Archaeologists recently discovered a stone seal dating back to the first temple period in Jerusalem, affirming the biblical account of Jerusalem from 2,700 years ago.
Fox News reported that the discovery was made recently by archaeologists in the City of David National Park and is one of the oldest artifacts to be discovered in the country’s excavations.
In a press release by Israel Antiquities Authority, excavation directors, Dr. Yuval Baruch and Navot Rom, said, “The seal, made of black stone, is one of the most beautiful ever discovered in excavations in ancient Jerusalem, and is executed at the highest artistic level.”
Baruch added, “The figure of a winged man in a distinct Neo-Assyrian style is unique and very rare in the glyphic styles of the late First Temple period. The influence of the Assyrian Empire, which had conquered the entire region, is clearly evident here.”
According to the press release, the seal features a winged genie designed in the style of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. The excavation team indicated that the discovery shows the Neo-Assyrian Empire’s influence over the region during the 7th and 8th centuries. The press release states that the figure portrayed on the seal “raises one arm forward, with an open palm; perhaps to suggest some object it is holding. On both sides of the figure an inscription is engraved in paleo-Hebrew script – “LeYehoʼezer ben Hoshʼayahu.”
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The press release noted that the name “Yehoʼezer” is the name of one of King David’s famous fighting men in the Bible. The name appears in 1 Chronicles 12:7 in its abbreviated form, “Yoʼezer.” The press release also said that a “parrallel name, ‘Azariah ben Hoshʼaya’” is mentioned in Jeremiah 43:2 and describes “the events of this very period.”
The press release added, “The two parts of his first name are written in reverse order to the seal owner’s name, and his second name is the same, appearing in its abbreviated form. This writing form in the text fits the name on the newly discovered seal and it is thus appropriate for this time period.”
According to the press release, researchers believe the seal was worn as an amulet that would have been worn by a man in a prominent position in the Kingdom of Judah and would also have been used to legally sign documents.
Pictures of the 2,700-year-old stone seal have been shared on X, formerly Twitter.
City of David Foundation International Affairs Director Ze’ev Orenstein told Fox News that the recent discovery “joins the list of countless archeological discoveries in the City of David – the historic site of Biblical Jerusalem – affirming Jerusalem’s Biblical heritage.”
