735. Sealing the Sepulcher

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 9
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Matthew 27:6666So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch. (Matthew 27:66). So they went, and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
It is thought by some that this refers to the custom of fastening the stone at the entrance of the tomb with cement, a custom which has been noticed by modern travelers. The context, however, shows that this was an official sealing, which was intended to be so arranged that the seal could not be broken without detection. Thus the lion’s den was sealed into which Daniel was put. See Daniel 6:1717And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. (Daniel 6:17). A cord stretched across the stone, with a lump of stamped clay fastening it at each end, would prevent any entrance without detection. Clay was often impressed with the stamp of seals for various purposes. See note on Job 38:1414It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment. (Job 38:14) (#420).