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    • Israel announces: 2,700-year-old Jewish seal found in Jerusalem
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    Israel announces: 2,700-year-old Jewish seal found in Jerusalem

    Madoc Meredith Posted on

    A stone seal dating to the Jewish First Temple period about 2,700 years ago was discovered near the southern wall of the Temple Mount, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) reported in a press release on Thursday morning.

    The “extremely rare and unusual stone seal … with a name engraved in Paleo-Hebrew script and a winged figure” is made of black stone and is considered “one of the most beautiful ever discovered in excavations in ancient Jerusalem,” said excavation leaders Dr. Yuval Baruch and Navot Rom.

    The seal was used as an amulet as well as a tool for signing documents and certificates. The figure in the center is shown in profile and has wings. The figure wears a striped shirt and a hat or crown. The Paleo-Hebrew script on the seal reads “LeYeho’ezer ben Hosh’ayahu,” which translates to “For Yeho’ezer, son of Hosh’ayahu.”

    “This is an extremely rare and unusual discovery. This is the first time that a winged ‘jinn’ – a magical protective figure – has been found in Israeli and regional archaeology. Figures of winged demons are known in Neo-Assyrian art of the 9th to 7th centuries BC and were considered a type of protective demon,” said IAA archaeologist and Assyriologist Dr. Filip Vukosavovic.

    The researchers believe that the seal, which was used as an amulet, was first worn by the latter of the two, who “held a high position in the administration of the Kingdom of Judah.” The amulet, which embodies a symbol of authority, was made by a Judaite “at a very high artistic level,” explained Dr. Vukosavovic.

    The ancient seal. (Source: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority)

    The name “Yeho’ezer” appears in the Bible in its abbreviated form as “Yo’ezer,” who was one of King David’s warriors. In addition, a similar name, “Azariah ben Hosh’aya,” is mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah and describes events from the First Temple period about 2,700 years ago.

    Assyrian influence during the First Temple era

    The seal name is constructed in such a way that the two parts of the first name are in reverse order compared to the biblical text, while the second name appears in its short form typical for the time.

    Prof. Ronny Reich of the University of Haifa, a research partner in the study, notes: “A comparison of the shape of the letters and the script with those of other Hebrew seals and bullae (clay seal impressions) from Jerusalem shows that the names on the seal were sloppily engraved, in contrast to the careful engraving of the demon. It is not impossible that Yeho’ezer himself engraved the names on the object,” which could indicate a personal connection between the owner of the seal and its production.

    “This is further evidence of the literacy skills that existed during this period,” added Dr. Baruch, contradicting the notion that literacy was limited to the elite of society.

    Dr. Baruch suggested that 2,700 years ago, people had at least basic levels of literacy skills required for commercial activities. Dr. Baruch also emphasized the seal’s unique design, noting, “The figure of a winged man in a distinct Neo-Assyrian style is unique and very rare in the glyph styles of the late First Temple period. The influence of the Assyrian Empire, which had conquered the entire region, is clearly evident here.”

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    The discovery of the ancient seal provides new insight into the influence of the Assyrian Empire on Judah, particularly in Jerusalem, during the First Temple period. The seal, whose insignia is a demon, reflects this influence, while the Hebrew script for the owner’s name, Yeho’ezer, highlights its connection to local Judean culture. Archaeological finds, particularly from the City of David and the Temple Mount, demonstrate the extent of Assyrian cultural influence in the region.

    Culture Minister Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu welcomed the discovery and stressed that it shows the importance and central position of Jerusalem 2,700 years ago.

    The rare seal will be presented to the public on Wednesday, September 4, at the 25th annual City of David Research Conference in Jerusalem and offers further insight into the history of Judah during the First Temple period.



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    Madoc Meredith
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