The First Extra-Biblical Reference to the Sabbath, c. 630 BCE

by | Sep 7, 2008 | Kingdoms of Israel and Judah

949. HEBREW OSTRACA FOUND IN MEZAD HASHAVIAHU (COASTAL PLAIN) THE SCRIPT IS A LETTER OF A MAN COMPLAINING TO THE COMMANDER OF THE FORTRESS, THAT HIS DRESS WAS TAKEN FROM HIM WHILE HE WAS WORKING IN THE FIELD AND HE DEMANDS IT'S RETURN (C. 6TH. C. B.C.)

Mezad Hashavyahu Ostracon

The Mezad Hashavyahu Ostracon contains the first extra-biblical reference to the Sabbath-

Let my Lord Commander hear the case of his servant! As for thy servant, thy servant was harvesting at Hazar-Susim (?). And thy servant was (still) harvesting as they finished the storage of grain as usual before the Sabbath…

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