The King’s Seal

Today's enrichment idea coordinates well with Lesson 4 of The Great Promises of the Bible.


In Bible times a seal was used as a mark of ownership, similar to the way we sign a document or letter today to show who wrote it. Seals were also used to show approval or protection for others. Scrolls were often tied up, and a small lump of soft clay was applied to the knot. Then the seal was pressed into the clay before it hardened. Some seals were cylindrical (sort of like a small rolling pin with designs engraved on it) and were then rolled over clay or ink to make the king’s official symbol. Other seals were on a ring and worn on a finger or strung around the neck, and then used to stamp the King’s symbol or signature. (Genesis 38:18; Exodus 28:11, 21, 36; Nehemiah 9:38; Esther 8:8; Job 38:14; Jeremiah 22:24.)

The Bible tells us that when we believe and follow Jesus, we have also been marked with a seal! Listen to this: “You were included with Christ when you heard the Good News about how to be saved. And because you believed, you were marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit! When we trust in Jesus as our Savior and follow him, we are guaranteed to receive all that God has promised and we will live with him forever. This is just one more reason why we should praise our God!” (Adapted from Ephesians 1:13-14)

Enrichment idea

Use a dove* stamp to make “tattoos” on children’s arms. The word, sealed, in the original Greek text, refers to sealing with a signet ring, a stamp, or a tattoo to indicate an authorized legal transaction or for ownership of a slave. Remind children that the mark of the Holy Spirit is an invisible “tattoo” of sorts that God sees. Now they can remember this truth when they look at their dove tattoo stamp. 

You might also allow children to use the dove stamp to decorate a border around today's Bible verse from Ephesians 1:13-14.

*The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Click here to buy a dove stamp.

Copyright 2023 S.A. Keith - SundaySchoolNetwork.com

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