This is one of the most famous seals from ancient Israel. It was used to imprint an official impression onto a piece of moist clay on a document. At the top it reads in Hebrew “[Belonging] to Shema.” At the bottom, below the striding and roaring lion, it reads “Servant of Jeroboam.” Second Kings 22:12 mentions the same title for a certain Asaiah, “Servant of the King,” who served Josiah. Evidently the Shema on this seal was an important official in the entourage of King Jeroboam II (793-753 B.C.E.) of Israel.