Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, seals were commonly used as a means of security, authentication, and authority. The use of seals is mentioned throughout the Scriptures, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. Seals were typically made from stone, metal, or clay and were engraved with unique designs or inscriptions. These seals were then pressed into soft clay or wax to leave an impression, signifying ownership, authenticity, or protection.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, seals were often used to secure documents and items of importance. For instance, in the book of Jeremiah, the prophet purchases a field and seals the deed as a legal transaction: "I took the deed of purchase—the sealed copy with its terms and conditions, as well as the open copy—and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the presence of my cousin Hanamel and of the witnesses who had signed the deed and of all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard" (Jeremiah 32:11-12). This act of sealing the deed ensured its authenticity and protected it from tampering. Seals also served as a mark of authority and ownership. In the account of Esther, King Ahasuerus gives his signet ring to Haman, granting him authority to issue decrees in the king's name: "Then the king removed his signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews" (Esther 3:10). Later, the king gives his ring to Mordecai, allowing him to write a new decree: "Write in the king’s name whatever pleases you concerning the Jews, and seal it with the king’s signet ring" (Esther 8:8). New Testament Usage In the New Testament, seals continue to symbolize security and authenticity. The most significant use of a seal in the New Testament is the sealing of Jesus' tomb. After Jesus' crucifixion, the chief priests and Pharisees requested that Pilate secure the tomb: "So they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and posting the guard" (Matthew 27:66). This act was intended to prevent any tampering with Jesus' body, underscoring the importance of the seal as a means of protection. The Apostle Paul also uses the concept of sealing to describe the security of believers in Christ. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes, "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 1:13). Here, the seal of the Holy Spirit signifies the believer's secure position in Christ and the guarantee of their inheritance. Symbolic Significance Seals in the Bible often carry a deeper symbolic meaning, representing God's authority, protection, and ownership. In the book of Revelation, seals are used to convey divine judgment and the unfolding of God's plan. The opening of the seven seals by the Lamb signifies the revelation of God's will and the execution of His purposes: "Then I saw the Lamb open one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, 'Come!'" (Revelation 6:1). The use of seals in Scripture underscores the importance of security, authenticity, and authority, both in human affairs and in the divine realm. Through the imagery of seals, the Bible communicates the assurance of God's promises and the certainty of His sovereign will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Songs 4:12A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Timothy 2:19 Revelation 7:2-8 Revelation 20:3 Library Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. The Illusion of the Sealed Letters; Object in Detailing These ... Seal and Earnest Zwingli's Distinctive Doctrines. On the Will, and Command of God the Father and of Christ, by which ... The Last Judgment. By the Rev. John Welch, AD 1570-1622. Matt. xxviii. 11-14. God Willing that all Men Should be Saved. Peace The Peculiar Sleep of the Beloved Resources Does The Harbinger really predict America's future? | GotQuestions.orgWho/what is the Lion of the tribe of Judah? | GotQuestions.org What are the three woes of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Seals: Appropriation of Saints to God by the Spirit Seals: Generally Worn As Rings or Bracelets Seals: Impressions of Attached to all Royal Decrees Seals: Impressions of Attached to Covenants Seals: Impressions of Attached to Lease and Transfers of Property Seals: Impressions of Attached to the Victims Approved for Sacrifice, Alluded To Seals: Impressions of Frequently Taken in Clay Seals: Impressions of Set Upon Treasures Seals: Impressions of Used for Security Seals: Impressions of Were Given by Kings As a Badge of Authority Seals: Inscriptions Upon, Alluded To Seals: Precious Stones Set in Gold Used As Related Terms |
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