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Bible Encyclopedias
Clay
Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
or Clay, a substance frequently mentioned in Scripture, chiefly with reference to its employment by the potter, the elegant and useful forms assumed by the rude material under his hands supplying a significant emblem of the Divine power over the destinies of man (; ). A remarkable allusion to the use of clay in sealing occurs in . 'He turneth it as clay to the seal.' This may be explained by reference to the ancient practice or impressing unburned bricks with certain marks and inscriptions which were obviously made by means of a large seal or stamp. We trace this in the bricks of Egypt and Babylon [BRICKS]. Modern Oriental usages supply another illustration. Travelers, when entering the khans in towns, often observe the rooms in which goods have been left in charge of the khanjee sealed on the outside with clay. A piece of clay is placed over the lock, and impressed by a large wooden stamp or seal.
Public Domain.
Kitto, John, ed. Entry for 'Clay'. "Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature". https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/kbe/c/clay.html.
