Bible Dictionaries
Seal

Holman Bible Dictionary

A signet containing a distinctive mark which stood for the individual who owned it. The earliest seals found so far date to before 3000 B.C. Seals varied in shapes and sizes. Some were round and were worn around the neck. Others were rings worn on the finger. The mark was made by stamping the seal into soft clay. Many cylinder seals have been found which contain scenes that communicate a message. These were rolled in the clay to form the impression. Tamar asked for Judah's signet as collateral on a pledge he made (Genesis 38:18 ). Joseph was given pharaoh's ring when he was placed in command of the country (Genesis 41:42 ), symbolizing Joseph's right to act with the ruler's authority. Jezebel used Ahab's seal to sign letters asking that Naboth be tried and stoned to death (1 Kings 21:8 ).