An ancient tablet discovered near the Palestinian city of Nablus may contain the earliest known mention of God’s name in proto-alphabetic Hebrew. Scott Stripling, director of the Archaeological Studies Institute at The Bible Seminary in Katy, Tx, announced the discovery of the lead tablet. He said it could push back the written record of the name “Yahweh” a couple of centuries earlier, to at least 1200 B.C. and perhaps as early as 1400 B.C. The finding may also spur renewed debate on the dating of biblical events, especially those told in the Book of Exodus. A peer-reviewed article is in progress.

The artifact, less than one inch in length and width, is known as a curse tablet, from the Late Bronze Age. The inscription reads: “Cursed, cursed, cursed — cursed by the God YHW. Cursed you will surely die. Cursed by YHW — cursed, curse, cursed.” In making the announcement, Stripling was joined by Museum of the Bible CEO Harry Hargrave, who noted, “This little artifact helps us understand better the history, story, and impact of the Bible — all within one square inch.”