Image Details

Courtesy Dr. Ze’ev Meshel/Israel Exploration Society

NORTH AND SOUTH. This 400-pound stone basin, photographed during its excavation, bears an inscription on the rim: “Of [or “To”] Obadiah son of ‘Adnah, blessed be he to Yahweh.” Although Kuntillet ‘Ajrud is located near the border of ancient Judah with Egypt, the spelling of the name Obadiah (and many other names found at the site) reflects a connection with the northern kingdom of Israel, rather than Judah. Was the basin donated by someone from the north?