Ancient stone seal unearthed near Temple Mount sheds light on First Temple period!
In an exciting discovery, archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) have uncovered a rare stone seal dating back to the First Temple period. The seal was found during excavations near the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, and its significance is as fascinating as it is ancient.
A Glimpse Into History: The Seal and Its Owner
This stone seal, estimated to be around 2,700 years old, bears the inscription "LeYehoʼezer ben Hoshʼayahu" in paleo-Hebrew script. This translates to "Yehoʼezer, the son of Hoshʼayahu," revealing not just a name but a potential link to a rich historical narrative. The seal likely served as an amulet or a tool for sealing legal documents, a practice common in the ancient world.
Archaeologists believe that Hoshʼayahu, the original owner of the seal, was a high-ranking official in the Kingdom of Judah. After his death, his son Yehoʼezer inherited the seal, adding both of their names to it. This act might have been done to inherit the protective qualities of the amulet, a belief deeply rooted in the traditions of the time.
Photo Credit: Emil Aladjem
The Biblical Connection
The name Yehoʼezer appears in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Chronicles (I Chron. 12:7), where it is mentioned in its abbreviated form, Yoʼezer, as one of King David’s warriors. This connection to a biblical figure adds a layer of historical and religious significance to the discovery, making it a noteworthy find for both archaeologists and scholars of ancient texts.
A Unique Artistic Element: The Winged Figure
What makes this seal even more extraordinary is the carved image of a winged figure on its surface. The figure is depicted wearing a long, striped shirt, striding confidently to the right, with a mane of long curls flowing down its neck. The head of the figure is adorned with what appears to be a hat or possibly a crown, suggesting a being of importance or divinity.
According to Dr. Filip Vukosavović from the Israel Antiquities Authority, this winged figure is a "genie" or protective magical figure, a motif that is extremely rare in Israeli and regional archaeology. Such figures are more commonly found in Neo-Assyrian art from the 9th to the 7th centuries BC, where they were considered protective demons.
Cultural Influences on the Kingdom of Judah
This discovery also hints at the cultural influences on the Kingdom of Judah, which was under the hegemony of the Assyrian Empire during this period. The presence of a winged figure on the seal suggests that Assyrian art and religious beliefs may have permeated the local culture, blending with the traditions of the Kingdom of Judah.
Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu expressed the importance of this find, stating, “The spectacular and unique find discovered in the excavations of the Israel Antiquities Authority and the City of David opens another window for us into the days of the Kingdom of Judah during the First Temple period.”
This rare discovery not only enriches our understanding of the First Temple period but also provides a tangible connection to the people and cultures that once thrived in the ancient city of Jerusalem.