The term "sealest" is an archaic form of the verb "seal," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. In biblical times, sealing was a significant act that symbolized authority, authenticity, ownership, and protection. The concept of sealing is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of the ancient Near East and carries profound theological implications in Scripture.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Authority and Ownership: In the ancient world, a seal was often used to denote ownership or authority. A king or a person of high status would use a seal to mark documents, decrees, or possessions, signifying that they were under his authority. This is reflected in the Bible, where sealing is associated with divine authority and ownership. For example, in the Book of Esther, King Ahasuerus gives his signet ring to Haman, allowing him to seal decrees in the king's name (Esther 3:10-12).

2. Authenticity and Approval: Sealing also served as a mark of authenticity and approval. In the New Testament, the concept of sealing is used metaphorically to describe the believer's relationship with God. The Holy Spirit is described as a seal upon believers, signifying God's approval and the authenticity of their faith. Ephesians 1:13 states, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit."

3. Protection and Security: Seals were used to protect and secure items, ensuring that they were not tampered with. This idea is present in the biblical narrative of Daniel, where a stone is placed over the mouth of the lions' den and sealed with the king's signet ring to prevent interference (Daniel 6:17). Similarly, the tomb of Jesus was sealed by the Roman authorities to prevent His disciples from claiming He had risen (Matthew 27:66).

4. Spiritual Significance: The act of sealing carries a deep spiritual significance in the Bible. It represents God's covenant with His people and His promise of salvation. In Revelation, the sealing of the 144,000 serves as a divine mark of protection and belonging for those who are faithful to God during the end times (Revelation 7:3-4).

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of sealing underscores the security and assurance of the believer's salvation. The Holy Spirit as a seal is a guarantee of the believer's inheritance in Christ, as stated in Ephesians 4:30: "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." This sealing is a testament to God's unchanging promise and the eternal security of those who are in Christ.

Cultural and Historical Background

In the ancient Near East, seals were typically made of stone, metal, or clay and were engraved with unique designs or inscriptions. They were used to imprint a mark on clay tablets, scrolls, or other items, serving as a signature or a mark of authenticity. The use of seals was widespread in legal, commercial, and personal transactions, reflecting the importance of sealing in maintaining order and trust in society.

Conclusion

The concept of sealing in the Bible is rich with meaning, encompassing themes of authority, authenticity, protection, and divine promise. It serves as a powerful metaphor for God's relationship with His people, highlighting the assurance and security found in His covenant and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Origin of Evil
... cherubs, holy and undefiled. "Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the
sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 29 the origin of.htm

The Origin of Evil.
... cherubs, holy and undefiled. "Thus saith the Lord God: Thou sealest up the
sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /29 the origin of evil.htm

The Carnal Mind Enmity against God
... creature. "How art thou fallen from heaven, thou son of the morning!" "Thou
sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the carnal mind enmity against.htm

Antichrist in Ezekiel
... they can hide from thee" (v.3), which intimates he will be endowed with superhuman
wisdom by that one of whom this same chapter declares, "Thou sealest up the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/3 antichrist in ezekiel.htm

"It is Finished"
... Of Lucifer the Lord says, "Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect
in beauty." Ezek.28:12. Lucifer had been the covering cherub. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 79 it is finished.htm

Philippians iii. 18-21
... which cannot be beaten down, a weapon to oppose the devil; thou bearest the Cross
when thou art at enmity with him, not simply when thou sealest thyself by it ...
/.../homily xiii philippians iii 18-21.htm

Another Cavil Met, IE , the Devil who Instigated Man to Sin ...
... word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the
king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God: Thou sealest up the ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter x another cavil met i e.htm

Wisely, O Jesu, Didst Thou Tell Thy Disciples
... me to turn afflictions into pleasures, and to enjoy mine enemies: Thou enablest
me to love as I am beloved, and to be blessed in God: Thou sealest me up unto ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/98 wisely o jesu didst.htm

C??sarius of Arles.
... precious thing. For what avails it if thou sealest with a golden ring, and
under that seal preservest nothing but foul straw? What ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/neander/light in the dark places/caesarius of arles.htm

Sealest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sealest (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 28:12 Son of
man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say ...
/s/sealest.htm - 6k

Sealed (31 Occurrences)

/s/sealed.htm - 16k

Tyrus (18 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 28:12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say
unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and ...
/t/tyrus.htm - 12k

Accurate (7 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 28:12 Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say unto
him, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom ...
/a/accurate.htm - 8k

Sealeth (5 Occurrences)

/s/sealeth.htm - 7k

Perfection (30 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 28:12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyre, and say unto
him, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Thou, who sealest up the measure of ...
/p/perfection.htm - 25k

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