Archaeologists find seal of temple official in Jerusalem

A rare and well-preserved seal

Archaeologists from the Temple Mount Sifting Project (TMSP) found in the soil from the surroundings of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem a clay seal (“bulla”) dated to the late period of the First Temple (late 7th century BCE to early 6th century BCE).

The inscription deciphered by researchers indicates: “L’Yed[a’]yah ben Asayahu” — “Belonging to Yeda’yah, son of Asayahu.”

The object still shows signs of use: it appears to have been used to seal a container or bag, and even retains impressions of string or threads on the back.
This discovery is significant because it associates a material artifact with names that appear in the biblical context, especially during the reign of Josiah, king of Judah.

Jerusalem and governance during Josiah

To understand the significance of the seal, it is useful to review the historical panorama:

• During the reign of Josiah (approximately 640-609 BCE), the kingdom of Judah promoted important religious reforms, emphasizing the centralization of worship at the temple in Jerusalem and eliminating idolatrous practices.

• During these reforms, a “book of the law” was discovered in the temple, which motivated a profound religious redirection.

• The administration of the temple and the capital had high-ranking officials — people who could use seals to authenticate documents, storage containers, or correspondence.
  Thus, finding a seal with a name that may belong to a court or temple official from that period generates considerable interest among archaeologists and historians.

What the seal reveals about Judah's administration and society

3.1 Function of a seal (bulla)

In antiquity, seals were used to authenticate letters, containers, warehouses, or closures of documents — showing authority, ownership, or administrative control.

3.2 Inscription in ancient Hebrew

The paleo-Hebrew inscription “L’Yed[a’]yah ben Asayahu” suggests a personal connection: “For Yeda’yah, son of Asayahu.” The reading of the back indicates that the seal was linked to a container or good, possibly under the custody of an official.

3.3 Social implications

• The occurrence of this type of artifact shows that even in the final period of the First Temple there were levels of bureaucracy and sophisticated administration in Jerusalem.

• The identification of names that may appear in the Bible strengthens the connection between the archaeological record and the textual record.

• The preservation of this seal indicates that it was largely functional, and now offers a “material footprint” of someone who lived over 2,600 years ago.

Dating, excavation site, and interpretative challenges

4.1 Dating

Based on the style of writing, the material, and the context of the excavation, the seal was dated approximately between the late 7th century BCE and early 6th century BCE.

4.2 Discovery site

The find was made in the Temple Mount Sifting Project, which analyzes soil removed from the Temple Mount area in Jerusalem, a zone of enormous sensitivity and archaeological complexity.

4.3 Interpretation challenges

• It cannot be stated with absolute certainty that the “Asayahu” mentioned on the seal is the same official “Asayahu” from the biblical texts. The names may repeat.

• The exact context of use of the seal (temple vs civil administration) is not fully determined.

• The soil and materials from the Temple Mount area have been moved, sifted, and mixed at various times, complicating the precise stratigraphic location.

Why this discovery matters for biblical archaeology

5.1 Connection between artifact and biblical names

This seal is one of the rare occasions where a material artifact identifies itself with names mentioned in the biblical record — which strengthens the historicity of certain events or administrations.

5.2 Reflection of First Temple administration

It shows that the administration of Judah had seals, identified personnel, containers, and control of goods — confirming biblical descriptions of governmental functioning in Jerusalem.

5.3 Context of crisis periods

The end of the First Temple period was marked by religious reforms, Assyrian invasions, and later, the Babylonian siege. Artifacts of this type help to understand how society functioned during times of transformation.

5.4 Impact on tourism, museology, and faith

For the public following biblical archaeology or religious tourism, this type of discovery reinforces the physical connection with the biblical past, transforming museums, exhibitions, and content of portals — like yours.

The discovery of the clay seal with the inscription “For Yeda’yah, son of Asayahu” in Jerusalem is a significant find. Although it does not definitively prove all biblical narratives, it represents a strong bridge between material record and textual record. It reveals that, during the First Temple period, Jerusalem had a sophisticated administration, personnel identified by Hebrew names, and operations that required sealing and authentication of goods.
For scholars of the Bible, archaeology, and ancient history, the artifact reinforces the basis of physical evidence. For readers interested in faith and history, it offers a concrete link to the world of biblical characters.