There were two copies of the deed of purchase. One was sealed and contained the order of transfer and the conditions of purchase. ¹  The other was left unsealed.

The fifth time that Sanballat sent his assistant to me in this way, he had an open letter in his hand.

‘The Lord God of Israel who rules over all ¹  says, “Take these documents, both the sealed copy of the deed of purchase and the unsealed copy. Put them in a clay jar so that they may be preserved for a long time to come.”’ ² 

O Lord, give me the words! ¹  Then my mouth will praise you. ²