A seal-ring in biblical times was a significant item, often serving as a symbol of authority, identity, and authenticity. It was typically a ring with an engraved seal, used to make an impression in clay or wax, thereby validating documents or decrees. The use of seal-rings is mentioned several times throughout the Bible, highlighting their importance in ancient Near Eastern culture.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, seal-rings are often associated with positions of power and trust. One of the earliest mentions is found in the account of Judah and Tamar. Judah, unaware that he was dealing with his daughter-in-law Tamar, gave her his seal, cord, and staff as a pledge (Genesis 38:18). This incident underscores the personal and legal significance of the seal-ring, as it was a means of identification and a symbol of one's word.

Another notable reference is in the account of Joseph. Pharaoh, recognizing Joseph's wisdom and the Spirit of God in him, elevated Joseph to a position of high authority in Egypt. As a sign of this authority, Pharaoh took off his signet ring and placed it on Joseph's hand (Genesis 41:42). This act signified Joseph's empowerment to act on behalf of Pharaoh, underscoring the seal-ring's role as a symbol of delegated power.

In the book of Esther, King Ahasuerus used his signet ring to seal decrees. After Haman's plot against the Jews was exposed, the king gave his ring to Mordecai, allowing him to write decrees in the king's name and seal them with the king's ring (Esther 8:8). This transfer of the ring signified the transfer of authority and the irrevocable nature of the decrees once sealed.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention seal-rings, the concept of sealing is present in a spiritual context. The Apostle Paul speaks of believers being "sealed with the promised Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 1:13), indicating a mark of divine ownership and authenticity. This spiritual sealing echoes the function of a seal-ring in confirming identity and authority.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

In the ancient world, seal-rings were not merely functional but also carried deep symbolic meaning. They were often intricately designed and personalized, reflecting the status and identity of the owner. The act of sealing a document or decree was a powerful gesture, signifying that the contents were official and binding.

The seal-ring's role as a symbol of authority is further illustrated in the prophetic literature. In Haggai 2:23 , the Lord declares to Zerubbabel, "I will make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you." This metaphor emphasizes God's choice and the conferral of authority and favor upon Zerubbabel.

Conclusion

The seal-ring in biblical times was a multifaceted symbol, representing authority, identity, and authenticity. Its use in both personal and official capacities highlights its importance in the social and legal structures of the ancient Near East. Through its various mentions in Scripture, the seal-ring serves as a powerful reminder of the weight of authority and the significance of one's word and identity.

Esther, the Queen.
... Then Haman had letters written and sealed with the king's seal ring, saying to the
rulers of every province in the kingdom that all Jews, both young and old ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxiv esther the queen.htm

It was Near the Middle Hour of the Night. ...
... They were now in a gloomy passage between walls of marble. Antipater halted,
presently, and tapped with his seal ring on a metal door. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 8 it was near.htm

Practical Observations.
... offensive kinds of vermin, to write two letters of the alphabet, to use a wooden
leg or a crutch, to carry a purse, or for a woman to carry a seal-ring or a ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/practical observations 10.htm

Daniel in the Lions' Den
... whom you always serve, will save you." Then a stone was brought and laid at the
entrance to the den; and the king sealed it with his own seal-ring and with ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/daniel in the lions den.htm

Of the Piety of the Emperor Arcadius and the Ordination of John ...
... been the comrade of the great Meletius, and had received the impress of his life
and conversation more plainly than wax takes the impression of a seal ring. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xxvii of the piety of.htm

Letter cxxvii. To Principia.
... Of gold she would not wear so much as a seal-ring, choosing to store her money in
the stomachs of the poor rather than to keep it at her own disposal. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxvii to principia.htm

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... signet. The reference is to a seal-ring, and the promise is that God will
preserve Zerubbabel from all the assaults of the wicked. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

Seal-ring (3 Occurrences)
Seal-ring. Sealing, Seal-ring. Seals . Multi-Version Concordance
Seal-ring (3 Occurrences). Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh ...
/s/seal-ring.htm - 7k

Seals (10 Occurrences)

/s/seals.htm - 9k

Necklace (9 Occurrences)
... 35:22 And they come in -- the men with the women -- every willing-hearted one --
they have brought in nose-ring, and ear-ring, and seal-ring, and necklace, all ...
/n/necklace.htm - 10k

Turneth (249 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh turneth aside his seal-ring from off his hand, and putteth
it on the hand of Joseph, and clotheth him 'with' garments of fine linen ...
/t/turneth.htm - 38k

Placeth (28 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh turneth aside his seal-ring from off his hand, and putteth
it on the hand of Joseph, and clotheth him 'with' garments of fine linen ...
/p/placeth.htm - 14k

Beads (3 Occurrences)
... Numbers 31:50 and we bring near Jehovah's offering, each that which he hath found,
vessels of gold -- chain, and bracelet, seal-ring, 'ear'-ring, and bead ...
/b/beads.htm - 7k

Bead (2 Occurrences)
... Numbers 31:50 and we bring near Jehovah's offering, each that which he hath found,
vessels of gold -- chain, and bracelet, seal-ring, 'ear'-ring, and bead ...
/b/bead.htm - 8k

Clotheth (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh turneth aside his seal-ring from off his hand, and putteth
it on the hand of Joseph, and clotheth him 'with' garments of fine linen ...
/c/clotheth.htm - 8k

Sealing (5 Occurrences)

/s/sealing.htm - 7k

Ring (33 Occurrences)
... signet," mentioned in Genesis 38:18, 25 Exodus 28:11, 21, 36 Exodus 39:6, 14, 30
Jeremiah 22:24 Haggai 2:23, etc., was probably usually a sealring, but in ...
/r/ring.htm - 24k

What does it mean that Zerubbabel was the LORD's signet ring (Haggai 2:23)? | GotQuestions.org

Should married Christians wear wedding rings? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Zerubbabel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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