Kuntillet Ajrud Inscriptions

The Kuntillet Ajrud inscriptions, discovered in 1975–1976 in the northeastern Sinai Peninsula, date to the 8th century before the common count. Written in ancient Hebrew script, they contain blessings invoking "YHWH of Samaria" and "YHWH of Teman," alongside the phrase "his Asherah."

Asherah was a Canaanite goddess associated with fertility and motherhood, although the inscription may refer to a sacred cultic object rather than the goddess herself. The Tanakh repeatedly condemns Asherah worship and its associated cultic symbols (Deuteronomy 16:21; 1 Kings 18:19; 2 Kings 23:4–7).

The discovery provides archaeological evidence of religious practices condemned by biblical prophets and reformers, revealing the diversity of Israelite worship before the Babylonian exile.