YBC 08925

Letter of Bēl-ušallim to Ninurta-šarru-uṣur (Royal Resident, qīpu), “his father”, informing him that he knows that Nabû-zēru-iddin, the Chief Baker (rab nuḫatimmi), is coming and asking him emphatically for a fattened sheep from the fattening shed to be delivered via Nabû-nāṣir as well as for sinews and tendons, promising to give the recipient whatever he needs in return for the sheep. In closing, he asks for the recipient’s decision.

Letter about the preparations for a visit by the chief-baker.

A writes to B (known royal resident, qīpu, of Eanna), asking for a fattened sheep (immeru šūkulu) to be sent (šapāru, Prec.) from the fattening stable (ša urû) via (ina qātē) C, as well as sinews (gīdu) and tendons (šašallu), if they are available (kī bašû). The reason for A’s request is that he heard of the upcoming visit of D, the chief-baker (rab nuhatimmu).

A addresses B as his father (as he of lower status). The invoking of the gods Ea and Damkina in the introduction suggests that the letter was sent from Eridu.

Additional keywords: to need (hašāhu), need (ḫišihtu), good quality sheep (immeru babbanû).

A= Bēl-ušallim; B= Ninurta-šarru-uṣur (known royal resident, qīpu, of Eanna, 15 Npl–26 Nbk); C= Nabû-nāṣir; D= Nabû-zēru-iddin, chief-baker (rab nuhatimmu)