HKB
King my Lord, from those who do injury. And now behold a battle of chiefs in (or from) the land (below Mizpah?).(307) The King is my Lord for his land.”
114 B.—“To the King my Lord and my Sun by letter thus (says) Biridia, Chief of the city Makidda, a faithful servant of the King. At the feet of the King my Lord and my Sun seven times and seven times prostrated. I have been obedient then, zealous for the King ... thirty oxen ... they have gathered, and I (too) to fight.”
115 B.—Biridia sends the usual salutation without mentioning his city. The text is rather worn and broken, but may be read as follows: “Let the King my Lord know this. Lo! since the Egyptian soldiers (bitati) have gone down (or away) Labaya makes war against me and (without cause?) coming angrily and (without cause?). Thereupon the entrance (of gate) has been closed through the appearance of Labaya. Behold learn this, and there are no men of the Egyptian soldiers with us. So now it is desired to see them sent into the city of Magiid(da) and let the King see accordingly whether (it is to be) done. Let not Labaya seize the city. If there is no word the city will open its gates. (For two years?) he rebels; and will not the King grant this also—chiefs of his guard as defenders of his chief city. Let not Labaya take her, though those who have fled from Labaya have failed in this. Moreover those who disgraced the city Ma ... are slain.”
112 B.—“To the King my Lord and my Sun thus Labaya thy servant, and the dust of thy feet. At the feet of the King my Lord and my Sun seven times seven times I bow. I have heard the message which the King sent to me; and who am I? and the King will afflict his country before me. (I swear?) I am myself a faithful servant, and I have not sinned, and I have not murmured at my tribute, and I have not murmured at the wishes of my friends (or subjects). Lo! this province my destroyers eat up, and I have had no food. The King my Lord (says) it is my fault. Once more he makes it my fault. Lo! I strive with the city Gezer (Gazri)(308) and I complain of the young men. The King one hears will march. I restrained the band of Milcilu and my band desirous to fight. The quarrel of Milcilu against me is relinquished; as to Ben Zachariah the King has sent not to attack. Lo! Ben Zachariah with men of blood was known to us to march, and I marched, and we are conquering him. He gives up Abukasu. Once more he has made peace. The King has sent to my band (saying) ‘I order peace.’ I am desirous of peace, since the King has sent to me. Stay thy sword, ponder in thy heart, and is the peace hollow. Nay, the King’s messages have been done.”
59 B. M.—“To the King my Lord and my Sun and my God thus Yasdata a faithful servant to the King, and (he is) dust of the King’s feet. At the feet of the King my Lord and Sun and my God seven times and seven times I bow. Let the King my Lord know this. Lo! all whatsoever things the King my Lord judges for his servant ... him ... the chiefs of the city of Tabu(309) have slain a hundred of my oxen, and they have wasted me. And with Biridia I have caused (men) to go forth. Let the King my Lord know this as to his servant.”
This letter shows that the writer lived near Biridia, who was attacked by Labaya, and that the Hebron hills were inhabited by marauders.