Place of Trumpeting Inscription

Description

2020 Color photo of the “Place of Trumpeting” stone inscription from the time of Jesus, written in Hebrew and located at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. It was excavated by the Israel Exploration Society and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

The full text reads, “to the place of trumpeting to de[clare]” (the Sabbath, etc.) or possibly, “to dis[tinguish]” (between the holy and the common).

This large Hebrew inscription was inscribed on a huge block of stone that formed part of a parapet standing area at the south east corner of the Temple. When the Temple was destroyed by the Romans it fell into the rubble below. Both the Upper City and Lower City could see the trumpeter.

This stone inscription is one of the few remains of the Temple at Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It shows the connection with the priests in the Temple and the people in the poor and wealthy parts of the city.

Josephus said that a priest stood on the roof of the priests’ chamber to proclaim by trumpet blasts the approach of the Sabbath, and the close of the Sabbath on the next day. (Flavius Josephus, Jewish War, IV.9.12)

Likewise the Mishnah mentions 3 trumpet blasts proclaimed the separation of the holy Sabbath from the common day. (Succoth 5.5)

“in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” – 1 Corinthians 15:52

This photo can be used for projection, lamination or color print from postcard to poster size. [One Year License]

This photo is available as a high resolution digital download with detailed instructions. You must bring the file to an Office Depot or similar store for easy color print and lamination. For personal, church or classroom use only.