Israel Antiquities Authority - Preserving and sharing archaeological discoveries
• Associates for Biblical Research - Demonstrating the historical reliability of Scripture

Visit Israel:

• Tour the City of David archaeological site in Jerusalem
• Experience the Archaeological Experience at Emek Tzurim National Park
• See firsthand where biblical history is being uncovered

Educate Others:

• Share discoveries that confirm biblical accuracy
• Counter false narratives that dismiss Scripture as mythology
• Support Christian archaeologists and scholars defending biblical truth

Pray:

• For continued archaeological work revealing biblical truth
• For Israel's security and preservation of ancient sites
• For eyes to be opened to Scripture's historical reliability

Study:

• Read Second Kings 18-19 about Hezekiah's conflict with Assyria
• Research how archaeology repeatedly confirms biblical accounts
• Learn about the Assyrian Empire and its interaction with ancient Israel

Every discovery in Jerusalem confirms what believers always knew: the Bible tells the truth. Share this evidence with skeptics who need to see that faith rests on facts, not fantasy.