Posted on 03/07/2016 8:09:02 PM PST by Lera
Archaeologists discover First Temple-era seals, one with a woman's name. Rare find that sheds significant light on owner's life. Archaeologists have found two ancient seals with Hebrew names, dating back to the time of the First Temple, in Jerusalem's City of David. The objects belonged to a woman and a man, Elihana bat Gael and Sa'aryahu ben Shabenyahu.
"Finding seals that bear names from the time of the First Temple is hardly a commonplace occurrence, and finding a seal that belonged to a woman is an even rarer phenomenon," said a researcher with the project.
The artifacts were discovered in a prominent building that is believed to have served as an administrative center.
The Israel Antiquities Authority, along with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and the City of David Foundation, have been digging at the former Givati parking lot for the past nine years.
Dr. Doron Ben-Ami, Yana Tchekhanovets and Salome Cohen, the archaeologists in charge of the site, explain that "Personal seals, such as those of Elihana and Sa'aryahu, were used for signing documents, and were frequently inlaid as part of a ring that was worn by the owner. In antiquity they designated the identity, genealogy and status of the owner of the seal."
(Excerpt) Read more at israelnationalnews.com ...
Just lovely.
Were those pressed into wax?
Very cool. Thanks Lera.
*ping*
Nice post!
Really interesting to see. Great Photo.
Throw them into the Marina’s trench.
Wow!
Mostly into clay I think
Thanks, I wondered about soft clay myself.
Elihana bat Gael spoke Gaelic and had red hair...
If you'd like to be on or off, please FR mail me.
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I LOVE when this happens! :-)
David probably had red hair. He was called “ruddy” after all.
To find a female name on a seal from this era is rare, due to the inferior economic status of women.
[[To find a female name on a seal from this era is rare, due to the inferior economic status of women.]]
Listen to what Solomon’s mother taught him and you will see that it was not unheard of that time for women to be merchants.
(Proverbs 31:1) The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
(Proverbs 31:2) What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
(Proverbs 31:3) Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
(Proverbs 31:4) It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
(Proverbs 31:5) Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
(Proverbs 31:6) Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
(Proverbs 31:7) Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
(Proverbs 31:8) Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
(Proverbs 31:9) Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
(Proverbs 31:10) Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
(Proverbs 31:11) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
(Proverbs 31:12) She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
(Proverbs 31:13) She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
(Proverbs 31:14) She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
(Proverbs 31:15) She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
(Proverbs 31:16) She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
(Proverbs 31:17) She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
(Proverbs 31:18) She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
(Proverbs 31:19) She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
(Proverbs 31:20) She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
(Proverbs 31:21) She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
(Proverbs 31:22) She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
(Proverbs 31:23) Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
(Proverbs 31:24) She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
(Proverbs 31:25) Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
(Proverbs 31:26) She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
(Proverbs 31:27) She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
(Proverbs 31:28) Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
(Proverbs 31:29) Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
(Proverbs 31:30) Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
(Proverbs 31:31) Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
[[I LOVE when this happens! :-)]]
Me too ! More proof of just who the land belongs to.
Amen.
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