A monumental synagogue structure dating to the Late Roman and Byzantine periods (c. 4th-6th centuries CE) has been discovered during archaeological excavations at Huqoq in Israel’s Galilee. Huqoq is an ancient Jewish village located approximately two to three miles west of Capernaum and the second season of excavations has revealed portions of a stunning mosaic floor decorating the interior of the synagogue building.
The mosaic is of the highest quality and includes a scene depicting Samson placing torches between the tails of foxes (Judges 15).His story, recounted in the Bible’s Book of Judges, mentions Delilah, a Philistine woman who worked to undermine Samson. She cut his hair after she persuaded Samson to reveal that his long hair was the secret to this strength.
Jodi Magness, a professor of early Judaism in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said that the image is a reference to Samson exacting revenge on the Philistines by sending out flame-laden foxes to burn their crops. She said the only other images of Samson in synagogues are at one nearby place in Galilee known as Wadi Hamam, where Samson is seen “smiting” the Philistines with the jawbone of an ass. Another is in what is now modern Turkey, depicting scenes from Samson’s life.
EVERY TIME THEY STICK A SHOVEL IN THE HOLY LAND THEY FIND MORE PROOF THE BIBLE IS TRUE.
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