Unprecedented
King Hezekiah royal seal discovered in Ophel excavations brings to life
Biblical narratives of Jerusalem’s First Temple period. Dating back to 727–698 BCE, and measuring 9.7
by 8.6 mm., the oval impression – discovered amid Jerusalem’s noted Ophel
excavations under the direction of HU’s Dr. Eilat Mazar. Around the impression
is the depression left by the frame of the ring in which the seal was
set. The impression bears an inscription in ancient Hebrew script
stating: “Belonging to Hezekiah [son of] Ahaz king of Judah,” accompanied by a
two-winged sun with wings turned downward, flanked by two ankh symbols
symbolizing life. See pictures and read complete article at -- http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Culture/First-ever-seal-impression-of-an-Israelite-or-Judean-king-exposed-near-Temple-Mount-436061
The witnesses, laying their coats at the feet of Saul, were the men that would cast the first stones at Stephen in Acts 7. Why did they all lay their coats at Saul’s feet? The Talmud contains a very interesting account of the act of stoning that may provide the answer. “When the trial was over, they take him [the condemned person] out to be stoned. The place of stoning was at a distance from the court, as it is said, ‘Take out the one who has cursed.’ [i] A man stands at the entrance of the court; in his hand is a signaling flag [Hebrew sudarin = sudar , ‘scarf, sweater’]. A horseman was stationed far away but within sight of him. If one [of the judges] says, ‘I have something [more] to say in his favor,’ he [the signaler] waves the sudarin , and the horseman runs and stops them [from stoning him]. Even if [the condemned person] himself says, ‘I have something to say in my favor,’ they bring him back, even four of five times, only provided that there is some substance to...
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