Archaeologists have unearthed a remarkable clay seal impression bearing Hebrew inscriptions that may connect to a biblical figure from King Josiah's court. The artifact, discovered through the Temple Mount Sifting Project, carries the name "Yeda'yah (son of) Asayahu" and dates to the late First Temple period. This rare find offers a potential tangible link between archaeological evidence and biblical narratives from one of ancient Israel's most pivotal eras.
The seal impression, known as a bulla, represents only the second nearly complete inscribed seal recovered by the project in over two decades of meticulous work. Experts believe the artifact's paleographic style and archaeological context place it firmly within the late seventh to early sixth century BCE, coinciding with the reign of King Josiah and the tumultuous period preceding the Babylonian exile.
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Archaeologist Mordechai Ehrlich holding the artifact. (Temple Mount Sifting Project)
Temple Mount Discovery Reveals Administrative Secrets
Archaeologist Mordechai Ehrlich made the discovery while examining material previously excavated from the Temple Mount area. The Temple Mount Sifting Project has been systematically processing soil and debris that was removed from this sacred site, yielding numerous artifacts that provide insights into ancient Jerusalem's history. The clay seal bears cord marks on its reverse side, indicating it was used to secure a bag or container, consistent with administrative practices of the period explains an Biblical Archaeology Society article.
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Researchers carefully sift through ancient debris at the Temple Mount Sifting Project. (Simon Anaf/ CC BY-SA 4.0)
The seal's inscription, analyzed by Dr. Anat Mendel-Geberovich and Zachi Dvira, reads "Belonging to Yed[a']yah (son of) Asayahu" in ancient Hebrew script. Remarkably, the bulla preserves a partial fingerprint of the ancient handler, creating an intimate connection across millennia.
Biblical Connections and Historical Significance
While the seal names Yeda'yah as its owner, the father's name Asayahu appears in biblical accounts associated with King Josiah of Judah. The biblical Asayahu served as one of the king's trusted officials, described as "the king's servant" in both 2 Kings 22:12 and 2 Chronicles 34:20. During Josiah's significant religious reforms, this Asayahu was among a select group sent to consult the prophetess Huldah regarding the discovery of the Book of the Law.
Similar ancient Hebrew seal impressions from Jerusalem's First Temple period. (Clara Amit/Israel Antiquities Authority)
The archaeological context strongly suggests the seal's owner held significant administrative responsibilities. Its discovery in Temple Mount material indicates Yeda'yah likely served in a high-ranking capacity within Jerusalem's religious or governmental hierarchy. Given the prominent position of his possible biblical father, Yeda'yah may have inherited or achieved similar administrative authority during this crucial period of Judean history.
Archaeological Impact and Future Research
Zachi Dvira, co-director of the Temple Mount Sifting Project, emphasized the significance while acknowledging limitations:
"Obviously, we are not sure that the Asayahu mentioned on the sealing is the same that appears in the Bible. However, several such artifacts found in the area of the Temple Mount carry biblical names, and it does make sense, because these were not objects used by common people."
The project continues to yield remarkable discoveries that illuminate biblical-era Jerusalem.
Project researchers plan to submit detailed analysis to peer-reviewed journals and continue advanced imaging techniques to document the inscription and preserved fingerprint. The discovery joins other significant seal impressions found in Jerusalem that bear names appearing in biblical texts, including previous finds mentioning Temple treasury officials and other administrative figures from the First Temple period.
The ongoing Temple Mount Sifting Project represents one of archaeology's most systematic efforts to recover artifacts from this historically significant site. Each discovery provides valuable insights into the administrative, religious, and social structures of ancient Jerusalem during pivotal moments in biblical history.
Top image: The clay seal impression bearing the name "Yeda'yah (son of) Asayahu" discovered in Temple Mount material. Source: Temple Mount Sifting Project
By Gary Manners
References
Burman, T. 2025. Archaeologists Discover Ancient Seal That May Back Bible Story. Available at: https://www.newsweek.com/bible-archaeology-ancient-seal-2112149
Steinmeyer, N. 2025. Ancient Seal Impression May Connect to Biblical Figure. Available at: https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-israel/ancient-seal-impression-may-connect-to-biblical-figure/
Temple Mount Sifting Project. 2025. Rare First Temple-era seal impression found in Jerusalem. Available at: https://www.jns.org/rare-first-temple-era-seal-impression-found-in-jerusalem/
