“Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.” (Proverbs 26:2)
A rolled up sheet of lead inscribed in Greek with a curse was recently uncovered in excavations at the City of David, south of the Old City wall in Jerusalem.
The curse is apparently linked to a legal action against the opponent of a woman named Kyrilla.
The curse tablet is thought to be 1,700 years old.
“The tablet was discovered in one of the rooms of an enormous building from the Roman period, which was excavated at the site in recent years,” said excavation directors Dr. Doron Ben-Am and Yana Tchekhanovets.
The building dates to the third century and is believed to have been destroyed by an earthquake that occurred in AD 363. The age of the building was identified by coins found at the site.
A wealth of artifacts has been uncovered from the ruins. Included in the finds were roof tiles with a stamp identifying them with the Roman Tenth Legion that was garrisoned there after the destruction of the Temple in AD 70.
Ancient lead curse tablet. (Photo credit: Clara Amit, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority)
Although curses are taken rather lightly today, the Bible does acknowledge their serious nature.
When Balak, the King of Moab, hired Balaam to curse Israel, God supernaturally intervened to turn his curses into blessings (Deuteronomy 23:5).
When Balak continued to insist that Balaam curse Israel, Balaam told him: “There is no divination against Jacob, no evil omens against Israel.” (Numbers 23:23)
The Bible confirms that those who curse Israel will themselves be cursed, and those who bless her will be blessed (Genesis 12:3).
“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” (Genesis 12:3)
