“Treasures in Hell?” Exploring the Valley of Hinnom in the Biblical Concept of Gehenna and in the Scrolls of Ketef Hinnom

Abstract

The title of this paper is intended to capture the two main topics discussed in this exposition with special reference to the Valley of Hinnom in its biblical allusion and as an archeological site. The first presentation is focused on the understanding linked with the place of the Valley of Hinnom especially in the mentions of the place in a number of Biblical occurrences where this valley is being referenced to with allusions to the concept and image of eternal damnation, as a destination for the wicked also known as hell both in the Old and the New Testament and most especially in Jesus’ various usage of the term “Gehenna” in his preaching and ministry. The second part of this exposition is the presentation that explores later archeological discovery from the excavations in the Valley of Hinnom known as the silver scrolls of Ketef Hinnom claimed to be one of the most important Biblical discoveries of antiquity, thus treasures.