In this video, recorded in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Dr. Weaver discusses and shows the Silver Scrolls - the very first, confirmed, and undebated reference to YHWH! It includes the Aaronic Blessing in Numbers The Silver Scrolls – Faith Affirming Findings I am excited to tell you about an incredible discovery, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of all time. It both silenced the critics and affirms our confidence in the historicity of Scripture.
I am so excited to tell you about an amazing discovery from the field of biblical archaeology, certainly one of the top 10 of all time! I am speaking of none other than the Silver Scrolls. The Silver Scrolls were discovered in 1979, by a team led by Gabriel Barkay. Barkay’s team was excavating a 7th century BC, burial site located in the Hinnom Valley of Jerusalem. A 13-year old boy named Nathan wanted to help with the excavation. To get this young boy out of Barkay’s way, Barkay gave him the trivial task of cleaning an area of the tomb in preparation for pictures to be taken. In Nathan’s boredom, he began banging the “floor” with a hammer. The “floor” cracked and revealed that it was not a floor at all, but rather it was the ceiling that had previously collapsed on top of the floor concealing many priceless treasures. Typically graves like these would have been pilfered by grave robbers. But the collapsed ceiling had concealed this treasure trove for over 2,500 years! That is, until Nathan, by pure chance, stumbled upon them. Over 1,000 artifacts were found in this tomb! But far and away the most significant finding among this treasure trove were two very small scrolls made from silver strips. These Silver Scrolls, prior to being unrolled, were no larger than the diameter of a quarter, and resembled cigarette butts. The scrolls had a hole in the middle where string could be strung and were likely worn around the neck of the owners. The writing on these scrolls was very tiny, also indicating that they were not intended to be read, but rather worn. The inscription included an abbreviated version of the Aaronic blessing recorded in Numbers
6:24-26. The scrolls are dated between 725 and 650 BC. Scroll # 1, once unrolled, was only approximately 1 inch wide and 3.75 inches long. Scroll #2, once unrolled, was approximately 1.5 inches high and half an inch wide. These two discoveries predate the earliest Dead Sea scroll by 400 years and they are the oldest copies of any portion of Scripture! You might recall the Aaronic blessing of Numbers
6:24-26, which reads, “May the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD turn his face toward you and grant you peace.” The silver scrolls can be viewed at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.
