Nathan-melech

Nathan-melech is described as one of Josiah's officials in 2 Kings 23:11 of the Hebrew Bible. He lived near the entrance to the temple, close to the courtyard where King Solomon had kept chariot-horses used to worship the Moabite sun-god Chemosh. Josiah eventually disposed of the horses and chariots.

Name

Nathan-melech means King's gift. Some authorities have regarded the name as a variant of Nathan but this is no more valid sociolinguistically than regarding Nathanael as a variant of Nathan, or Rosemary as a variant of Mary. They are distinct names.

Archeology

In March 2019, a clay bulla dated to the middle of the seventh or beginning of the sixth century B.C was found in the Givati Parking Lot dig excavation in the City of the David area of Jerusalem bearing the inscription, "(belonging) to Nathan-melech, servant of the king." [1] The wording on the seal was deciphered by Dr. Anat Mendel-Geberovich of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Center for the Study of Ancient Jerusalem. [2]

References
  1. Weiss, Bari.The Story Behind a 2,600-Year-Old Seal Who was Natan-Melech, the king’s servant?. New York Times. March 30, 2019
  2. 2,600-year old seal discovered in City of David. Jerusalem Post. April 1, 2019
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