Biblical archaeology does not seek to prove or disprove the content of the Bible, but to describe the historical framework in which the biblical books were formed.

The seal impressions found in Jerusalem, “add much information” about the time when the Jews returned from Babylonian exile.

The working party in charge of studying the implication of the seal in the context of protecting children from abuse did not reach a consensus. The Church of England has been criticised because of this decision.

The 2,600-year-old seal bears the inscription “(belonging) to Nathan-Melech”, a name that appears in II Kings 23:11.

The ring is engraved with a wine vessel surrounded by Greek letters spelling out “Pilatus”. Those rings were used to stamp official documents.

The stamp will show the cover of the “Bear Bible”. The petition was first launched in early 2016 and denied, despite the support of many evangelical and secular organisations.

A stamp to commemorate Cardinal Cisneros will be issued. Evangelicals had proposed a stamp on the first Spanish Bible translation, but it was denied. 

More than 100 evangelical entities had supported the petition.

The seal must have belonged to a senior Egyptian official, who “filled a similar position to that held by Joseph in Egypt”, archaeologist says.