BREAKING: Digs Unearth Inscription with Name of Familiar Biblical Prophet!

Jerubbaal, also known as Gideon, played an important role in the Book of Judges!

By Nosson Shulman: Licensed Tour Guide of VIP Israel Tours & Authentic Virtual Tours (click here to check out his free trailer videos)

Even in a country such as Israel, where archeologically significant finds are common, ancient inscriptions from the time of the biblical Judges are exceedingly rare. Recent excavations however, at Khirbet Ar-Ra’i (an ancient site in the Judean lowlands) have unearthed a clearly legible name. While that alone is truly momentous, the fact that the name belongs to an important Biblical hero (and prophet) is making international headlines!

The name on the jar is “Jerubbaal”, another name for the Biblical judge Gideon (it was common for ancient Israelites to have more than one name) who led the Israelites for 40 years and gave them quiet from their enemies (see Judges 7:1 and 8:28).  Gideon’s reign was one of the most fascinating in Israeli history!   Prior to his epic rise to rulership, the Jewish people were oppressed for 7 years by the Midianites and Amalekites, who severely impoverished them.  The people cried out to G-d for salvation, who responded by sending an angel to Gideon, requesting that he take charge and lead his people. Gideon was surprised that he was chosen because although he was a physically strong and pious person, he was an unknown personality, and the youngest child from the poorest family of his Tribe of Menasseh (see Judges 6: 15).  When Gideon asked for a sign, G-d told him to offer a sacrifice on an altar, which was then consumed by a fire from heaven.  This indicated that he was indeed chosen for the job!

At first, Gideon gathered 22,000 fighters but G-d said that this was too many troops, and he should send some home. Why would G-d tell Gideon to trim his forces, when intuitively the opposite should have happened? Because G-d wanted His people not to rely on their own strength but to rely on Him alone. When only 10,000 troops remained, G-d once again told him that was too much. G-d then asked Gideon to bring his troops to the Ein-Harod spring to drink, where he would conduct a water test. Whomever bent down on his knees to drink would be sent home (according to Jewish sources this was because those who kneeled did so because they were accustomed to bowing down to idols. Since this victory was going to be gained miraculously, a high level of spirituality was required). After the test only 300 remained, and they defeated the combined, massive force of Midianites and Amalekites, thus bringing 40 years of quiet to the Jewish people.

The biggest question facing archeologists is whether “Jerubbaal” in the inscription is indeed that of Gideon.  Obviously, no one can say with absolute certainty, but archeologists seem convinced that it is a very distinct possibility.  Except for in the Bible, “Jerubbaal” has never been found anywhere until this discovery, suggesting that it was an uncommon name.  It is also dated from around the time of Judges when Gideon led Israel.

Archeologists say that even if this name is not directly referring to the famous prophet, it may still be connected with him indirectly. It was (and is) common practice for observant Jews to name their children after Torah leaders like Gideon. This jar may have belonged to “Jerubbaal”, a man named after the Biblical warrior. Either way, archeologists are considering this inscription to be a once in a lifetime find!

Nosson Shulman is a journalist and Licensed Tour Guide in Israel specializing in Biblical tours. To allow tourists to experience Israel during the Corona era, he created the new hit Israel tour video series which brings Israel to the home of viewers by simulating actual tours. To check out his free sneak preview tour videos, click here. To view sample tour itineraries or to inquire about private tour opportunities with a personalized itinerary on your next trip to Israel, click here.