Bible Scenes Uncovered in Ruins of Ancient Synagogue - Bridges for Peace
. . . The latest piece of evidence comes in the form of spectacular mosaic floors depicting various Biblical scenes uncovered in the ruins of an ancient synagogue in the hills above the Sea of Galilee, The National Geographic reports.
The discovery was made last month as part of the Huqoq Excavation Project in the north of Israel. An ancient Jewish village, Huqoq is situated nearly 4 kilometers [2.5 miles] west of Capernaum and Magdala on the shores of the Jewish state's largest freshwater lake.
. . . The latest piece of evidence comes in the form of spectacular mosaic floors depicting various Biblical scenes uncovered in the ruins of an ancient synagogue in the hills above the Sea of Galilee, The National Geographic reports.
The discovery was made last month as part of the Huqoq Excavation Project in the north of Israel. An ancient Jewish village, Huqoq is situated nearly 4 kilometers [2.5 miles] west of Capernaum and Magdala on the shores of the Jewish state's largest freshwater lake.
Over the past few years, a consortium of universities under the
leadership of Dr. Jodi Magness of the University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, have been working the site, the project's official website
says.
While the archaeologists excavated a Roman-era synagogue in June, the team uncovered two new panels of mosaic floors. According to The National Geographic, the subjects depicted in the mosaics were easily identifiable scenes from the Old Testament: Noah's ark and the parting of the Red Sea following Israel's exodus from Egypt.
"You can see the pharaoh's soldiers with their chariots and horses drowning, and even being eaten by large fish," Magness told The National Geographic. Adding that such images are tremendously rare for this period.
She explained, "I know of only two other scenes of the parting of the Red Sea in ancient synagogues. One is in the wall paintings at Dura Europos [in Syria]. The other is at Wadi Hamam [in Israel], but that's very fragmentary and poorly preserved."
To these findings we can only say:
- Glorify the Lord that the earth has again revealed true testimony of early biblical times. Thank Him for these volunteers, who persevered, spending tedious hours working through soil.
- "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple." Psalm 19:7
"Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven."
Psalm 119:89
While the archaeologists excavated a Roman-era synagogue in June, the team uncovered two new panels of mosaic floors. According to The National Geographic, the subjects depicted in the mosaics were easily identifiable scenes from the Old Testament: Noah's ark and the parting of the Red Sea following Israel's exodus from Egypt.
"You can see the pharaoh's soldiers with their chariots and horses drowning, and even being eaten by large fish," Magness told The National Geographic. Adding that such images are tremendously rare for this period.
She explained, "I know of only two other scenes of the parting of the Red Sea in ancient synagogues. One is in the wall paintings at Dura Europos [in Syria]. The other is at Wadi Hamam [in Israel], but that's very fragmentary and poorly preserved."
To these findings we can only say:
- Glorify the Lord that the earth has again revealed true testimony of early biblical times. Thank Him for these volunteers, who persevered, spending tedious hours working through soil.
- "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple." Psalm 19:7
"Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven."
Psalm 119:89
No comments:
Post a Comment