A Letter from Abdu-Heba

EA 287

To the king, my Lord, thus speaks Abdu-Heba, [ your ] servant. [ I have prostrated myself] seven times seven times at the feet of my Lord, the king

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The city of [... ] I have entered. May [ the king ] know that all the countries are at peace, (but) there is war against me. Thus, then, takes the king care of his country. See, the country of Gazru[1], the country of Ashqaluna[2], and the city of L[a-ki-s]i[3], have given them food, oil and all that is necessary. May the king take care of the troops of archers. May he send troops of archers against the people who commit evil deeds against the king, my Lord.

If this year there are troops of archers, there will be countries and governors for the king, my Lord; if there are no troops of archers, there will be no countries nor governors for the king. See, the country of U-ru-sa-lim[4], has not been given to me by my father nor by my mother; the strong arm of the king has given it to me. See, this is the work of Milkili[5] and the deed of the sons of Labayu[6], who have given the country to the has-pi-ri[7]. See, oh king, my Lord, the right (is) with me...

[1] Gezer
[2] Askalon
[3] Lakhish
[4] Jerusalem
[5] Ruler of Gezer
[6] Ruler of Shechem
[7] Hapiru

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