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Rare Biblical 'Balm Of Gilead' Engraving Found On 2,000-Year-Old Seal In Jerusalem

JNS News Staff : Oct 22, 2021
Israel365News.com

"This is an important find, because it may be the first time that a seal has been discovered in the entire world with an engraving of the precious and famous plant, which until now we could only read about in historical descriptions." - Archaeologist Eli Shukron, who conducted the excavation on behalf of the IAA and the City of David.

[Israel365News.com] A 2,000-year old amethyst seal, bearing an engraving that depicts the Balm of Gilead or Biblical persimmon plant, found in Jerusalem, Oct, 2021. (Photo Credit: Eliyahu Yanai/City of David via Israel365news)

The Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Thursday the discovery in eastern Jerusalem of an ancient amethyst seal bearing the first known depiction of the plant known as "Balm of Gilead."

The engraving on the 2,000-year-old seal apparently portrays the Biblical persimmon plant—not related to the familiar fruit of the same name—used during the Second Temple period as one of the more expensive ingredients for producing incense, perfume, medicines and ointments, according to the IAA.

The plant went by many names, including Biblical persimmon, bosem or balsam and Balm of Gilead.

The seal was found during excavations in the Emek Tzurim National Park, along the foundation stones of the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City...

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