Ancient Clay Seals Give Evidence of the Biblical Prophet Isaiah
by Owen Borville
November 23, 2018
Bible, Archaeology, History
Archaeologists have found artifacts that could be linked to the Biblical prophet Isaiah, who is described in the Old Testament Book of Isaiah. An ancient clay seal, or bulla, has been found from debris believed to date back 2,700 years during the time of the prophet's existence, or the 8th century B.C. The seal contains the name of the prophet in Hebrew letters and researchers believe that the seal could have belonged to the prophet. The discovery was led by Israeli archaeologist Eliat Mazar of Hebrew University and was announced in February of 2018. The seal was found near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem on the Ophel, which is an area just south of the temple. The seal, which is partially broken, clearly includes the name Isaiah but the adjacent word inscribed below is partially damaged, leading researchers to guess the second word on the seal. A few letters are missing on the seal, including one letter on the word below "Isaiah" which would confirm the word "prophet." If the seal is confirmed, it would be the first evidence of the existence of the prophet outside of the Biblical scriptures.
Interestingly, the seal containing the name of the prophet was found very near the location (about 10 feet) of another seal found in 2015 containing the name of King Hezekiah of Judah, of which the prophet was an adviser. Researchers believe that the seal and its inscription, along with its discovery near the King Hezekiah seal gives strong evidence that this seal is indeed of the Biblical prophet, who had a close relationship with the king. The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in Qumran in 1947 containing the full Book of Isaiah, including all 66 chapters and is considered the best preserved and most complete version of this particular Biblical text. This version of the scripture is believed to date to 125 B.C., which is one thousand years older than the previously known oldest versions of the scripture. However, the clay seal would be the first evidence of the prophet's existence outside the scriptures.
The existence of the prophet Isaiah is also important to confirm the scripture of the New Testament, as the Book of Isaiah is quoted many times by New Testament writers. In addition, the prophet Isaiah and the Book of Isaiah gives references to the future Messiah, who Christians recognize as Jesus Christ, including Isaiah 9:6-7:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
by Owen Borville
November 23, 2018
Bible, Archaeology, History
Archaeologists have found artifacts that could be linked to the Biblical prophet Isaiah, who is described in the Old Testament Book of Isaiah. An ancient clay seal, or bulla, has been found from debris believed to date back 2,700 years during the time of the prophet's existence, or the 8th century B.C. The seal contains the name of the prophet in Hebrew letters and researchers believe that the seal could have belonged to the prophet. The discovery was led by Israeli archaeologist Eliat Mazar of Hebrew University and was announced in February of 2018. The seal was found near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem on the Ophel, which is an area just south of the temple. The seal, which is partially broken, clearly includes the name Isaiah but the adjacent word inscribed below is partially damaged, leading researchers to guess the second word on the seal. A few letters are missing on the seal, including one letter on the word below "Isaiah" which would confirm the word "prophet." If the seal is confirmed, it would be the first evidence of the existence of the prophet outside of the Biblical scriptures.
Interestingly, the seal containing the name of the prophet was found very near the location (about 10 feet) of another seal found in 2015 containing the name of King Hezekiah of Judah, of which the prophet was an adviser. Researchers believe that the seal and its inscription, along with its discovery near the King Hezekiah seal gives strong evidence that this seal is indeed of the Biblical prophet, who had a close relationship with the king. The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in Qumran in 1947 containing the full Book of Isaiah, including all 66 chapters and is considered the best preserved and most complete version of this particular Biblical text. This version of the scripture is believed to date to 125 B.C., which is one thousand years older than the previously known oldest versions of the scripture. However, the clay seal would be the first evidence of the prophet's existence outside the scriptures.
The existence of the prophet Isaiah is also important to confirm the scripture of the New Testament, as the Book of Isaiah is quoted many times by New Testament writers. In addition, the prophet Isaiah and the Book of Isaiah gives references to the future Messiah, who Christians recognize as Jesus Christ, including Isaiah 9:6-7:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
