Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have discovered a stone seal from the First Temple period near the southern wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Israel. The ancient seal bears a name inscribed in ancient Hebrew script and a winged figure.
A 2,700-year-old stone seal discovered in Jerusalem, Israel. Image courtesy of Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority.
“The seal, made of black stone, is one of the most beautiful seals ever found in excavations in ancient Jerusalem and is executed at the highest artistic level,” said Dr. Yuval Baruch and Dr. Navot Rom, directors of the excavation at the Israel Antiquities Authority.
“These objects, inscribed with mirror writing, served as talismans for their owners and as a means of legally signing documents and certificates.”
“It has convex notches on both sides and holes along its length so it can be put on a chain and worn around your neck.”
“In the centre is a profile of what is probably a king, winged and wearing a long striped shirt, striding to the right.”
“The figure has a long, curly mane that covers his neck and wears a hat or crown on his head.”
“The figure has one arm raised in front of him with the palm open, possibly suggesting that he is holding something.”
On either side of the statue are ancient Hebrew inscriptions. Rehoezer ben Hoshayahu.
“We believe this seal was worn around the neck as a talisman by a man named Hoshayahu, who was a high-ranking official in the administration of the kingdom of Judah,” said Dr Philip Vukosavovich, an archaeologist at the Israel Antiquities Authority.
“Hoshayahu, by virtue of his authority and position, allowed himself to be ennobled and to sport a seal bearing an awe-inspiring figure that embodied the symbols of his authority.”
“The amulet was likely made by a local craftsman, a Jew, at the request of the owner. It was made at a very high artistic level.”
“The hypothesis is that after Hoshaiah died, his son Jehoezer inherited the seal and added his own name and his father's name on either side of the demon.”
“Perhaps he did so in order to directly adopt for himself the beneficial properties that he believed the talisman embodied as a magical item.”
The name Jehoezer is better known in the Bible (1 Chronicles 12:7) as its abbreviated form, Yoezer. King David's Warriors.
“And in the Book of Jeremiah (43:2), which records the events of these times, a man with a similar name, Azariah ben Hoshaiah, is mentioned.”
“The two parts of his first name are written in reverse order to the seal bearer's name, and his surname is the same, but in an abbreviated form.”
“The text matches the name on the newly discovered seal and is appropriate for the period.”
“When we compare the shape and writing of the letters with other Hebrew seals and stamps from Jerusalem, we see that the names on the seals were carelessly engraved, in contrast to the carefully carved sculptures of demons,” said Professor Ronny Reich of the University of Haifa.
“It is possible that it was Jehoezeru himself who inscribed his name on the object.”
“This is further evidence of the literacy that existed during this time,” Dr Baruch said.
“Contrary to popular belief, literacy during this period does not appear to have been the sole domain of the elite of society.”
“People were able to read and write at least at a basic level because of commercial necessity.”
“Numerous traces of seals written in ancient Hebrew characters have been found in the City of David and in the surrounding areas of the Kingdom of Judah.”
“The distinctive Neo-Assyrian image of the winged man is unique and highly unusual for a hieroglyphic style from the Late First Temple period.”
“The influence of the Assyrian Empire, which conquered the entire region, is clearly visible here.”
“Judah in general, and Jerusalem in particular, was under the hegemony and influence of the Assyrian Empire at that time, a reality that is reflected in its culture and art.”
“That the seal's owner chose the devil as the symbol of his seal may prove that he felt he belonged to a broader cultural context, much like the people of Israel today who consider themselves part of Western culture.”
“But even in his emotions, this Jehoezer held firmly to his local identity, so his name is written in Hebrew letters and his name is a Hebrew name that belongs to the Judah culture.”
