Digging Up the Bible: LMLK Seal

DIGGING UP THE BIBLE
Important Archeological Finds that help Us Understand Scripture
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2017
 

LMLK Seal
(c. 700 BC)

Lachish has been a rich source of archaeological discovery (see Lachish Latrine and Lachish Letters). Excavations on site by David Ussishkin in the 1970s unearthed over 400 clay pottery jar handles and shards with seals from the time of King Hezekiah.

 

 

Hundreds of similar jar impressions, albeit with different designs, appear elsewhere in Judah generating various theories about what they signify: military rations, government taxes, religious tithes, or simply private property. Indeed, each seal type may indicate something different. Those from Lachish, given their particular location, probably mark supplies for the garrison.

 

Given the placement of Lachish along a route from the coastal highway to Jerusalem, the setting is an ideal location for a military outpost to intercept an invading army marching toward the capital. Whether the threat was from the south (Egypt) or from the north (Assyria), Lachish was of strategic importance. The Hebrew letters that accompany the design on the seals at Lachish are lmlk which translates "for the king" and signifies property of the Judean administration. The purpose of such a seal was to discourage theft or improper use of the jar's contents by unauthorized personnel.

 

LMLK Jar from Hebron

People have used decorative seals, some more elaborate than others, for various reasons (e.g., security) throughout scripture. Often these seals were incorporated into jewelry, usually a ring:

There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. (Exod 28:21)

They made the plate, the sacred emblem, out of pure gold and engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal: holy to the Lord. (Exod 39:30)

Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed the dispatches with the king's signet ring. (Esth 8:10)

A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles. (Dan 6:17)

God's solid foundation [is] sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." (2 Tim 2:19)

Significance for Biblical Studies: The LMLK Seals mark the extent of King Hezekiah's authority throughout Judah. They also show one way individuals (including the king) designated their goods. God does not prohibit the accumulation of personal property, unless it jeopardizes one's devotion to Him:

You cannot serve both God and money. (Matt 6:24c)

Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith.... (I Tim 6:10b)

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