نماذج مختارة من نقوش الاختام العبرية دراسة سامية مقارنة

Abstract

Considering the paucity (now fortunately only relative) of longer inscriptions in the old Hebrew writing, a surprisingly large number of small inscribed objects from Palestine has come into our hands. Because of their size their epigraphic value is naturally limited, but in several other ways, they provide useful information about the life and customs of the ancient Hebrews. Over 150 Old Hebrew seals are known, most of which dating from the 8 to early 6 centuries (B. c.) A few are probably earlier, and some may be post-Exilic. Seals were generally manufactured from semi-precious hard stones, but cheaper and softer materials like limestone were sometimes employed. The most frequent shape is Scaraboid types also were occasionally embedded though proper scarab and germ, button and found. To facilitate carrying, they longitudinally to take a string in a ring, but more often for carrying round the neck. These Egyptian inspired costumes reflect, perhaps, a growing theological fastidiousness in the southern kingdom around the time of Josiah, though one may doubt whether they were ever taken seriously beyond art forms even in the north. More natural animal’s lion, cock, locust, etc. appear on a number of seals, denoting a family emblem, or otherwise symbolizing the attainments or activity of the owner. There are many allusions to the use of seals in the Bible.