The Signet Ring
Sigillography is the study of seals used to impress a figure into clay or wax or embossing paper with the purpose of authenticating a document. Devices with molds for making a mirror image on a document have been mounted on rings and used by kings since ancient times. In ancient Mesopotamia clay cylinders were used for marking documents or items by rolling them across a piece of wet clay, thereby embossing the product. But one of the more common seals was made by rings. Usually the embossing piece on the ring was carved from gemstones. Metal was also used but it created a weaker material.
A signet ring was worn to show a person’s authority and power and has been an important part of the regalia of many monarchies. Their mark was binding and indicated the rights of the official. Today we do not use signet rings to indicate our signature, but people still wear them to demonstrate their family lineage or connection with an organization, such as a class ring.
The signet made a deep impression in clay or wax forming an official seal. The imprinted seal carried the full authority of the office it represented. You did not dare question it. The royal official’s design was well known. The symbol was not doubted and could be recognized by citizens as authentic. There would be the pain of death to those who violated seals.
King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther authority to protect the Jews. He even went so far as to say, “You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for whatever is written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s signet ring no one can revoke” (Esther 8:8).
What a beautiful illustration of God’s seal on our lives. When we are “stamped” with God’s seal, we are safe and secure, protected under the authority of the mightiest power in the universe. When you give yourself to God, the impression of Christ is made upon your life.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30
The Signet Ring
Sigillography is the study of seals used to impress a figure into clay or wax or embossing paper with the purpose of authenticating a document. Devices with molds for making a mirror image on a document have been mounted on rings and used by kings since ancient times. In ancient Mesopotamia clay cylinders were used for marking documents or items by rolling them across a piece of wet clay, thereby embossing the product. But one of the more common seals was made by rings. Usually the embossing piece on the ring was carved from gemstones. Metal was also used but it created a weaker material.
A signet ring was worn to show a person’s authority and power and has been an important part of the regalia of many monarchies. Their mark was binding and indicated the rights of the official. Today we do not use signet rings to indicate our signature, but people still wear them to demonstrate their family lineage or connection with an organization, such as a class ring.
The signet made a deep impression in clay or wax forming an official seal. The imprinted seal carried the full authority of the office it represented. You did not dare question it. The royal official’s design was well known. The symbol was not doubted and could be recognized by citizens as authentic. There would be the pain of death to those who violated seals.
King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther authority to protect the Jews. He even went so far as to say, “You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for whatever is written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s signet ring no one can revoke” (Esther 8:8).
What a beautiful illustration of God’s seal on our lives. When we are “stamped” with God’s seal, we are safe and secure, protected under the authority of the mightiest power in the universe. When you give yourself to God, the impression of Christ is made upon your life.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30
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