Ancient Curse Reveals Early Use of Divine Title in Kingdom of Judah

An ancient Hebrew inscription discovered on a limestone tablet west of Hebron offers a rare glimpse into the religious beliefs and language of the Kingdom of Judah during the First Temple period. The tablet, dated to the 8th century BCE, bears a curse against an individual named Hagaf ben Hagav. The inscription reads, "May Yahweh Tzva'ot curse Hagaf ben Hagav," which is considered the earliest mention of the divine title "Yahweh Tzva'ot" (Lord of Hosts) outside the biblical text. This finding indicates that the explicit name and title, suggesting a deity who goes to battle with his people or commands the heavenly host, were in use among the inhabitants of Judah as early as that period. Beyond the inscription itself, no further information is available about Hagaf's identity or the act that prompted the severe curse.

The artifact is currently on public display at the Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem as part of the exhibition "Six After the War." This exhibition explores ancient warfare and timeless questions about victory, peace, and the fate of the vanquished. Alongside the curse tablet, the exhibition features other significant historical and artistic items, including Sennacherib's inscription boasting of Judah's destruction, Isaiah's prophecy of Yahweh Tzva'ot defending Jerusalem, an Assyrian relief of Judean exiles confiscated by the Nazis and returned to Jewish hands, a statue of Ramesses II, and a reconstruction of the Battle of Kadesh. Additional displays include a bent sword, a replica of which was presented by Menachem Begin to Anwar Sadat upon signing the peace treaty with Egypt, a modern work depicting Achilles' shield, and photographs from an artist's pop-up exhibition based on the Lachish reliefs.

The exhibition's title is inspired by the novel "The Good Soldier Švejk" and the phrase "See you after the war." The concluding section presents ancient symbols of peace, such as coins of the peace goddess Pax, a winged staff that signaled negotiations for a ceasefire, and a 3rd-century BCE golden olive wreath associated with the Olympic peace. Dr. Risa Levitt, the museum's CEO and chief curator, stated that ancient wars surprisingly resemble modern conflicts, with their narratives remaining relevant today, encompassing competing narratives, strategic deception, and hope.