Discovery of a Rare Biblical Seal

An intriguing archaeological find has emerged from the debris of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, revealing a rare clay seal impression linked to the House of David. The Temple Mount Sifting Project announced this significant discovery on July 30, highlighting the seal’s inscription, “Yed[a‛]yah (son of) Asayahu.” This project is dedicated to recovering artifacts from soil that was illegally removed during unsupervised construction by the Islamic Waqf in 1999.

Historical Context and Significance

The soil, rich in archaeological treasures, was discarded in the Kidron Valley. Here, archaeologists, volunteers, and tourists sift through the debris to uncover ancient Jewish artifacts. The discovery coincided with the eve of the 17th of Tammuz, a Jewish fast day commemorating the breach of Jerusalem’s walls before the destruction of the First and Second Temples.

Details of the Clay Seal

Archaeologist Mordechai Ehrlich identified the seal as a “rare and exceptionally well-preserved clay sealing,” impressed by a stamp seal inscribed with ancient Hebrew letters. Remarkably, it retains a clear fingerprint, likely left by its ancient owner. The script dates back to the late 7th or early 6th century B.C., during King Josiah’s reign over Judah.

Connection to King Josiah

King Josiah is a pivotal figure in Jewish history, known for his Temple reforms. Among his trusted officials was Asayahu, described as “the king’s servant.” The seal suggests that Asayahu’s son, Yeda‛yah, may have held a high-ranking position as well. Marks on the seal indicate it was used to secure a bag or container, offering insights into ancient administrative practices.

Implications for Biblical History

The Temple Mount Sifting Project considers a connection between the seal and King Josiah highly plausible. Historically, such seals were reserved for high-ranking officials. Similar discoveries have directly linked individuals to biblical-era figures. This finding enhances our understanding of Temple administration and royal household dynamics during that period.