The Hebrew chowtham refers to a seal or signet ring β the personal stamp of authority in the ancient world. Kings used seals to authenticate decrees (Esther 8:8), nobles used them to mark ownership, and God himself uses the image of the seal to describe covenantal intimacy. In Song of Solomon 8:6, the beloved cries: 'Set me as a seal upon your heart' β the most tender use of this word.
The chowtham was the mark of identity and authority. To carry someone's seal was to carry their delegated power. When God says to Zerubbabel, 'I will make you like my signet ring (chowtham), for I have chosen you' (Haggai 2:23), he is reversing the curse on Jeconiah (Jeremiah 22:24) and restoring the line through which Messiah would come. The seal marks what belongs to the king. In the New Testament, believers are 'sealed' with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) β marked as belonging to God.