A remarkable archaeological discovery in Jerusalem’s City of David National Park has shed new light on the ancient Kingdom of Judah and its connections to the wider world.
Archaeologists have unearthed a rare stone seal dating back to the First Temple period, approximately 2,700 years ago. This find offers compelling evidence of Jerusalem’s importance and literacy levels during that era.
The seal, crafted from black stone, is described by excavation directors Dr. Yuval Baruch and Navot Rom as “one of the most beautiful ever discovered in excavations in ancient Jerusalem.” Its exquisite craftsmanship suggests a high level of artistic skill present in the region at that time.
A black stone seal discovered in the City of David Jerusalem. On it ingrave the name Azaryah(u), son of Hoshayah(u) mentioned in Jeremiah 43:2, as a men who opposed Jeremiah's message from God that the survivors of the Babylonian invasion in Jerusalem must't relocate to Egypt🔄 pic.twitter.com/9aJ4qJ8bRp
— Dr. Haim Cohen دكتور Øاييم كوهين (@Haim44) August 29, 2024
What makes this seal particularly intriguing is its depiction of a winged figure in the Neo-Assyrian style. This unique design points to the far-reaching influence of the Assyrian Empire, which had conquered much of the region.
Dr. Baruch explains, “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.”
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The press release stated the “figure 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.”
The release describes the connection between the inscription and the bible: “The name Yehoʼezer is familiar to us from the Bible (Chron. I 12:7) in its abbreviated form – Yoʼezer, one of King David’s fighters,” while also stating that “in the book of Jeremiah (43:2), describing the events of this very period, a person is mentioned with a parallel name, ʼAzariah ben Hoshʼaya. 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.”
An incredible find!
A 2,700 year old stone seal from the time the First Temple was built in Jerusalem.
The ancient Hebrew script on the seal reads, 'LeYeho'ezer ben Hosh'ayahu' which translates to:
'Belonging to Yeho'ezer, son of Hosh'ayahu.'
— Kosher🎗🧡 (@K0sher_C0ckney) August 29, 2024
One of the most significant implications of this discovery relates to literacy levels in ancient Jerusalem. Dr. Baruch challenges common assumptions, stating, “Contrary to what may be commonly thought, it seems that literacy in this period was not the realm only of society’s elite.” This suggests that reading and writing skills may have been more widespread across social classes than previously believed, at least for basic commercial purposes.
The seal’s owner likely held a senior position in the Kingdom of Judah’s administration. Researchers base this conclusion on the seal’s high artistic quality and the presence of a drilled hole, indicating it was worn as an amulet.
Israeli Minister of Heritage Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu emphasized the seal’s importance, calling it a “spectacular and unique find” that “opens another window for us into the days of the Kingdom of Judah.”
He added, “It is impossible not to be moved by such an unmediated and direct encounter with a chapter of our past, a time in which the First Temple stood in all its glory.”
Ze’ev Orenstein, director of International Affairs for the City of David Foundation, placed the discovery in a broader context, telling Fox News Digital, “This singular find joins the list of countless archaeological discoveries in the City of David – the historic site of Biblical Jerusalem – affirming Jerusalem’s Biblical heritage.”
The seal’s significance extends beyond its artistic and historical value. It provides tangible evidence of the cultural exchanges and power dynamics at play in the ancient Near East. The Assyrian influence visible in the seal’s design speaks to the complex relationships between different civilizations in the region.
For those interested in viewing this remarkable artifact, the City of David team plans to display the seal publicly for two days during their annual research conference on September 4th and 5th in Jerusalem.
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As archaeological work continues in Jerusalem and throughout Israel, each new discovery has the potential to reshape our understanding of the ancient world, Jewish history and the bible.