| Hotam (Hb) – Signet Ring (Eng) – hotam is the Hebrew word that means "affix a seal" and "seal shut." Hotam is translated into English as "seal" or "signet ring." A seal was a small cylinder stone with an engraving that served as a personal impression. A signet ring was a ring with an engraving in the stone of the ring. To make a mark in clay (or, wax) the seal would be rolled over the clay and the signet ring would be pressed into the clay. |
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Although nothing has been confirmed as having come from Solomon’s Temple, the biblical and historical description of Solomon’s temple parallel the temple of ‘Ain Dara found in northern Syria. The ‘Ain Dara Temple matches Solomon’s Temple in age, size, plan and decoration. Archaeologist John Monson identifies 30 architectural elements that match the Jerusalem Temple including:
- Large artificial platforms built on the highest point of the city
- Tripartite plans : entry porch supported by two columns, a main sanctuary, an elevated Holy of Holies
- Flanked on three of the four sides with multistoried rooms and chambers for meetings, storage and various other functions.
- Every surface interior and exterior carved with lions, cherubim, floral patterns, geometric patterns
- The ‘Ain Dara temple was built around 1300 BC and continued in use unto 740. Solomon’s Temple was built around 960 and continued in use until 586 BC.
Bottom line: The existence of the ‘Ain Dara temple as it is seen today proves that the Biblical description of Solomon’s Temple is not fantasy, impossible or a literary invention by a later generation.
(Details here, here and here.
Photos here, here and here.) |
Am I diligent in making plans? Do I prepare for the future?
Do I take advantage of the time I have been given?
I will be diligent in organizing my time and productive in my actions. |
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"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest."
- Proverbs 6:6-8 |
