Inscribed in silver and rolled into scrolls, the Ketef Hinnom amulets, ca. 6th century B.C.E., contain an early version of the Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6:24–26). More than an important textual witness, they reveal that protective ritual practices were an integral part of Judahite religion, and show how divine blessing could be worn on the body, transforming sacred words into a tangible safeguard against danger, illness, and misfortune.For more on the Ketef Hinnom inscribed silver amulets and their relation to the priestly blessing in Numbers, start here (cf. here and links) and follow the links. For more on Jeremy Smoak's work on the amulets, see here and links.
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