Rare Ten Commandments Stone Tablet to Be Auctioned in New York

Feature and Cover Rare Ten Commandments Stone Tablet to Be Auctioned in New York

On December 18, 2024, Sotheby’s in New York will showcase a rare piece of human history: a stone tablet inscribed with one of the oldest known versions of the Ten Commandments. This extraordinary artifact, weighing 115 pounds, dates back to the Romano-Byzantine era, between 300 and 800 AD. Its discovery and survival provide a fascinating connection to antiquity, carrying both mystery and immense cultural value.

The tablet was uncovered in 1913 during railroad construction in Israel. For decades, it languished in obscurity, even serving as a paving stone outside a local residence. Its significance remained unnoticed until 1943, when a scholar recognized the ancient paleo-Hebrew script carved into its surface. The inscription identified it as a Samaritan Decalogue, an artifact deeply rooted in Jewish and Christian traditions.

A Unique Interpretation of the Commandments

Unlike the traditional image of Moses descending from Mount Sinai with unblemished stone tablets, this version of the Ten Commandments is distinct. Scholars theorize that the artifact might have originally been displayed at the entrance of a Samaritan synagogue or a private residence. It was likely buried for protection during tumultuous times, possibly during Roman invasions between 400 and 600 AD or during the Crusades in the 11th century.

What makes this tablet particularly fascinating is the divergence in its text from the widely known Ten Commandments in mainstream Judaism and Christianity. One significant omission is the commandment, “You shall not take the Lord’s name in vain.” In its place, the inscription includes a directive to worship at Mount Gerizim, a site of sacred importance to the Samaritan community.

This variation underscores the theological differences between the Samaritans and the broader Israelite tradition. The Samaritans, while sharing ancient ties with the Israelites, developed distinct religious beliefs and practices. The altered commandment reflects the group’s unique cultural identity and provides insight into the religious dynamics of the era.

From Neglect to Historic Treasure

Richard Austin, Sotheby’s global head of books and manuscripts, called the tablet “a remarkable artifact, not only for its historical significance but for the profound connection it offers to the foundational moral code of human civilization.”

Its journey from an unassuming paving stone to a priceless relic is extraordinary. The tablet endured decades of neglect before its true value was recognized. Now, it is poised to command a significant price at auction, illustrating the enduring allure of ancient artifacts.

Sotheby’s pre-auction exhibition, which began on December 5, has attracted international interest. Collectors, historians, and institutions alike are drawn to the tablet’s unique history and cultural importance. While the opening bid has been set at $1 million, experts predict that the final price could exceed $2 million, driven by its rarity and profound historical weight.

As this ancient relic prepares to take center stage, it serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of the past on our understanding of culture, religion, and history. The sale of this artifact not only highlights its monetary value but also its role as a bridge to a distant era, inviting us to reflect on the origins of moral and spiritual traditions.

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