Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, seals were significant symbols of authority, authenticity, and ownership. The concept of sealing is deeply embedded in the cultural and religious practices of the ancient Near East and is frequently mentioned in the Bible. Seals were typically made of stone, metal, or clay and were engraved with distinctive designs or inscriptions. These seals were used to make an impression on clay or wax, thereby securing documents, containers, or other items.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, seals are often associated with authority and authenticity. For instance, in the account of Judah and Tamar, Judah gives Tamar his seal, cord, and staff as a pledge (Genesis 38:18). This act signifies a transfer of authority and personal identification. Seals were also used to secure decrees and official documents, as seen in the book of Esther, where the king's edict is sealed with his ring, making it irrevocable (Esther 8:8). The prophet Jeremiah also references seals in the context of land transactions. In Jeremiah 32:10, he describes the process of sealing a deed as part of a legal transaction: "I signed and sealed the deed, called in witnesses, and weighed out the silver on the scales." New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the concept of sealing takes on a more spiritual dimension. The Apostle Paul frequently uses the metaphor of sealing to describe the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. In Ephesians 1:13-14, Paul writes, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory." Here, sealing signifies the believer's security and assurance of salvation, marking them as belonging to God. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Paul states, "Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come." The seal of the Holy Spirit is a guarantee of the believer's future inheritance and a mark of divine ownership. Symbolism and Eschatology Seals also play a significant role in eschatological imagery, particularly in the book of Revelation. The opening of the seven seals in Revelation 5-8 reveals a series of divine judgments and events leading up to the end times. The sealed scroll, which only the Lamb is worthy to open, represents God's ultimate plan for redemption and judgment. Moreover, Revelation 7:3-4 describes the sealing of the 144,000 servants of God on their foreheads, symbolizing divine protection and ownership during the tribulation period: "Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God." Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient world, seals were not only practical tools but also carried significant cultural and religious connotations. They were often worn as signet rings or pendants, serving as personal identifiers and symbols of status. The use of seals in legal and commercial transactions underscored their importance in maintaining order and trust within society. The biblical use of seals reflects these cultural practices while also imbuing them with theological significance. Seals in the Bible convey themes of authority, authenticity, protection, and divine ownership, illustrating the multifaceted nature of this ancient symbol. ATS Bible Dictionary Sealing SealThe allusions and references to seals and sealing are frequent in the sacred writings. Seals or signets were in use at a very early period, and they were evidently of various kind. Some were used as a substitute for signing one's name, the owner's name or chosen device being stamped by it with suitable ink on the document to be authenticated. Seals to be used for this purpose, with or without the sign manual, appear to have been worn by the parties to whom they respectively belonged. The seal of a private person was usually worn on his finger, or his wrist, or in a bracelet, being small in size, Jeremiah 32:10 Luke 15:22 James 2:2. See RINGS. The seal of a governor was worn by him, or carried about his person in the most secure manner possible. The royal seal was either personal, to the king, or public, to the state; in other words, the seal of the king and the seal of the crown, 2 Samuel 1:10: the first the king retained; the latter he delivered to the proper officer of state. So far modern usages enable us to comprehend clearly the nature of this important instrument. The impress of the royal seal on any document gave it the sanction of government, 1 Kings 21:8; and a temporary transfer of the seal to another hand conveyed a plenary authority for the occasion, Esther 3:10,12 8:2. Instead of the impression of a seal, probably on account of the heat of the climate, Job 38:14. The seal was a token of possession and of careful preservation, De 32:34 Job 9:7 14:17. A portion of clay covering the lock or opening of a door, etc., guarded it from being opened clandestinely, So 4:12 Daniel 6:17 Matthew 27:66. Travellers in the East have met the same custom in modern times. The cord around a book, box, or roll of parchment was often secured with a sea, Isaiah 8:16 Revelation 5:1. The Holy Spirit seals Christians, impressing his image upon them as a token that they are his, Ephesians 1:13,14 4:30. See SO. Greek 4972. sphragizo -- to seal ... 4972 ("to seal") signifies and the full carried by the backing (full authority) of the owner. "Sealing" in the ancient world served as a "legal signature ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4972.htm - 8k Strong's Hebrew 2885. tabbaath -- signet ring, ring, signet... ring. From taba'; properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), ie Signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind -- ring. see HEBREW taba'. 2884, 2885 ... /hebrew/2885.htm - 6k Library The Sealing of the Servants of God. Seal and Earnest The Cardinal Point of the Synchronisms; Or, the Synchronism The Witnessing and Sealing Spirit, Rom. 8 14 16 Eph. 1 13 14 The Witnessing and Sealing Spirit. Rom. 8:14,16; Eph. 1:13,14. Of the Thousand Years in which the Dragon or Satan is bound, with ... On Sacraments in General Christ with Chrism, Lo! Grieving the Holy Spirit After the Scripture. Resources What are the unsearchable riches of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What are tribulation saints? | GotQuestions.org Sealing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sealing of the Holy Spirit is to the Day of Redemption Sealing of the Holy Spirit: Christ Received Sealing of the Holy Spirit: Judgment Suspended Until all Saints Receive Sealing of the Holy Spirit: Saints Receive Sealing of the Holy Spirit: The Wicked do not Receive Sealing of the Holy Spirit: Typified Related Terms |
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