Ancient Hebrew Curse Tablet Discovery at Mt. Ebal Sparks Biblical Archaeology Debate

The Associates for Biblical Research (ABR) has described the Mt. Ebal curse tablet discovery as "certainly ABR's greatest discovery in 50 plus years of ministry", marking what they claim is one of the most significant biblical archaeological finds in recent decades.

The Discovery Details

The small, folded lead tablet (defixio) was discovered in December 2019 by archaeologist Dr. Scott Stripling's team while wet-sifting material from excavation dumps at the cultic site on Mt. Ebal. The tablet was found in a pile of discarded dirt and debris from excavations carried out in the 1980s near biblical Shechem.

Biblical Significance Claimed

According to the research team, the Mt. Ebal tablet is a type of legal text, which threatens curses upon individuals who transgress a covenant. They connect it directly to the covenant renewal ceremony on Mt. Ebal, described in Deuteronomy 27 and Joshua.

The tiny lead amulet, measuring only two centimeters square, contains inscribed text reading: "Cursed, cursed, cursed – cursed by the God YHWH. You will die cursed. Cursed you will surely die."

Dating and Historical Context

The tablet has been dated to the Late Bronze Age, potentially making it one of the earliest Hebrew inscriptions ever discovered. Mount Ebal is known from Deuteronomy 11:29 as a place of curses, lending biblical context to the discovery location.

Academic Controversy

Despite the excitement from ABR, the discovery has faced significant scholarly skepticism. As of July 2023, Stripling and Associates for Biblical Research continue to promote this folded lead object as a curse tablet containing ancient Hebrew writing, including the name of the God of Israel. However the sensational claims of Stripling et al. lack evidence, according to critics.

Academic articles on the controversial 3,200-year-old 'curse tablet' have failed to sway experts in the broader archaeological community.

Ongoing Research

The Mount Ebal Dump Salvage (MEDS) project continues to investigate the site, with ABR maintaining their position on the tablet's authenticity and significance. The debate reflects broader tensions in biblical archaeology between faith-based research organizations and secular academic institutions.

Impact on Biblical Studies

If verified, the tablet would represent unprecedented physical evidence connecting archaeological findings with specific biblical narratives, potentially revolutionizing understanding of early Israelite religious practices and the historical accuracy of Old Testament accounts.

The controversy surrounding the Mt. Ebal curse tablet continues to divide the archaeological community as researchers debate its authenticity and implications for biblical history.