In Israel, archaeologists find a seal from the First Temple period

Israeli archaeologists have discovered a unique ancient seal. Photo: gnc.news

Israeli archaeologists have uncovered a unique artifact – a stone seal from the First Temple period, reports gnc.news.

According to archaeologists, this is one of the oldest finds since the beginning of excavations in Israel, confirming the biblical narrative of Jerusalem from 2,700 years ago.

The artifact was discovered in the City of David National Park, in collaboration with the Israel Antiquities Authority and the City of David Foundation.

Dr. Yuval Baruch believes that this finding demonstrates broader literacy skills than previously thought for that period.

“Contrary to common belief, it seems that literacy in this period was not solely the domain of the elite,” asserts Baruch.

He stated, “People were able to read and write – at least at a basic level, for trade needs.”

The seal depicts a winged figure in the style of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which, according to the archaeological group, indicates the empire's influence in the region during the 7th and 8th centuries.

The press release notes that “the figure raises one hand forward with an open palm; possibly to point to some object it is holding. On both sides of the figure, there is an inscription in Paleo-Hebrew script reading ‘LeYehoʼezer ben Hoshʼayahu.’”

Researchers emphasize that “the name Yehoazer is known to us from the Bible (1 Chronicles 12:7) in its shortened form – Yoazer, one of King David's warriors.” It is also claimed that “in the book of Jeremiah (43:2), which describes events from this very period, a man with a similar name, Azariah ben Hoshiah, is mentioned.”

Zeev Orenstein, Director of International Relations for the City of David Foundation, stated that “this unique finding adds to the countless archaeological discoveries in the City of David – historical site of biblical Jerusalem – confirming the biblical heritage of Jerusalem.”

“This also serves as a further confirmation of the millennia-long bond between the Jewish people and Jerusalem – not just as a matter of faith, but as a fact,” he said.

As reported, archaeologists have also unearthed a staircase in Jerusalem where Christ healed a blind man.

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