Ancient Hebrew Seal Found in Jerusalem

The Israel Antiquities Authority are reporting the discovery of an ancient seal from the first temple period. The   seal is inscribed on a semi-precious stone and has the name "Matanyahu" in Hebrew. Not much else is known at this point. Here is a portion of the article.

Photo from Israel Antiquities Authority

According to Eli Shukron, excavation director on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, "the name Matanyahu, like the name Netanyahu, means giving to God. These names are mentioned several times in the Bible. They are typical of the names in the Kingdom of Judah in latter part of the First Temple period - from the end of the eighth century BCE until the destruction of the Temple in 586 BCE. To find a seal from the First Temple period at the foot of the Temple Mount walls is rare and very exciting. This is a tangible greeting of sorts from a man named Matanyahu who lived here more than 2,700 years ago. We also found pottery sherds characteristic of the period on the floor in the ancient building beneath the base of the drainage channel, as well as stone  collapse and evidence of a fire." 

Read the rest here.