In 1979, Gabriel Barkay made an amazing discovery. While excavating a burial cave southwest of the Old City of Jerusalem, he found what is the oldest surviving Biblical texts to date. They were on two tiny Silver Scrolls, no larger than a matchstick. It is believed they were worn around the owners neck as amulets.
The text on the Silver Scrolls were very familiar. They are similar to the well-known Priestly Blessing from the Book of Numbers in the Bible which reads:
Numbers 6: 24-26 ~ “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord cause his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and grant you peace.”
The Silver Scroll Amulets found at the archaeological site of Ketef Hinnom date back to around 700 to 600 BC. This is about 400 years before the writings of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which also included Biblical texts.
The miniature writing, hidden from view, but kept close to the heart, were believed to protect the person wearing it from harm and under the protection of their God.
They are definite treasures of the past and are on display at the Israel Museum.