Dictionary of Bible Themes A personalised design used to produce an imprint in clay or wax which was then attached, usually to documents and letters as a mark of ownership, authenticity and authority. A seal might also refer to what is given as a pledge or guarantee or be used to keep something secure. Exodus 28:11The nature and use of a seal Seals engraved on precious stone See also Exodus 28:21pp Ex 39:6 Exodus 28:36pp Ex 39:14 Job 38:14pp Ex 39:30 Seals used to imprint soft clay Songs 8:6Ways of carrying a personal seal Figuratively used Genesis 38:18Worn round the neck See also Genesis 38:25The seal took the form of an engraved cylinder pierced from end to end and worn on a cord round the neck. Jeremiah 22:24See also Worn as a signet ring Numbers 31:50Isaiah 3:21 Genesis 41:42 A seal as a mark of authority Esther 3:10; 8:2Given to signify delegation of authority Revelation 7:2John 6:27 1 Corinthians 9:2 God's seal validates his servants' ministry Esther 8:8-10See also A seal authenticates documents 1 Kings 21:8Esther 3:12 Daniel 6:17 A seal used to keep something secure See also Deuteronomy 32:34Job 14:17 Psalms 40:9 Songs 4:12 Matthew 27:65-66 Revelation 20:3 Nehemiah 9:38-10:1 Documents sealed to prevent alteration See also Binding agreements Jeremiah 32:10-11,14,44Daniel 12:4 See also The words of prophecy Isaiah 8:16-17; 29:10-11Daniel 8:26; 9:24; 12:9 Revelation 10:4; 22:10 Revelation 5:1-4,9 See also The scroll and its seals Revelation 5:5; 6:1-12; 8:1Deuteronomy 29:12 A seal as a pledge or guarantee Haggai 2:23Romans 4:11 Revelation 13:16-17; 14:9-11 A seal as a mark of belonging The mark of the beast 2 Timothy 2:19Revelation 7:3-8 God's seal of ownership See also Ezekiel 9:4Galatians 6:17 Revelation 9:4 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 The Spirit as a pledge of final redemption See also Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30The Holy Spirit both seals believers as belonging to God and guarantees their future inheritance. See also 1346 covenants, nature of2515 Christ, birth of 3130 Holy Spirit, Counsellor 3287 Holy Spirit, sealing of 4318 coal 5177 robes 5215 authority 5330 guard 5444 pledges 5651 ancestors 5942 security 7918 excommunication |
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