Private Stamp Impressions from Ramat Raḥel.

The writer reports on some findings pertaining to “private” stamp impressions that were found in archaeological excavations conducted at Ramat Rạhel. He explains that no private stamp impressions on jar handles were found in clear seventh-century B.C.E. archaeological contexts. He notes that distribution of the private stamp impressions is very limited, compared to that of the lmlk stamp impressions. Considering the distinctive nature of the private impressions stamped on the royal Judahite jars, their limited duration prior to Sennacherib's campaign, their distribution predominantly in the Judahite Shephelah, and their relative scarcity, the writer suggests that the private stamp impression system was employed by the kingdom of Judah as part of its preparations for the Assyrian attack.