Three Hebrew Seals and the Status of Exiled Jehoiakin

Abstract

House."3 Professor Albright has analyzed the Eliakim seal impressions, and he has come to the conclusion that Eliakim was a steward charged with the administration of the property of Jehoiakin (=Jokin) during the reign of Zedekiah. He concluded that, although Zedekiah had been designated as king de jure by Nebuchadrezzar, the majority of people regarded him as regent for his nephew Jehoiakin.4 The Jaazaniah and Gedaliah seals may be taken as further evidence that Jehoiakin was regarded as king by the Hebrews during his exile. They may support even the conclusion that Gedaliah was considered as regent for Jehoiakin not only by the people of Judah but also by the Babylonians themselves. The Jaazaniah seal was doubtless deposited in the tomb at Mizpeh with its owner, who may have been killed in the Ishmael fracas.This implies the use of the seal during the governorship of Gedaliah, and at this time