Wadi Murabba’at Bar Kokhba Letters

The collection of Wadi Murabba’at Bar Kokhba letters includes:

• Mur 42—A Hebrew letter from Yeshua and Eleazar, the administrators of Beit Mashikho, addressed to Yeshua son of Galgula, the commander of the camp (line 2). This letter discusses the ownership of a cow by Jacob son of Judah at Beit Mashikho. In addition to the names of the two addressors and the seller, the letter also lists the names of two or three witnesses, each written in a different hand.

• Mur 43—A Hebrew letter from Simon son of Kosibah addressed to Yeshua son of Galgula, together with “the men of the fortress’ (line 2). Bar Kokhba discusses the proper treatment of “Galileans” staying with Yeshua; he threatens to put fetters on Yeshua’s feet if he does not obey (lines 5–6).

• Mur 44—A Hebrew letter from Simon addressed to Yeshua son of Galgula. Bar Kokhba advises Yeshua to “strengthen the place” (line 7) and discusses the delivery of wheat after the Sabbath.

• Mur 45—A Hebrew letter whose sender and addressee are uncertain. The letter points to the shortage of food supplies (line 2). It also refers to the mesad hasidim (line 6) and to “those who perished by the sword” (line 7).

• Mur 46—A Hebrew letter from Jonathan (son of ?) addressed to Yoseh, discussing the fair treatment of Euphronius son of Eleazar.

• Mur 47—A very fragmentary Hebrew letter. The only notable word is “Tekoa.”

• Mur 48—A fragmentary Hebrew letter from the son of Yohani, possibly addressed to Simon (Bar Kokhba?). The contents of the letter are unclear.

• Mur 49–52—Several very fragmentary Hebrew letters.