"LAMELECH" JAR HANDLE OF KING HEZEKIAH, CIRCA. 700 B.C.E.
Zyf Handle, type Z4CI, for more research about this type and Lamelech handles in general, see www.lmlk.com
Measures 79mm x 67mm, depth 50mm, LMLK ZYF (spelling Lamelech Zyf). The top word LMLK is present but muddled on this impression. The city name below not present.
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Although the name ZYF was not struck on the handle (due to angle of strike or wore off), the orientation of the letters LMLK appears to match type Z4CI. A nice sized handle and affordable example of an important Biblical artifact!
These are handles are from jugs or pithos that held grains, wine or oil in the storehouses of King Hezekia. There is an account of the king setting up these storehouses, in the Bible, Chronicles II, Chapter 11. The city of Zyf is also mentioned there explicitly. The seals were struck on the clay before it hardened and are usually partial, sometimes presenting only outlines. (Full impressions are exceedingly expensive) See the above web address for more information about these handles in general. A very interesting Biblical Artifact!
The city of Zyf was an important Biblical city mentioned many times in the Bible. King David mentioned the city in Psalms, Chapter 54.
