The Khirbet Qeiyafa Inscription and 11th-10th Century BCE Israel

The recently discovered Khirbet Qeiyafa inscription has generated a great deal of excitement in the academy and in the popular press. Touted as the earliest Hebrew inscription ever discovered, it is argued by some to be proof for the monarchy, a scribal class, and an educational system in early Israel. This article will give an overview of the site of Khirbet Qeiyafa, summarize several of the studies of the ostracon discovered there, examine the words that have been recognized on the ostracon by consensus, and then consider the possible significance of their appearance on an inscription in this early site.