Topical Bible: Seals: Impressions of Frequently Taken in Clay

◄ Seals: Impressions of Frequently Taken in Clay ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient Near East, seals were an essential part of daily life, serving as a means of authentication and authority. These small objects, often made of stone, metal, or bone, were engraved with unique designs or inscriptions and used to make impressions in clay or wax. The impressions served as a signature or mark of ownership, ensuring the authenticity of documents, goods, or property.

Biblical Context and Usage

Seals are mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, highlighting their significance in biblical times. They were used by individuals of authority, such as kings, officials, and merchants, to secure documents and goods. The use of seals is evident in various biblical narratives, reflecting their role in legal and commercial transactions.

One of the earliest references to seals in the Bible is found in the account of Judah and Tamar. In Genesis 38:18, Judah gives Tamar his seal, cord, and staff as a pledge, indicating the importance of the seal as a personal identifier: "He asked, 'What pledge should I give you?' She answered, 'Your seal and its cord, and the staff in your hand.' So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she conceived by him."

Seals also appear in the context of royal authority. In the book of Esther, King Ahasuerus uses his signet ring to seal decrees, demonstrating the power and finality of a sealed document. Esther 8:8 states, "Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for a decree written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s signet ring cannot be revoked."

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Beyond their practical use, seals carry rich symbolic meaning in the Bible. They often represent ownership, protection, and authenticity. In the Song of Solomon, the seal is a metaphor for love and commitment: "Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave" (Song of Solomon 8:6).

In the New Testament, the concept of sealing takes on a spiritual dimension. Believers are described as being sealed with the Holy Spirit, signifying God's ownership and the guarantee of salvation. Ephesians 1:13-14 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, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory."

Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological discoveries have provided insight into the use of seals in biblical times. Numerous seals and seal impressions, known as bullae, have been unearthed in the ancient Near East, including Israel. These artifacts often bear the names of biblical figures, confirming the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative.

One notable discovery is the seal impression of Baruch, the scribe of the prophet Jeremiah. This bulla, inscribed with the name "Baruch son of Neriah," was found in Jerusalem and dates to the time of the Babylonian conquest, aligning with the biblical account in Jeremiah 36:4: "So Jeremiah called Baruch son of Neriah, and while Jeremiah dictated all the words the LORD had spoken to him, Baruch wrote them on a scroll."

Conclusion

Seals in the Bible serve as a testament to the historical and cultural practices of the ancient world. They symbolize authority, authenticity, and divine assurance, reflecting both the temporal and spiritual dimensions of life in biblical times. Through the lens of archaeology and scripture, seals offer a glimpse into the lives and faith of those who lived in the biblical era.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 38:14
It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Approbation of Goodness is not the Love of It.
... a most refined earthliness, will frequently find the ... When the Christian martyr seals
his devotion to ... unaffected; if the influences and impressions were limited ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the approbation of goodness is.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... of the United States have you frequently traveled through ... kept any account of the
seals to your ... solemn circumstances, produced very serious impressions on all ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... or in the Semitic tongue has frequently been discussed ... carefully reconsider all that
has been taken as proved ... soil consists of rich, stiff, heavy clay, split up ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... Ishtar the queen of love;* but we are frequently in ignorance ... of a round form, with
a segment taken out on ... both, at the outset, flint and bone, clay, baked and ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... found favour with his predecessors, and they had so frequently resided there ... It
comprised three colonnades, which, taken together, formed a rectangle measuring ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm